This free dispersed site sits along Forest Road 83W/County Road 9 in the Ouachita National Forest, accessible by a short 4WD track that branches off the main forest road. The site features a rock fire ring and clearing suitable for campervans and smaller vehicles, though summer visits reveal high grass and weeds that can overrun the area. Winter camping proves more manageable when vegetation dies back and access to the fire ring improves. The forest road maintains good condition, but the 4WD track deteriorates quickly past the campsite, potentially serving as a hiking trail for forest exploration. For those planning extended stays in the region, campsites near Ouachita National Forest provide additional options throughout this expansive forest system.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
How to Pick a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOff FR83W/CR9 Dispersed, Ouachita NF, AR is located in Arkansas near Plainview
Coordinates
34.90840340791243 N
93.21891339220595 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 33 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 34 min from Fayetteville, AR
