Best Tent Camping near Story, AR
The Ouachita National Forest provides several tent camping options near Story, Arkansas. Primitive tent sites are available at Hickory Nut Mountain and Irons Fork, both offering basic amenities for backcountry tent camping. River Bluff, located directly in Story, provides established tent camping areas with toilet facilities, though reviews are limited.
Most tent campsites in the Story area feature stone or concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and basic pit toilets without running water. Campers should pack in all water and supplies, as drinking water is unavailable at most locations. Sites typically accommodate standard tent setups on natural ground surfaces. Hickory Nut Mountain requires navigating a 3-4 mile gravel road that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Flash flooding can affect camping areas near creeks, particularly at locations like Big Brushy and Shirley Creek, where warning signs are posted throughout the camping areas.
Tent camping near Story offers direct access to Lake Ouachita and multiple forest trails. The primitive nature of these sites attracts those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience away from developed campgrounds. Hickory Nut Mountain provides partial lake views through the trees, with sites spaced far enough apart for privacy. According to one visitor, "Sites are small with reasonable separation, but no privacy. Sites have clean picnic tables, fire ring/grill." Road noise can be noticeable at some locations, particularly Fourche Mountain Campground, though it typically diminishes overnight. Most tent areas remain lightly used, even on weekends, making them suitable for campers seeking solitude. Bear Creek Horse Camp, while primarily serving equestrian users, also permits tent camping with access to hiking trails.
