Free Camping in Arkansas
Arkansas has 16 free camping spots in the Camphive database. Every listing on this page has a $0 fee. Most are dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests; some are no-fee developed campgrounds. The highest-rated are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1-10 scenic rating, and every listing links to a full page with location and details.
Back to all campgrounds in Arkansas.
Top free camping spots in Arkansas
- Ozark Campground — Ozark Campground · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Buffalo National River — AR - Harrison · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Steel Creek Campground — Steel Creek Campground · Free · Vistas 7.2
- TYLER BEND CAMPGROUND — TYLER BEND CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7
- BUFFALO POINT — BUFFALO POINT · Free · Vistas 6.7
- JOPLIN — JOPLIN · Free · Vistas 6.7
- HIGHWAY 125 PARK BULL SHOALS — HIGHWAY 125 PARK BULL SHOALS · Free · Vistas 6.5
- OLD HIGHWAY 25 — OLD HIGHWAY 25 · Free · Vistas 6.5
- Blue Ridge Park — Blue Ridge Park · Free · Vistas 6.3
- DAM SITE(GREERS FERRY) — DAM SITE(GREERS FERRY) · Free · Vistas 6.2
- JOHN F KENNEDY — JOHN F KENNEDY · Free · Vistas 6.2
- COWHIDE COVE — COWHIDE COVE · Free · Vistas 6.2
- PARKER CREEK — PARKER CREEK · Free · Vistas 5.8
- Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) — Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake) · Free · Vistas 5.4
- KIRBY LANDING — KIRBY LANDING · Free · Vistas 5
- Poteau/Cold Springs Ranger District — Poteau/Cold Springs Ranger District · Free · Vistas 5
Open the interactive Arkansas camping map on Camphive to browse all 16 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
Arkansas camping FAQ
Is camping really free in Arkansas?
Yes. Every spot on this page lists a $0 fee: mostly dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests, plus some no-fee developed campgrounds. Rules can change seasonally, so confirm with the managing agency linked on each spot's detail page before you go.
How long can you camp for free in Arkansas?
On most BLM and national forest land the limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location, after which you must move. Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.
What should I expect at a free campsite in Arkansas?
Most free sites are primitive: no water, no trash service, and often no toilets. Pack in your water, pack out your trash, check fire restrictions, and download an offline map since many of these spots have no cell coverage.
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