Pack It In Pack It Out
Finally, when youre camping, take hold of this motto and never let it go Leave No Trace. When you go to leave, make it look as though you were never there. Take care of nature. Know that others want to enjoy this slice of camping happiness just as much as you. Leave no Trace means leave nothing behind. Pick up that trash, and take it with you, every last piece. Come up with creative ways to hang your hammock and hang your lantern, besides hammering things into trees.
Why Camping? Why Break Away from It All?
John Muir says it best
Keep close to Natures heart and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.
North Carolina National Forests
There is no doubt, North Carolina is one of the best states on the East Coast, particularly when it comes to the states western corner.
Not only home to a good portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the majority of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests offer plenty of opportunity for free camping in an eastern, deciduous setting where, particularly in the fall, the forest burns to life with every hue autumn can offer.
In the Nantahala, if youre okay in a tent, Santeetlah Lake is magestic. Otherwise, Magazine Branch is a go for RVs.
When it comes to Pisgah National Forest, just about any spot will do you right. We recommend checking out towns like Brevard, Waynesville, Bryson City, Black Mountain . We love this area so much, we decided to slow down here for a few months to have our third child in Asheville, easily the coolest town east of the Rockies.
On the coastal side of North Carolina, Croatan National Forest offers some free camping as well.
Devils Den State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper John F.
This state park, located in Lee Creek Valley on Devil Lake in between Fayetteville and Fort Smith, is littered with sandstone bluffs, ravines, and caves. The lake itself is eight acres of beautiful clear waters, and Devils Den State Park has over 20 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Amenities include walk-in tent sites, camping spots, RV sites, and cabins. There is a seasonal cafe and pool, and the waterfalls are not to be missed.
When you think of a campsite that has it all, this one is it. Its got your water source, trails, big boulders to climb, caves.
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Camping Arkansas State Park
Whitney Mountain Lodge ~ Lake View Hotel & Event Venue in Northwest Arkansas. Only 20 minutes from Rogers or Bentonville, with close proximity to Bella Vista and Rogers, AR. This beautiful events facility is one of the best outdoor wedding sites in the entire region. Being the highest point in Benton County, our unequaled view of the lake and. Though there are many to choose from, here are some not-to-miss hidden gems and Arkansas classics. 1. Pam’s Grotto Falls. Pam’s Grotto Falls is only a half-mile hike from the Haw Creek Campground. Kerry. This lesser known waterfall is just a half-mile hike from the Haw Creek Campground in the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, a notable. Both RV and tent camping are permitted, and there are several cabins available for rent. Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Home games are played at Arvest Ballpark in.
Dispersed Camping In Minnesota State Forests
Dispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests. Dispersed camping is different from camping in a designated campground. It is a wilderness experience for campers who enjoy camping far from others and do not need any amenities.
- There are no amenities. No bathroom, pit toilet, water pump, fire grate, trashcan, or picnic table.
- State forest maps are a great guide many are available as downloadable geopdfs.
- No fee. First-come, first-served.
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New Mexico National Forests
Total National Forest Acreage: ~9 million
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Despite calling itself the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is a tragically underrated state where the secret to finding said enchantment is to stay off of the freeway towns and explore its many national forests.
The Gila National Forest is a personal favorite, particularly the whirlwind juniper drive through US 180, options like the lonesome, wide-open Cattleman Trail will introduce you to the elusive Continental Divide Trail hiker and just get out there, youll dig itApache Creek are some of the highlights. Cosmic Campground is a designated dark sky sanctuary, but there doesnt tend to be a lot of light bleeding into any campsite in Gila National Forest. Silver City is the anchor town here, a more laid-back, small town version of artsy New Mexican villages like Santa Fe and Taos.
Speaking of Santa Fe, the national forest surrounding it, and by the same name, is home to a handful of gems of its own. Camp along the Rio Chama in dark seclusion, camp in the aspens and get a sweeping view from Big Tesuque, or just get yourself some alone time along colorful Forest Road 88.
