Best Dispersed Camping near Vendor, AR
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Vendor, AR (18)
1. Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Mount Judea, Arkansas16 Reviews•31 Photos•519 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
St. Joe, Arkansas6 Reviews•23 Photos•154 SavesWoolum Campground is a large open field at the Woolum access to the Buffalo River near St. Joe AR. There are no amenities at Woolum. There are no designated sites. A vault toilet is available. Fees are not charged at Woolum. Woolum serves as overflow when Tyler Bend campground is full.
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
5. Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
Hector, Arkansas1 Review•10 Photos•5 SavesThe U.S. Forest Service maintains all of the developed recreation areas. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere but on food plots and areas marked closed to camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
6. Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks
Hector, Arkansas1 Review•7 Photos•51 SavesIf you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.
The Ozarks are known for the clear mountain streams, but please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.
Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/osfnf/recreation/?cid=fseprd623199
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
8. Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping
Ozone, Arkansas1 Review•22 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
9. Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Jerusalem, Arkansas1 Review•8 Photos•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Jerusalem, Arkansas1 Review•6 Photos•3 SavesRemember to LNT in dispersed areas.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Vendor
33 Reviews of 18 Vendor Campgrounds
Fred S.
Legend
Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed
Large dispersed with a view
Coordinates: 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.
- Fred S.Legend
Tackett Mountain Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Nice site to hang-out in
The pin location may not be accurate, so here are the coordinates: 35.44497, -92.76914. This is a small dispersed campsite with a level dirt surface, just big enough to accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Tent and hammock camping is possible. The site is tucked into the trees, and it has a clean rock fire ring. The site is located on a dirt track - Forest Road 93021L, which is off of Tackett Mountain Road - Forest Road 1319. The site offers privacy from Tackett Mountain Rd, but it is close to Forest Road 93021L. Tackett Mountain Rd is a wide, well maintained, gravel forest road. Access to 93021L off of Tackett Mountain Road is up a slight incline with some gravel cover. Once up the incline, the track becomes dirt, goes through a clearing and heads into the woods where the dispersed site is located on the right. One can camp in the clearing; there is a small rock fire ring that is overgrown with grass and weeds, but the site in this review is nicer. The clearing was logged long ago where one may find some pieces of firewood. Some solar charging may be possible depending on the time of day and if the solar panels can be set up along the track in front of the site. There are no hiking trails here, although one can take a stroll along FR90231L which is less than a half-mile long. Even though there is not much to do around here, it's a nice place to simply hang out in. I liked it.
- Fred S.Legend
Brock Creek Lake View Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Lake View Dispersed Camping
Coordinates: 35.49123, -92.80548. Large open dispersed site set back from Charleston Road, just north of Bell Rd (Forest Road 1334). Located in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trails area. Charleston Road is a wide, well-maintained gravel road. Access to the site from Charleston Road is on a 400 foot long narrow dirt track; pinstripping is possible. The dispersed site has a dirt surface with some embedded rocks. It's on a rise above the lake, offering a nice view. Solar recharging is possible in this open site. The site is on what appears to be a parking area along an old dirt track; this track appears as an older section of Charleston Rd on some maps. There is a dirt ramp into the lake. There is room for multiple rigs at the campsite. Some leveling may be required depending on the spot the vehicle is parked. There are two rock fire rings - one large and one small. Tent Camping is possible near the fire rings. The lake was drained at the time of my visit; otherwise, it's a really nice view.
- Fred S.Legend
Brock Creek - Charleston Rd Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Nice Dispersed Site Above Brock Creek
Not sure if the location pin is correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.49995, -92.80930. A large, wooded dispersed site situated above Brock Creek off of Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV and multi-use trail area. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road. The dispersed site can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles - campervan size and smaller. There are 2 access driveways into the site. Access for a truck camper is tight due to the location of trees on the site. Access for 2WD low clearance vehicles may be rough due to some erosion. The dispersed site is a dirt surface with some embedded rocks jutting out. Some leveling may be required depending where the rig is parked. Tent camping is possible. There is a vehicle turnaround at the rear of the site. The site is shaded, so solar charging is limited. Except for a little bit of glass and some bullet shell casings scattered about, the site was clean at the time of my visit. The site has a large rock fire ring. There is a wide track that leads off the site toward the south along and above the creek. This track does not appears on any of the current forest service maps (including MVUM) that I have, so I'm assuming that it is not a legal motorized vehicle track. The track is hikeable. The site is convenient to OHV and multi-use trails. It was a pretty site during my summertime visit, but I bet it's beautiful during the Fall season. It is set back from Charleston Road. It is a really nice spot.
