Looking for the best campgrounds near Van Buren, AR? Van Buren is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Van Buren, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"The coordinates are fairly accurate. The entryways are a little tight for vehicles, but I made it in my sprinter van so everything else should be just fine. Would’ve been a nearly perfect campsite."
"Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road.""GPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite."
"Easy access to the Redding Recreation Area for fishing/swimming, and the Spy Rock Trail. Any car should be fine on the gravel road, just go steady on the way up!"
"Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.
Bring it in take it out, it's that easy."
"We were in Bentonville, Arkansas and decided to take a gamble on this and it was about 40 minute drive when we got there."
"I repeat DO NOT think you can use the pit toilets here. Be self contained and you’ll be fine."
"No water/electric or toilet. Secluded and safe. The sheriff drove through several times in the two days I was there. There are picnic tables, fire pits and a boat ramp."
"Coordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range."
TravelerI just got back from staying here for a night. For one, it is a very narrow road but my minivan got through just fine. UNTIL I made it to a puddle of water (that I highly underestimated), got stuck in the mud immediately and had to call a tow company (by walking 15 minutes down the highway to get signal; no signal at all at the sites) to help pull me out for $400. The people at the tow company warned me that the forest service does NOT allow cars to drive on these roads anymore, and that is why they added guard rails. They told me that had I gotten caught with my car in there I would have had to pay a big fine. He said camping is fine as long as you park on the turnout by the highway and walk in. Saying all of that, there are still multiple really nice and spread out spots with nice huge firepits. I would have been fine with parking and walking in. Also, I was in pretty deep and could still hear the cars on the highway, but not many come by (at least not on a Tuesday night). The creek is nice. Also tons of fireflies which was cool.
LegendCoordinates: 35.02531, -93.88228. Located just off of Girard Road (Forest Road 20) - a maintained gravel/dirt forest road. This road is mostly a single track - narrow with some minor erosion in a few places. A lifted 4x4 vehicle is NOT needed to drive to the site. The dispersed site is located 1.3 miles south of the turnoff to Jack Creek Recreation Area. This site is set off from the forest road on a narrow undesignated dirt track which is easy to miss. It is a small site with enough room for one vehicle - truck camper size and smaller. The site is mostly level on a dirt surface with a rock fire ring. It is mostly shaded, although solar recharging may be possible during the afternoon with solar panels being placed on the access track in front of the site. Tent and hammock camping are possible. Received a strong T-Mobile 5G signal here. Except for some peace and quiet, there is nothing remarkable about this particular campsite. However, is is located in the Jack Creek area of the Arkansas Ouachitas. This area has a few nice swimming holes and hiking trails which one can drive to. OHV recreation is also possible in the area.
LegendCoordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site. Altough eroded in spots due to recent heavy rains, Morgan Mountain Road was in good condition - no obstacles. A 2wd passenger car can carefully make it over the eroded areas. Except for one small spot, the site is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot. Access into the site from the forest road is easy. There is a clean rock fire ring. Tenting camping is possible. Hammock camping may be possible using nearby trees. The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful. I received no T-Mobile service during my visit. I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite.
LegendCoordinates: 35.02281, -93.81060. Located 2.5 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and almost 1 mile past the turn off to the shooting range. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite is well off of Jack Creek Road, down an undesignated dirt track, offering a lot of privacy. Access is easy although the dirt track may be muddy during the wet season. This is a large wooded dispersed campsite that has a short path down to Jack Creek. Depending on the water level, fishing and wading are possible at the creek. The site has a level dirt surface which can accommodate 4 rigs - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping are possible. The site has a clean rock fire ring. There is a lot of shade during the summer. Solar charging is possible in an open field at the entrance of the site. This is a wonerful site to camp in. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away. I received no t-Mobile cell service.
LegendCoordinates: 35.02422, -93.81997. Located 2 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area, and 1/3rd mile past the turn off to the shooting range. It is a small pull though campsite with a small rock fire ring, close to Jack Creek Road (forest road); there is very little privacy from the forest road. Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. This campsite can receive dust from passing vehicles. The site can easily accommodate 2 vehicles, truck camper size and smaller, parked one behind the other. The site is shaded with a level dirt surface. Small tent & hammock camping is possible near rock fire ring which is located between the pull through driveway and the forest road. Easy access into the site. There is no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; no recreation, such as hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
GuideNo toilets/showers/dumpsters/ trash cans.
Various camp sites along a dirt road, that my AWD Equinox made it fine. Just go slow, as there are some ruts from previous rains.
There are various outfitters along the way to the dirt road. So you don’t have to go too far if you forgot something.
The camp I’m at has the land cleared fairly well of grasses and such.
The others further down the road are for one vehicle type camps with longer grass.
There are walking trails, with Spy Rock a short distance away.
ScoutLess trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.
Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.
GuideGPS brought us directly to the site. The gravel road has some ruuts but it you take your time small SVUs can make it fine. Beautiful over look and clean campsite. Spy rock is gorgeous, the trail is a little rough but totally worth it. Trail head is on the right about a mile past camp.
LegendNot sure if the pin location is accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.02802, -93.82913. Located 1.3 miles past the entrance of the Jack Creek Recreation Area. It is a large site with a large rock fire ring, set back a little from Jack Creek Road (forest road). Jack Creek Road is a mixed dirt/gravel road, wider than a single track; it is well maintained with some minor erosion in a few places. The campsite has a mostly level dirt surface that can accommodate 2 vehicles - truck camper size and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded in the summer. There is an old undesignated track near the rear of the site; this may lead down to Jack Creek, but I was not able to verify this due to large mud puddles on the track. There was a little bit of trash at the site, but not too bad. I received no T-Mobile cell service. There is nothing special about this campsite; just a nice place to camp in for a night or two. Jack Creek Recreation Area and the Sugar Creek hiking trail are a short drive away.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Van Buren, Arkansas, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Van Buren?
Dispersed camping sites near Van Buren typically offer minimal amenities. Cane Creek Recreation Area provides picnic tables, fire pits, and a boat ramp, but no water, electricity, or functioning toilets, so campers must be self-contained. Lee Creek Off Road Site features a fire pit and access to hiking trails but limited space for larger vehicles. Most dispersed sites in the region have fire rings and cleared tent areas, but you'll need to pack in all water, pack out all trash, and bring portable toilet facilities as most locations have no restrooms, running water, or trash service.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Fort Smith and Van Buren. Jack Creek Dispersed, Ouachita National Forest, AR offers sites located 2.5 miles past the Jack Creek Recreation Area entrance on a maintained dirt/gravel road. Girard Rd/Forest Road 20 Dispersed provides another option off a maintained forest road that doesn't require a lifted 4x4 vehicle to access. Both are within the Ouachita National Forest area, making them convenient options for campers exploring the Van Buren region.
Are there any regulations or permits needed for dispersed camping in Van Buren, Arkansas?
Dispersed camping in the Van Buren area generally follows standard National Forest Service regulations. At sites like Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed and Lookout Tower Road, the pack-it-in, pack-it-out principle applies—all trash must be taken with you when leaving. Most dispersed sites have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. No specific permits are typically required for basic camping, but always check with the local Ozark or Ouachita National Forest district office for seasonal fire restrictions or special regulations before your trip.
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