Top Free Dispersed Camping near Yellville, AR

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Yellville? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Yellville, AR (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    1. Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    118 Saves

    Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers. The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Eastern red cedar and oak trees are interspersed with open glades supporting native tall prairie grasses. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. A variety of wildlife species live within the Hercules Glades including white-tailed deer, raccoons rabbits, squirrels, turkey, quail, songbirds, lizards and snakes. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents. Limit your party size to 10 persons. No camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics; Never tie stock directly to trees. No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed. Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Key attractions along the trail include Long Creek Falls, panoramic views of the Ozarks countryside, and a variety of native communities including open limestone glades and mixed forests. Rating: More Difficult to Most Difficult with steep terrain, stream crossings, sparsely marked trail, and elevations from 600 to 1200 feet. Length: 32 miles Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Restrictions: Foot and Horse only. Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    2. Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    48 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Tent Cabin
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    3. Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    25 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground and at least 100 feet from any administrative site to include trails, buildings and designated recreational areas. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

    Picking a Campsite

    If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:

    Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • WiFi
    • Alcohol
    • No image available
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          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite
          Camper-submitted photo from Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite

          7. Adams Mountain Rd Dispersed Campsite

          1 Review
          10 Photos
          5 Saves

          The 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
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

          8. Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR

          1 Review
          4 Photos
          1 Save

          Please LNT in dispersed areas and respect any "no camping" signs you see.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Yellville

        32 Reviews of 9 Yellville Campgrounds


        • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Charleston Road Dispersed, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 4, 2024

          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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Jul. 4, 2024

          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Austin Trailhead Dispersed, Wilderness Trail Rd, Ozark NF, AR
          Jul. 2, 2024

          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          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.

        • Conceptual S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Blair Ridge Rd Dispersed
          Mar. 6, 2023

          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.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Woolum
          May. 2, 2022

          Woolum

          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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Woolum
          Mar. 26, 2022

          Woolum

          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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Woolum
          Sep. 28, 2021

          Woolum

          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.

        • b
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Aug. 14, 2021

          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.

        • Anna W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)
          Aug. 8, 2021

          Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

          Quiet and easy

          We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet. Just a quick stop on our way, we didn’t hike long in the morning but the trail seemed quiet and secluded; we didn’t see anyone else.

        • Bob W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Jul. 28, 2021

          Sam'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.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Mar. 29, 2021

          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

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Jan. 12, 2021

          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

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Dec. 10, 2020

          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!!

        • Jacob B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Woolum
          Oct. 7, 2020

          Woolum

          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!

        • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
          Jun. 1, 2020

          Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

          Hike in and camp, or just hike for day use!!

          This area is a wilderness area so camping is plentiful.  However in this particular are there is no organized campsite specifically.  Instead there are several areas where you can with permissions hike in and stay.  

          My suggestion for camping along this area are to check with local restrictions, there are some that you will want to make sure you know first hand.   Sometimes fire restrictions do change and these can be found at the beginning of the trails on the kiosks.   Some areas also are not permitted for overnight parking so you want to check those out before venturing into the wilderness for a lengthy time.

          Check with rangers of the area to make sure you are not in a register only or permit only area for camping!!  Very important in this region.

          Bring everything and then plot your course.

          The 4 mile hike is amazing and has many beautiful view points however it is also quite treacherous in some areas.    This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!!!!   

          I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger.   

          Be careful but have fun!!!

        • Shelly J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Woolum
          Jun. 4, 2019

          Woolum

          Quiet, spacious, with the best swimming hole!

          This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash. We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back.

        • Ashley F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sam's Throne Recreation Area
          Mar. 27, 2019

          Sam's Throne Recreation Area

          Primitive Sites & Beautiful Views

          Sam's Throne Recreation Area really is a hidden gem, even for the non-climbers out there. We started a five day camping trip on a Saturday and sure enough, as we had already heard about this place's weekend popularity, the sites were packed. Many groups out there taking advantage of the beautiful March weather to hit the rock and explore all the many jaw-dropping routes on and around Sam's rocky Throne. Once the weekend ended though, there were an average of 2 or 3 other occupied sites in the area throughout the week.

          Me, my boyfriend and our dog must have been the only non-climbers out there, which was completely fine because there really is SO MUCH to do and see. There are a number of trails outside the main established trails (see picture of trail map). Our second day there we spent eight hours skirting along the bluffs and exploring what looked like beautiful fairy lands.

          The weather was perfect (high 50's/low 60's during the days and down to low 40's at night) and the bugs were almost non-existent (but we still defended ourselves from ticks with spray and covered legs).

          We spent every day we were there exploring new spots and areas because the stretch of land is endless. What's nice is you can also drive 20 or so miles out to other beautiful spots like Pedestal Rock Scenic Area and Alum Cove Natural Bridge. We hopped on the Ozark Highland Trail for about six miles starting at the nearby Fairview Campground (which I highly recommend!).

          And of course, don't forget to check out THE Sam's Throne, which is still accessible for those not harnessed and roped up. There is a climbable route that is fairly easy to moderate and allows you to access the throne and all it's glory. There are even a couple of fire rings up there which would definitely make for some breathtaking tent views. I may be partial to this place now because I happened to get engaged on the Throne at sunset during our last night there, and I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful experience.

          I highly recommend this area, this forest, and hell the whole state for a great camping experience!

        • Ramie W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
          Sep. 1, 2018

          Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

          Hercules Glades

          I did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate, however the areas of open meadows were a little more difficult to find where it picks back up. The falls are a great rock feature when it’s dry and beautiful when they’re flowing.



        Guide to Yellville

        Camping near Yellville, Arkansas, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.

        What to do

        • Hiking and Exploring: The area is filled with trails for hiking. Campers at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River rave about the trails, with one saying, “If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here. Like hiking… plenty of trails.”
        • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming or fishing in the nearby rivers. A visitor at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River mentioned, “It’s a good place for families that want to get into the river.”
        • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Mill Creek (Missouri) have spotted various wildlife. One camper noted, “Wildlife is everywhere. Eagles, hawks, fishing and more.”

        What campers like

        What you should know

        • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River pointed out, “They have bathrooms as well,” but noted the lack of showers.
        • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Haw Creek Falls Camping offers a simpler setup. One camper mentioned, “You need to pack in and pack out as there are no trash cans or anything.”
        • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River noted, “The road has improved and was more than passable even after heavy rains.”

        Tips for camping with families

        • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River, a reviewer said, “The bathrooms and showers were clean,” making it a good spot for families.
        • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Haw Creek Falls Camping noted, “There are lots of snakes,” so be cautious.
        • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River suggested, “It’s a very pretty area,” perfect for family fun.

        Tips from RVers

        Camping around Yellville, Arkansas, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yellville, AR?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yellville, AR is Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Yellville, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.