The Ouachita National Forest is a vast and beautiful landscape, covering over 1.8 million acres in Arkansas and Oklahoma. It offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, from camping to fishing to hiking and more. One of the most popular ways to experience the forest is through dispersed camping, which allows visitors to camp for free in designated areas outside of developed campgrounds.
Dispersed camping can be a great way to immerse yourself in nature without having to worry about fees or reservations. It’s also a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, as dispersed campsites are often quite remote. But it’s important to remember that dispersed camping comes with certain responsibilities, such as adhering to Leave No Trace principles and being aware of any potential hazards.
When it comes to finding a place for dispersed camping in Ouachita National Forest, there are several options available. One popular spot is the Winding Stair Mountain area, which features over 50 miles of hiking trails and plenty of secluded campsites.
Other popular sites include Wolf Pen Gap Campground near Mena, Arkansas; the Upper Kiamichi River area near Broken Bow, Oklahoma; and the Upper Ouachita area near Hot Springs, Arkansas. All these areas offer beautiful scenery and plenty of room for camping without having to worry about crowds or fees.
In addition to these spots, there are numerous other locations throughout Ouachita National Forest where you can find dispersed camping sites. To help you locate them all, the US Forest Service publishes a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that lists all designated routes where off-road vehicles are allowed—which includes dispersed campgrounds as well as roads and trails for other outdoor activities such as hunting and mountain biking. The MVUM is free and can be obtained at any USFS office or online at http://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/.
In conclusion, dispersed camping in Ouachita National Forest is a great way to experience its beauty without having to worry about fees or crowds. There are several popular spots where you can find secluded campsites, but there are also numerous other locations throughout the forest that may not be as well-known but still offer great opportunities for getting away from it all for a few days or longer. By using resources like the MVUM or talking with local rangers at USFS offices you’ll be able to find just what you’re looking for when it comes time for your next outdoor adventure in this majestic forest!
Where Is Dispersed Camp in Ouachita National Forest? Dispersed campsites within Ouachita National Forest can be found throughout the entire 1.8 million acre landscape that makes up this beautiful forest – some popular spots include Winding Stair Mountain area, Wolf Pen Gap Campground near Mena Arkansas; Upper Kiamichi River area near Broken Bow Oklahoma; and Upper Ouachita area near Hot Springs Arkansas – but they can also be found by using resources like the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) available from US Forest Service offices or online at http://www .fs .fed .
