Free Camping in Arkansas
Discover 22 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall, Winter
Climate
Humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters
Terrain
Mountains, Forests
Free Spots
22 locations
Camping Spots (22)
Ouachita — Big Fir Campground
Lakeside pine camps on Lake Ouachita—s NW shore. Vault toilet; no water.
Ouachita — Little Missouri Falls Vicinity
Creekside pullouts near Little Missouri gorge. Narrow roads; primitive.
Ouachita — Wolf Pen Gap OHV Area
Flat primitive camps near trail loops outside Mena.
Ozark — Brock Creek Trails
OHV trailhead clearings in pine-hardwood hills. Primitive.
Ozark — Sylamore Creek Dispersed
Informal riverside camps in the Sylamore district. Primitive.
Ozark — White Rock Mountain Roads
Ridgetop primitive sites near White Rock Mountain.
Ouachita — Iron Fork Lakeshore Pullouts
Small primitive pockets along Iron Fork drainage.
Ozark — Mulberry River Gravel Bars
Gravel bar camps along the Mulberry River. Seasonal access.
Ozark NF – Big Piney Roads
"Free dispersed camping around Ozark NF
Ozark – Richland Creek FS 1205
"Free dispersed camping at Ozark – Richland Creek FS 1205 in Arkansas. Waterfalls creeks and bluffs with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Richland Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Low-water crossings Arrive early
Ozark — Hurricane Creek Road
Remote forest-road clearings by Hurricane Creek. 4x4 recommended.
Albert Pike
Albert Pike is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 4.7 miles NW of Langley. It has approximately 54 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, laundry. Typical operating season: all year. Notes: closed indefinitely - flood 7/2010.
Bard Springs
Bard Springs is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 5.6 miles N of Athens. It has approximately 17 campsites. Reported amenities include vault toilets, laundry. Typical operating season: mid mar-mid nov.
Barkshed
Barkshed is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 12.7 miles NW of Mountain View. It has approximately 6 campsites.
Bayou Bluff
Bayou Bluff is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 10.9 miles NW of Jerusalem. It has approximately 28 campsites.
Beech Point
Beech Point is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 5.5 miles SE of Marianna. It has approximately 17 campsites.
Big Brushy
Big Brushy is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 5.8 miles NW of Pencil Bluff. It has approximately 9 campsites. Reported amenities include vault toilets. Typical operating season: all year.
Blanchard Springs
Blanchard Springs is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 3.1 miles E of Fifty Six. It has approximately 254 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, showers, laundry.
Brock Creek
Brock Creek is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 5.9 miles N of Jerusalem. It has approximately 6 campsites.
Charlton
Charlton is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 2.7 miles W of Crystal Springs. It has approximately 58 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, laundry.
Cove Lake Complex
Cove Lake Complex is a national forest campground in Arkansas, about 7.7 miles SE of Paris. It has approximately 96 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, restrooms, laundry. Typical operating season: early apr-late dec.
Ouachita — Fourche Mountain Road
High ridge dispersed pullouts; sweeping views; primitive.
Popular Camping Areas
- Ozark National Forest
- Ouachita National Forest
- Buffalo National River
- Mulberry River
Important Regulations
- 14-day camping limit
- Fire restrictions during dry periods
- Hunting seasons may affect access
Permits: Most national forest camping is free, some areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Arkansas
Arkansas offers excellent free camping in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains with pristine forests, clear streams, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Best Free Camping Areas in Arkansas
Arkansas offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, forests, rivers, lakes. The most popular areas include Ozark National Forest, Ouachita National Forest, Buffalo National River, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Arkansas for Camping
The best times for free camping in Arkansas are during spring, fall, winter. The state's humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Arkansas Camping Regulations
Before camping in Arkansas, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is free, some areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Arkansas typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, forests, rivers, lakes at your own pace.