Camping is a very popular activity in Arkansas. I love our state parks and Corp of Engineers campgrounds but another type of camping to explore are the FREE camping areas Arkansas offers. You will find many of these free campsites in the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests.
These camp areas are usually more primitive. However, some of them do offer amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and trash service.
These free camping areas in Arkansas are loved because of their scenic locations and quiet surroundings. Many of these camp areas also have some of the most BEAUTIFUL Hiking Trails in Arkansas.
FREE Camping in Arkansas
There are many great free camping areas in Arkansas that you will love!
Free Camping Near Hot Springs, Arkansas
You will find at least five free camping areas near Hot Springs, Arkansas.
These campgrounds are in the Ouachita National Forest and several of them are along the shores of Lake Ouachita!
Camp areas like Cedar Fourche, Rabbit Tail Primitive Camping, and Avant have no restrooms but they do offer trash service.
Buckville Primitive Camping has vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, and a boat ramp.
For more free camp areas and locations (including where to find a nearby dump station), read: FREE Camping Near Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Keep in mind that car camping in Arkansas is also permitted! So, whether you camp in your car, cargo trailer, tent, or RV, you are welcome here. And, if you’re one of those cool people in a converted ProMaster, I’d love to meet you!
Don’t forget to check a few things off our EPIC Arkansas Bucket List while you’re here!
Free and Cheap Camping in Northwest Arkansas
Just like the Hot Springs Area, Northwest Arkansas also offers a good amount of free (and cheap) camping.
For some of the BEST free camping in Arkansas, head on over to the Lee Creek Dispersed Campsite in Chester, AR.
This is a free campsite that is open 365 days a year. There are about 10 campsites at this location with fire rings built by other campers.
Also in Northwest Arkansas is River Ridge on Ozark Lake. This is also a free camping area.
A favorite for many backcountry campers is Erbie Campground near Harrison, Arkansas. All campsites here are first-come/first-served. There is a vault toilet but you won’t find electric hookups, running water, or a dump station here.
For more information and locations, read: FREE and Cheap Camping in Northwest Arkansas.
Don’t miss: Is there BLM land in Arkansas?
Free Camping on DeGray Lake
Believe it or not but there is only one place for FREE camping on DeGray Lake. Lenox Marcus Recreation Area is a beautiful camp area that is also a well kept secret. You won’t want to miss this one!
Get full details and location here: FREE Camping on DeGray Lake in Arkansas.
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