EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING

Free Camping in Arkansas

25 No-Fee Sites 3 with Restroom 5 with Water

Arkansas's Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis national forests allow dispersed camping on most forest roads. The Upper Buffalo Wilderness in the Ozarks is the most popular backcountry camping area — the Buffalo National River corridor has both established sites and dispersed camping throughout. The Ouachita Trail runs 223 miles through the Ouachitas and has dispersed camping along its length. Arkansas dispersed camping is best spring and fall; summer humidity and chiggers make July-August camping uncomfortable below 1,000 feet.

No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →

Before You Go

Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water

Free Camping Sites in Arkansas

CRYSTAL
Restroom Water 65 sites

Developed campground amenities

📍 34.4799, 93.6380°W
HAW CREEK FALLS CG
Restroom Water 40 sites

Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a b…

📍 35.6774, 93.2562°W
JACK CREEK
Restroom Water 120 sites

Developed campground with picnic tables, grills, fire rings

📍 35.0339, 93.8485°W
Blanchard Springs Campgrounds
Water

Seventeen individual campsites and two group sites available. Water available. Sewage dump station available. Sites suitable for smaller RV's and tents. No elec…

📍 35.9728, 92.1776°W
Rush Campground
Water

Rush Campground has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Reservations are required to camp at Rush Campground through recreat…

📍 36.1227, 92.5504°W
Barkshed Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 36.0193, 92.2490°W
BLANCHARD SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

Overview Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is located in the scenic Ozark National Forest. The Ozark Mountains are known for beautiful "rolling" hills, hidden c…

📍 35.9744, 92.1772°W
BUFFALO POINT

Overview Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, provid…

📍 36.0854, 92.5657°W
Charlton Recreation Area

Overview Charlton Campground is located 17-miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270-West. This historic campground constructed by the Civilian …

📍 34.5168, 93.3818°W
Free Camping

Pashubbe Trailhead at the end of NF 6032 2.85 miles from U.S. 259 in the Ouachita National Forest, Kiamichi Ranger District. Site at the end of the road contain…

📍 34.6607, 94.6016°W
Free Camping

Ouachita National Forest, Kiamichi Ranger District, 6 miles east of Big Cedar, OK (junction of US 259 and OK 63) on OK 63. Turn left onto NF 6032. There a sever…

📍 34.6463, 94.5426°W
Gulpha Gorge Campground

Overview Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhou…

📍 34.5235, 93.0363°W
Gunner Pool Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.9944, 92.2123°W
Horsehead Lake Recreation Area

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.5645, 93.6396°W
LAKE WEDINGTON

Overview Lake Wedington beckons visitors of many types, those who come to relax and fish all day, those who come to speed along on bike paths or cruise on a boa…

📍 36.0917, 94.3708°W
Moccasin Gap

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.5734, 93.0686°W
Ozone Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.6714, 93.4503°W
Redding Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.6828, 93.7865°W
Richland Creek Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.7970, 92.9341°W
Shores Lake Recreation Area

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.6434, 93.9622°W
Sorghum Hollow

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.2603, 93.4714°W
Spring Creek Campground

Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, Arkansas. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no flu…

📍 36.0300, 92.5845°W
Spring Lake Recreation Area

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.1504, 93.4245°W
WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

Overview Experience nature and adventure at historic White Rock Mountain! This National Forest Recreation Area features three unique and rustic natural stone ca…

📍 35.6899, 93.9564°W
Wolf Pen Campground

Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…

📍 35.6754, 93.6307°W