White River Launch Dispersed Camping
You can expect a feeling of solitude at White River Launch broken only by people occasionally driving by to use the boat launch. You can still hear the highway in the distance, but this pretty area has a few secluded spots near the water. The road is mostly gravel but dirt in some places. Theres a truck stop nearby for supplies, and it has a dump station.
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Crawford State Park Co
169 RV rentals
Anchored by a cobalt blue reservoir, Crawford State Park is a haven for boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts. The 700-acre park has been welcoming visitors for decades and boasts some of the best swimming beaches in Colorado. When you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, hit the scenic hiking trails or enjoy a picnic on the shoreline.
Planning a getaway to Colorado? Book an RV in Delta County and you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore the Centennial State at your own pace. To the south, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park beckons with sheer gorges, a rumbling river, and some of the steepest cliffs in the United States. You’re also a stone’s throw from the stunning Blue
The Ozark National Forest
The park spreads out over an astounding 1.2 million acres across the Ozark Mountains. The park boasts the states tallest mountain, Mount Magazine, and the Blanchard Springs Caverns. There are a variety of camping options along the river or lake and at the mountain campgrounds. The campsite at Lake Wedington is open from May to October.
A bit further afield at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Cove Lake, the campgrounds are available all year round. If you fancy roughing it a bit, there are five wilderness areas with primitive campgrounds and no facilities. Upper Buffalo, Hurricane Creek, Richland Creek, East Fork, and Leatherwood Wilderness Areas all have beautiful secluded campsites, each with unique natural features.
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Lake Dardanelle State Park Ar
151 RV rentals
Northcentral Arkansas is a delightful place to visit when you are exploring various state park RV campgrounds. After you search for an RV in Pope County, which is in north-central Arkansas, it will be easy to head to Lake Dardanelle State Park to stay a night, three, or more. This state park rests on the shores of Lake Dardanelle, a massive 34,000-acre reservoir that is fed by the Arkansas River.
The park is home to a massive visitors center that overlooks the lake, and guests at Lake Dardanelle State Park, will find many exciting features in this 10,000 square foot building. While camping at Lake Dardanelle State Park youll be able to easily access a lot of the cities
Big Sugar Creek State Park Ar
193 RV rentals
Set in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Big Sugar Creek State Park protects a wonderland of oak and pine woodlands. It occupies more than 2,000 acres in the picturesque Elk Hills region of Southwest Missouri and offers a bevy of outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to fishing and birdwatching. Nature enthusiasts will love the diversity, with the chance to spot rare Ozark Chinquapin oaks, armadillos, and other unique flora and fauna.
Craving a dose of fresh air and mountain scenery? Book an RV in McDonald County and you can explore Big Sugar Creek State Park at your own pace. You’ll find RV rentals for every occasion, budget, and style. With a home on wheels, you’ll have the freedom
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Is There Blm Land In Arkansas
Boondockers who have spent time out west are surely familiar with Bureau of Land Management lands. The BLM owns and maintains millions of acres of public lands, and much of it is open for free camping. Most of the acreage is in various western states, including Alaska. The BLM doesnt oversee any land in Arkansas.
The good news is that another federal agency, the U.S. Forest Service, does. Youll see that our list of the 10 best free camping spots in Arkansas includes lots of forest lands. The states wildlife management agency, the Game and Fish Commission, oversees some of the lands. So does the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Wildlife You May Encounter
Arkansas has abundant wildlife, and the National Forest is no exception.
I’ve been told by one of the locals that this is bear country, but we have yet to see a bear.
Other wildlife you may encounter, anywhere in the Ozark National Forest, include the following:
- Snakes including venomous snakes.
- Spiders including black widow, brown recluse and wolf spiders.
- Insects Ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, bees, etc.
- Possums
- Nature Study
- And so much more
You may even want to spend an afternoon at Blanchard Springs Caverns. Or go enjoy a burger at the Oark General Store.
