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Camping

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Sam's Throne Recreation Area

Campers are Saying

Sam's Throne Recreation Area, near Mount Judea, Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a peaceful escape into nature. This area offers a unique blend of privacy and stunning views, making it a favorite among campers looking to unwind.

The sites here are well-spaced and surrounded by trees, giving you that secluded feel while still being close to the action. Visitors rave about the fire pits and the well-kept vault toilets, which add a touch of comfort to your camping experience. As one camper put it, “This place is the perfect spot for dispersed campers,” highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

For adventure seekers, there are trails that lead to breathtaking bluffs, perfect for catching a sunset or just soaking in the scenery. Some campers have even spotted wildlife, adding to the charm of the location. While there’s no running water or showers, the clean facilities and the opportunity to connect with nature more than make up for it.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway where you can enjoy the great outdoors, Sam's Throne is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or just relaxing by the fire, this spot has all the ingredients for a memorable camping trip.

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Location

Sam's Throne Recreation Area is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Jasper, head East on AR Hwy 74 for approx. 9.7 miles to AR Hwy 123. Turn Right/South on Hwy 123/Hwy 74, and go approx. 4.5 miles, to the town of Mt. Judea. Where Hwy 123 and Hwy 74 split, turn Right/South onto Hwy 123. Follow this road for approx. 4.3 miles to the entrance on your Right.

Coordinates

35.87903100003879 N
93.04510800002174 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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69%
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10%

4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2024

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

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Taylor M., July 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Taylor M., July 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Taylor M., July 4, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2024

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.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2022

Quiet & Serene

This is a great, and free, campground. Lots of sites, all are good.

  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Kelly C., June 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Kelly C., June 6, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2021

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.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by bri , August 14, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

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.

Sitenext to vault toilet
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Bob W., July 28, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

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

Reviewed Jan. 12, 2021

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

Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2020

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!!

Reviewed Nov. 13, 2020

Gorgeous!

Road is kinda sketchy on the way up but the bluffs are fantastic!

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2020

Wrong Location

Went to this location to camp anticipating water campsites, no such thing.

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

Great Weekend Spot!

Campsites were spaced out and had great privacy. The trail was super close and the views were amazing.

  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by The V., October 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by The V., October 18, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2020

Nice area

Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby

Reviewed May. 26, 2019

Gorgeous views

Decent camping. Limited amenities, but enough. The views are 100% worth it!

Reviewed Mar. 27, 2019

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!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Ashley F., March 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Ashley F., March 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Ashley F., March 27, 2019
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Beautiful location

Good hiking trails and wonderful views nearby. Never disappoints.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

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.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Miranda M., July 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Sam's Throne Recreation Area by Miranda M., July 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Sam's Throne Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sam's Throne Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Sam's Throne Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sam's Throne Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sam's Throne Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.