- Fred S.Legend
Group Dispersed, Charleston Road, Ozark NF, AR
Large Group Dispersed Camping
Coordinates: 35.50873, -92.81549. Group dispersed site located less than a 1/4-mile south of the Zing Trailhead on Charleston Road. Charleston Road is a wide, well maintained gravel road located in a popular national forest OHV area. This dispersed site is a level with a dirt and grass surface. The site can accomodate multiple vehicles; tent camping is possible. There is a large rock fire ring at the rear of the site. The site is open with little shade, making recharging with solar panels possible. Other than accommodating a group of OHV and offroad enthusiasts, and stargazing at night, there is nothing remarkable about this campsite.
- Fred S.Legend
Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
Convenient to National Forest OHV Area
Pin location may not be correct, so here are the coordinates: 35.52534, -92.83158. Located on Charleston Road in a popular national forest OHV area - 1/2 mile southeast of the Mountain Man Trailhead. Charleston Road is a well maintained gravel road. The site is at the beginning of an old unnamed, closed, dirt track - close to Charleston Road. The site has a dirt surface; not quite level, but more level toward the rear. It is a pull-in site which can accommodate one campervan and smaller. Tent camping is possible. The site is mostly shaded. There is poison ivy around the perimeter of the site. The site includes a large rock fire ring. Except for a little bit of trash in the fire ring, the site was pretty much clean. The old track is gated just past the site,; the track is hikeable, leading up to the northern-most Stoebuck Mountain (there are two "Stoebuck Mountains" in this area). Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site. It is good for an overnight stay.
Taylor M.
Traveler
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Cute spot!
Quiet and beautiful spot in AR! Patchy cell service and no water hookups, but there are bathrooms, lots of privacy, fire pits, and trails connected to the sites! Highly recommend a visit here
- Fred S.Legend
Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
Dispersed camping convenient to OHV/multi-use national forest trails
Not sure if the pin location is correct, so here are the exact coordinates: 35.53654, -92.80322. Small dispersed campsite just off Wilderness Trail Road. Wilderness Trail Road is a wide gravel country road located in a popular national forest OHV area. More specifically, the site is located on multi-use/OHV trail Brock Creek #42, Forest Road 2321 - just a few hundred feet south of Wilderness Trail (not in the trailhead parking lot, where camping is not allowed). Its a small, level dirt site, mostly shaded in a small clearing in the trees, close to the track - not private. It has a small rock fire ring. Tent camping is possible. It's a pull-in site which can accommodate one vehicle - truck camper and smaller. Except for being convenient to OHV trails, there is nothing remarkable about this dispersed site.
Summer R.
ScoutSam's Throne Recreation Area
Title Required: Good. Quiet. Good and quiet.
Only stayed one night but it was very quiet and peaceful. There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed. No trash service but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Great sites either way. Happy to stay again.
- JJon D.
Guide
Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed
Awesome Spot Deep In The Ozarks!
Forest Rd. 82 has 3-4 spots, all about 1-2 miles in. There may be more the further you go, but I didn't go that far. 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!
Conceptual S.Scout
Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed
Secluded
Tried to camp out before backpacking through Hercules Glade Wilderness but the trailheads were packed (weekend). There are two fire rings along this road. Both locations have full bars (Verizon). Little to no man made noise but be respectful, there is a private residence at the end of the road.
- KKelly C.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Quiet & Serene
This is a great, and free, campground. Lots of sites, all are good.
