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Best Dispersed Camping near Witter, AR

39 Reviews

Ozark National Forest provides several free dispersed camping options around Witter, Arkansas, with sites along forest service roads offering varying levels of seclusion and amenities. Morgan Mountain Road features popular dispersed sites about a mile north of Highway 215, including a large area with mountain views near Spy Rock. The road may have erosion in spots but remains passable for most vehicles when taken slowly. A review noted, "Although 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."

Forest Service Road 82 offers additional primitive sites within the forest, with several spots located 1-2 miles down the gravel road. Sam's Throne Recreation Area provides free dispersed-style camping with slightly more amenities than true backcountry sites, including vault toilets and established fire rings, though no water is available. Cell reception throughout the region is patchy, with T-Mobile service particularly unreliable. Most sites feature fire rings, though visitors should check seasonal fire restrictions. Pack out all trash, as garbage service is not provided at any of these locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Witter, Arkansas (20)

    1. Buffalo Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Pettigrew, AR
    10 miles

    "The final half mile of Madison/404 was too steep and rough to proceed. Cavern Mountain Rd 5 was good. Additionally, Google routed us a bunch of dirt roads to get here."

    2. Morgan Mtn Rd/Spy Rock Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    St. Paul, AR
    18 miles

    "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."

    3. Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed

    1 Review
    St. Paul, AR
    17 miles

    "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!"

    4. OHT Backcountry Primitive Site

    1 Review
    Combs, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    5. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "There are surrounding trails that lead to some nice spots for a stunning sunset. These seem to be free established campgrounds, not dispersed."

    "There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer."

    6. Ozark National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Ozone, AR
    22 miles
    Website

    7. OHT Primitive Site

    Be the first to review!
    Combs, AR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 369-4128

    $5 / night

    8. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    38 miles

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    "Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."

    9. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    7 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    45 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Dispersed Near Devils Den

    2 Reviews
    Chester, AR
    35 miles

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Witter, AR

22 Photos of 20 Witter Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Witter, AR

39 Reviews of 20 Witter Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2025

    FR1802A, Meadows Knob Rd Dispersed

    Secluded, Light Usage, Dispersed Camping in the Ozarks

    Coordinates: 35.58695,-93.20723. Camped here Dec 29, 2024. Set well off of Meadows Knob Rd. Expect pinstriping along the access track to this secluded dispersed campsite. FR1802A toward the site has some erosion; low clearance vehicles may high center in one or two spots. The main forest road into this part of the Ozark National Forest is okay. The campsite is in open area, located in an old clear cut area. There is a partial view of the distant mountains. The site is a level, dirt surface. Not a large site; okay for one rig. Tent camping possible. No nearby mature trees for hammock camping. The site is overgrown with grass and weeds; a weed whacker is needed to clear the rock fire ring. There is a spot on the ground where a previous campfire was made. Good AT&T and T-Mobile 5G service. No shade; access to Starlink is possible. No hiking trails, although there is a 2-track for hiking that leads down into Graves Creek Canyon and some unnamed waterfalls. The hike along this trck is nice. This is not a pretty dispersed site, but it is well off of the main forest road; very private. Access to the site may be difficult for some vehicles. High clearance 4x4 vehicles should have no problems.

  • Lauren
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Dispersed Near Devils Den

    Be careful!

    I 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.

  • K
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Acessable to all

    Pretty great spot! If you’re fortunate enough to be alone, this is a very large space, with a nice picnic table and a few fire pits. Completely surrounded by forest, so plenty of shade. Access road was a little rough, as in your typical dirt road, but posed 0 problems for our little economy car. I’ve had much worse for sure. The area is pretty secluded, with only a few cars driving through all day, so bear spray is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Practice good bear prevention measures and you’re good to go for a free night stay, or several, happy camping!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    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.

  • b
    Aug. 14, 2021

    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

  • ‘Chelle S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.

  • Candace R.
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Woolum 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.

  • Summer R.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Sam'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.

  • Miranda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Beautiful location

    Very beautiful place with vault toilets only and no running water. There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe. There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer. Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's. No trash cans, pack-in/pack-out facility. Donations are accepted but it is a FREE campsite.

Guide to Witter

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Witter, Arkansas, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure away from the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Witter, Arkansas

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like OHT Backcountry Primitive Site, allow campfires, making it easy to enjoy cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at places such as OHT Primitive Site, which offers a more secluded atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Always check for amenities; for instance, Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed has no drinking water or toilets, so come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Scenic views and outdoor activities for dispersed campers

  • The Sam's Throne Recreation Area is known for its stunning views and nearby trails, perfect for hiking and exploring the Ozarks.
  • If fishing or swimming is on your agenda, Forest Service Rd 82 Dispersed provides easy access to the Redding Recreation Area, enhancing your outdoor experience.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, Cane Creek Recreation Area offers beautiful sunsets and a peaceful setting, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Dispersed campers should check out Sam's Throne for breathtaking views

  • Located in Mount Judea, Sam's Throne Recreation Area features multiple sites that provide privacy and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
  • This area is well-reviewed for its quiet atmosphere, making it a great choice for those looking to relax and recharge in nature.
  • With fire pits available and trails leading to scenic overlooks, this spot is a must-visit for anyone interested in dispersed camping near Witter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Witter, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Witter, AR is Buffalo Creek Trail with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Witter, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Witter, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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