Best Dispersed Camping in Arkansas
Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forest offer numerous free dispersed camping opportunities in Arkansas, with several established dispersed areas like Sam's Throne Recreation Area and primitive sites along forest service roads. Most sites feature fire rings but limited amenities—Sam's Throne provides vault toilets while most other locations have no facilities whatsoever. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many sites, particularly along Forest Service Roads 132 and 153 where washouts and rough terrain are common.
Several campsites provide scenic views from ridge tops and access to bodies of water. Harris Brake Lake and Irons Fork offer lakeside camping, while Woolum Dispersed Area provides access to Buffalo National River. According to one visitor, Ouachita National Forest sites feature "amazing 360 sunsets and sunrises" but can be "a bit rocky for tent campers." Wildlife Management Areas like Gene Rush and Camp Robinson also permit free camping, though some may technically require hunting or fishing permits as noted by a camper who saw signs stating "hunting, fishing, or camping permit required but no one came by to check."