- Fred S.Legend
Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks
Creekside Dispersed Site, Middle Fork Illinois Bayou
Large clearing along the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou. Located on Middle Fork Road, about a 1/4 mile in from AR Hwy 27, near Hector, AR. The site is on national forest land and appears to be popular. It's large enough for 3 car/truck/campervan rigs. Area is level for rigs & tents, although the ground is mostly hard buried gravel - maybe uncomfortable to sleep on without pads. Three large puddles on the site. Three ways to enter the site from Middle Fork Road. Middle Fork Rd itself can easily accommodate 2wd passenger vehicles. Other dispersed sites further down the road along the creek. The site is not pristine, but it's nice to camp close to the bayou. Very peaceful, but there is occasional faint truck noise from Hwy 27. A half dozen or so vehicles passed by, some were residents who live further down the road. No facilities; need to bring your own water. No trash pickup; pack in, pack out.
- JJohn W.Scout
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
One of the best remote campgrounds in AR
I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round. I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.
Kloee S.LegendWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Beautiful campground!
This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming. There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces. We had full hookups to boot!
Candace R.GuideWoolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Buggy but Beautiful
So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen.
- bbriGuide
Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping
Not a camp spot (private propery)
This was not at all a campsite. Most of the forest is private property with house everywhere. This location in particular is no different. Go to Sam's throne to camp
- bbriGuide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Peace on Earth
Amazing peaceful campsite. Can be eerie pulling up at night but is so beautiful and peaceful. On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky. Bathrooms are cleaned every other day.no running water or showers just two vault toliet. Some campsites have cell phone service. Att and had the best out of all of our phones. Place is completely free. Beautiful path to walk to see the open ozarks but not much else to do here. Bambi and her mom also seem to live here.
Bob W.TravelerSam's Throne Recreation Area
Secluded and Scenic!
Several first come-first serve sites for RV or tent. Fire rings at each site and vault toilets at each end of campground. Limited Verizon cell. Great hikes on bluffs overlooking valley.
- Ivan M.Scout
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Gem of a Site
We camped right next to the trail head and apart from all the traffic during the day for the trail (cars coming and going) it’s great. The views off the trail are A1 and definitely a useful base amo if you’re rock climbing. Lots of bluffs set up for that. Compost bathroom s were super clean. Had a great experience there
- AAlexandraTraveler
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Beautiful Area, Clean Campsites & Bathrooms
Pros:
-Campground was completely empty when I arrived on a Thursday evening in December.
-Sites are separated by trees, so some privacy.
-There are more than one compositing toilet on site& they are cleaned regularly.
-Beautiful cliff views are a short walk away.
Cons:
-No water access, so bring your own
- KKelsey R.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
The BEST view!
Private camping spots, with trees separating each site. There’s fit pits, but no rv hook ups and only a couple bathrooms there.
It is considered a national park spot so it’s not set up for rv, but if your van or rv is self standing is perfect!! - Clayton R.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Gorgeous!
Road is kinda sketchy on the way up but the bluffs are fantastic!
- ZZahra N.Scout
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Wrong Location
Went to this location to camp anticipating water campsites, no such thing.
The V.ScoutSam's Throne Recreation Area
Great Weekend Spot!
Campsites were spaced out and had great privacy. The trail was super close and the views were amazing.
- Jacob B.Guide
Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River
Extremly beautiful area, simple camp ground
I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren’t open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings. Beautiful area!
- Nikki M.Guide
Sam's Throne Recreation Area
Nice area
Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby
Guide to Vendor
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vendor, Arkansas, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.
Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers
- The Sam's Throne Recreation Area features beautiful trails that lead to stunning views, perfect for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the natural landscape.
- At the Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River, campers can enjoy picturesque scenery along the riverbank, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
- The Falling Water Creek area offers access to scenic trails and a peaceful environment, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Vendor, Arkansas
- Always pack out what you pack in, especially at places like Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area, which has no trash services available.
- Be prepared for limited amenities at locations such as Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite, where there are no toilets or running water, so bring your own supplies.
- Check the weather and road conditions before heading to Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping, as access can vary depending on the season.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Woolum Dispersed Area
- The Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River is known for its beautiful dogwood blooms in spring, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers.
- Campers can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and biking, at the Falling Water Creek, which is well-suited for those looking to explore the outdoors.
- For a more secluded experience, the Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers plenty of privacy and stunning views, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Vendor, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vendor, AR is Sam's Throne Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Vendor, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Vendor, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.