Map showing campground location near Story, Arkansas

Camper submitted image from Washita Primitive Camping Area

Washita Primitive Camping Area

Anglers and paddlers find direct access to the Ouachita River at this primitive National Forest campground located on a gravel loop road near Highway 27. The handful of wooded sites each include metal fire rings, concrete picnic tables, and lantern poles, though the ground isn't perfectly level and works best for vans and tent camping rather than larger RVs.

Highway 27 runs close enough to generate road noise during busy daytime hours, though traffic quiets down overnight. Fred S. notes the campground is "a short distance away from Hwy 27" and describes catching bass from the river. Both T-Mobile and AT&T provide cell service throughout the area. The riverbank offers easy walking access for fishing or simply exploring along the water's edge.

Sites lack restrooms and potable water, making this truly primitive camping. Trash barrels are provided but may overflow during busy periods. Fire rings show regular use, and campers can walk directly to the river from their sites. For additional options, see places to camp near Story or check nearby Highway 27 Fishing Village.

This free campground works well for self-sufficient campers seeking river access without developed amenities, particularly those planning fishing trips or short overnight stops along Highway 27.

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Location

Public Campground

Washita Primitive Camping Area is located in Arkansas

Address

1201 Blakely Dam Rd
Story, AR 71970

Coordinates

34.65000094 N
93.5310004 W

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Connectivity

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/2/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Reservable
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

54 min from Hot Springs, AR
1 hr 34 min from Little Rock, AR
1 hr 42 min from Fort Smith, AR
2 hrs 11 min from Texarkana, TX

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many mentioned excellent lake access with swimming areas and scenic views. Guests frequently noted clean facilities and friendly staff, though highway noise was a recurring concern at some sites.

Fred S.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2025

Clean Overnight Primitive Campground

Free primitive campground on national forest land. Camped here in Nov 2025. There are a handful of sites on a gravel loop road. Wooded. No toilet. No potable water. There were two trash barrels, but they were overflowing with trash. A little bit of trash my fire ring. The campground is a short distance away from Hwy 27. This highway is busy so there is highway noise, but it was quieter overnight. Sites have metal fire rings, cement picnic tables and lantern poles. Sites are not absolutely level, but close enough for my van. A truck camper may fit in a couple of sites, but nothing larger. Tent camping is possible. May be able to find a spot for hammock camping. Got T-Mobile and AT&T service. Nice view of the Ouachita River. Caught a bass here. There are no hiking trails here, but one can easily stroll along the river bank. This is not a bad overnight camping spot.

SiteNo site numbers

Month of VisitNovember

(12) View All

Nico M.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020

The above reviews are for a different site on the lake!

We showed up to this campsite using the map and it was a different dispersed camping area without any signs, not the one featured in the pictures posted. The reviews and pics are for the State Park dispersed camping on the east side of the lake.

Looks like 5 rustic sites, tables, grills, fire rings, sheltered picnic area, boat ramp. No water or bathroom, nice lake views, 4 stars because you can hear a busy road nearby. My guess is this site is part of the National Forest, not the State Park.

Amy M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2019

Well maintained, Friendly, Beautiful

I arrived at my campground - site 68 in Loop D to realize I booked a site right next to the road. I was the only camper that night so the rangers kindly let me switch to a site that was more secluded. The flush toilets and showers that were well maintained. The showers had spiders in them, as everywhere in the south, but they were a great treat after a very sweaty night of sleep.

The gorgeous lake was a nice walk from my site. There is a roped-off swimming area available. I admittingly swam/floated outside of the roped-off area because it was very small. I noticed volleyball nets near the lake, some chairs, a dock for boats nearby.

Wifi at the ranger station.

site included:

tent pad

picnic table

Hook thing to hand lantern light or whatever you please.

SiteSite 81

Month of VisitAugust

Alison C.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2018

Beautiful campground!

This is our second favorite State Park in Arkansas. We had a spot overlooking the lake, which was beautiful. It's a super quiet and peaceful lake. Lots of kayaks and canoes. We also enjoyed the hiking trails. The walk-in tent site area is amazing! There was a nice beach area for swimming as well. We rode our bikes over to the loop D tent camping area, which also looked nice and quiet for camping. We will definitely be going back here again!

Site57

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Erika R.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

perfection in the form of camping

Camping in the state park of lake ouachita in a tent. never. been. better. was on site T04 for tents and basically sites t01-t11(maybe 12) are on a small peninsula with the lake on both sides. you can go swimming in the lake right off the back of your campsite. they have charcoal grills at each site as well as a fire pit that has a grill over itnfor cooking things over the fire. there is a concrete pad with a picnic table as well as a separate pad on compacted dirt for your tent and then plenty of space in your campsite for other things. you can’t beat the views. the bathrooms are the cleanest an moat upsated Ive seen in a camp ground (and I’ve worked in one) and the showers are great. never felt afraid of wild animals roaming the sites while walking to the bathroom in the dark or anything. the staff in the office is friendly. they offer boat rentals for cheap as well as expeditions to partake in. went on a 4 mile hike and walked to the trailhead from the campsIte. couldn’t recommend this place enough!

(5) View All

Tony F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2017

Loved it

Stayed about 5 miles down dirt road. I believe it was 3 sisters springs? it was great!

Month of VisitNovember

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Washita Primitive Campground located at Lake Washita?

Washita Primitive Camping Area is located along Lake Washita. Based on available information, there appears to be some confusion about its exact location, as some campers have noted it's approximately 5 miles down a dirt road. The camping area is situated near the lake, offering waterfront access. Note that some visitors have mentioned this primitive camping area should not be confused with the state park camping areas on the east side of the lake. For the most accurate directions, contact the lake management office before your trip.

What amenities are available at Washita Primitive Campground?

Washita Primitive Camping Area lives up to its "primitive" designation with minimal amenities. The campground features approximately 5 rustic sites equipped with tables, grills, and fire rings. There are no flush toilets, showers, or hookups available at this primitive area. This is a true back-to-basics camping experience, so visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal solutions.

What activities can you do at Washita Lake near the primitive campground?

Lake Washita offers numerous recreational opportunities near the primitive campground. The lake is perfect for swimming, with some campsites providing direct water access. Boating is popular, with the calm waters particularly suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Fishing is another common activity, with the lake known for its diverse fish population. For those who prefer land-based recreation, hiking trails are available in the surrounding area. The peaceful setting also makes it ideal for wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing away from city lights.

Are reservations required for Washita Primitive Campground?

Reservations are not required for Washita Primitive Camping Area. This primitive campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Given its remote location and primitive nature, the campground typically doesn't fill up quickly, but availability may vary during peak seasons. Since this is a dispersed camping area, there is no formal check-in process. To ensure a spot during busy periods like holidays or summer weekends, arriving early is recommended.

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