Best Dispersed Camping near Yellville, AR
Dispersed camping opportunities near Yellville, Arkansas include several primitive sites within the Ozark Mountains. Woolum Dispersed Area in Buffalo National River offers riverside camping with basic vault toilets and established fire rings. Sam's Throne Recreation Area provides free primitive camping with vault toilets but no running water. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area features designated campsites requiring permits. According to campers, Woolum offers "both a rock and sand beach" with good spacing between sites, making it popular for those seeking solitude.
Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water is available at these locations; visitors must pack in all water needs. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with established fire rings at most sites. Several campers noted the presence of poison ivy around site perimeters, particularly at dispersed sites in the Ozark National Forest. Cell service is patchy throughout the region, with T-Mobile and AT&T offering limited coverage at some locations.
Wildlife Management Areas in Arkansas require specific permits. As one reviewer confirmed, "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish." These permits cost approximately $5 and can be obtained online. Road conditions to most sites involve gravel or dirt access roads, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with late spring bringing dogwood blooms and summer months requiring insect protection. Fall offers cooler temperatures and reduced crowds at popular sites like Sam's Throne.
