Dispersed camping in the Ouachita National Forest near Wickes, Arkansas offers primitive camping opportunities across diverse terrain. The forest elevation ranges from 600 to 2,600 feet with mixed pine and hardwood forests. Water access varies seasonally, with many creek-side sites experiencing low or dry conditions during summer months and potential flooding during spring.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Several primitive camping near Wickes provides direct access to the Ouachita Trail. At Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, one camper noted, "There's an awesome trail a little north of camp called Boardstand trail, take it east and you you can follow it to 8554 Red Bank, follow it south to Ouachita Trail, then follow it west until you reach Talimena Scenic drive."
Creek exploration: Many sites position campers near seasonal waterways for cooling off. At Pigeon Creek Dispersed, a visitor reported, "You're surrounded by trees, moss and running blue mountain spring water. What's not to love?"
Scenic drives: The forest roads themselves offer recreational opportunities. A camper at the Talimena Scenic Drive shared, "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car."
What campers like
Isolation and privacy: The forest provides significant separation between camping areas. At Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed, a camper observed, "Most camp spots you have your own driveway and large spot. Adjacent spots probably a mile apart."
Swimming holes: Natural water features enhance many camping experiences. One camper at Quachita NF Dispersed by Cedar Creek off 51220 reported, "Right off of Forest road51220, large area to park and camp all by yourself. Stream is 40 feet away with a swimming hole."
Established fire rings: Most sites contain simple stone fire rings. A visitor to Turner Creek Road described, "Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring. Very peaceful."
Wildlife viewing: The forest hosts diverse wildlife throughout the seasons. Campers report seeing deer, small mammals, and various bird species in the early morning hours.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes dramatically across the forest. A camper at Ouachita NF - CR 51220 Dispersed noted, "Att service good," while many other locations report no service.
Road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate quickly after rain. At County Road D1590 Dispersed, a visitor shared, "Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock. Camp site was clean."
Site location challenges: GPS coordinates may not always lead to accessible sites. A Pigeon Creek Dispersed camper warned, "We drove slowly back and forth along the road exactly where the coordinates lead us to but there is no vehicle access to the forest there. It's completely overgrown."
Weather considerations: The mountains create unique weather patterns. A Talimena Scenic Drive visitor explained, "This is an awesome place the drive is well worth it too as long as you don't catch fog like we did you couldn't see 2ft in front of your car."
Tips for camping with families
Creek safety: Water levels fluctuate seasonally. At Dead Man Gap, a camper noted, "There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water."
Wildlife education: Use the surroundings as a natural classroom. A visitor reported, "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one."
Pack out trash: Some areas show signs of previous visitors leaving waste. A Pigeon Creek camper observed, "The river and creek merging was so beautiful! It was a beautiful drive there. But whoever was there before me trashed it out. It's sad."
Space considerations: Site sizes vary significantly. A Dead Man Gap visitor noted, "Small site...Could possibly get 3 small pickup trucks side by side in this spot. If you don't need a big area then this would be a nice place."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limits: Forest roads restrict larger rigs. At Blue Knob Road in Ouachita National Forest, one RVer shared, "I have a 30ft Class C which is probably the largest vehicle you would want to drive down the dirt road to this site."
Backing skills required: Many spots require technical parking. A Blue Knob Road camper with commercial driving experience advised, "I have a CDL and back stuff all day. Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain."
Clearance considerations: Ground clearance affects accessibility. A Dead Man Gap camper suggested, "The road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred."
Site selection strategy: Arrive with flexibility. A camper explained, "My buddy and I read the other reviews and decided to give this site a go. Someone was camping at the main site just off the park road... there ARE three alternative spots back North a little ways on the park road."