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How To Find Free Camping In Arkansas
Word of mouth is one way to find out about free camping spots, but there are many online resources, as well. In fact, it seems like there are more and more of them all the time. Some of the more reliable websites and apps include Allstays, Campendium, FreeCampsites, FreeRoam, and The Dyrt.
The ones with first-hand reviews from users are especially helpful. You can learn what to expect, what to avoid, and more from real peoples actual experiences. Recreation.gov also has a listing of all federal government lands. Its extremely useful but not interactive like most apps.
Pro Tip:You can find camping all across the country with these 7 free camping apps.
Public Arkansas Rv Camping
Public Arkansas RV camping is available at National Park Service , USDA Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer primitive to full RV hookup campsites. The following list are just samples of the public Arkansas RV camping locations available.
RV camping is allowed at the Gulpha Gorge Campground in Hot Springs National Park year round. This National Park was established as a reserve 40 years before Yellowstone, and is the oldest public lands in the National Park System. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, biking, camping, and bird watching.
RV camping is available North of Langley at the Ouachita National Forest Albert Pike Campground. This campground has RV hookups as well as traditional US Forest Service amenity campsites that include fire ring and picnic table. Editors Note This campground is closed due to flooding and has been for several years. It may not reopen.
A popular area for RV camping as well as other outdoor recreation activities can be found at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Located on top of the second highest mountain in Arkansas, this is a popular park for it’s scenery alone.
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Free Camping At Army Corps Of Engineers Sites In Arkansas
In the southwestern corner of the state, near Lake Greeson, the Army Corp of Engineers has provided five free camping areas to those interested in aquatic endeavors and outdoor life. Unlike most COE campgrounds, these spots don’t have water and electric immediately at your site , but they are completely free. Laurel Creek is just one example of a place you can find well-manicured, free camping in this area.
The sites mentioned above near Lake Ouachita are also technically COE sites, as well. River Ridge is yet another free set of campsites provided by the Army Corp of Engineers, along the Arkansas River. Further east, near I-55 and cozying up to the banks of Enid Lake, Long Branch is another option.
Beyond these areas, county parks and Walmart parking lots, casinos and Cracker Barrels provide free camping, any of which is easy to find with Campendium. There’s even a state parkHobbs State Park by namethat provides free camping, as long as you’re in a tent.
Things To Know Before You Go
Before you head out for a fun few days of free camping in Arkansas, here are some things to remember, as well as suggestions for supplies you may need.
- Some forest roads can be quite rocky and rough, so use caution and good judgment when deciding which roads to take.
- Weather can change on a dime, so be prepared for any and all weather situations that may arise.
- There are no bathrooms. You’ll need to carry your own portable toilet or shovel. You may even want to pack along a camping shower.
- Take your own drinking water, and pack any snacks or food you need for the trip, along with cooking gear.
- Pack a first aid kit. On that same note, know where you last lost cell coverage and where the nearest hospital is, in case something happens.
- If it’s general camping supplies you need, use our camping checklist for packing. It’ll ensure you have everything you need for your trip.
- Be sure to take your camera and/or your binoculars!
- Finally, leave no trace! Pack out what you pack in.
The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is a wonderful place to step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy a little time in the great outdoors. Hope to see you out there!
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Where To Camp In Arkansas
Arkansas National Forests and wilderness areas are a great place to start, including both the Ouachita National Forest and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Some campsites are walk-in only, used by backpackers. However, if youre driving, side roads off of main roads are where to look for established, roadside, dispersed campsites with already existing fire rings. For example, a gravel road that travels away from a main road in the National Forest Youll likely find campsites in such areas. For off-roaders and ATV riders, the Devils Den area has been a place for dispersed camping . A word of caution, though: You do need to watch for Private Property and No Trespassing signs even in the National Forests, and make sure youre not camping on someones private property.
Where Is The Ozark National Forest
The Ozark National Forest is located mostly in Northwest Arkansas, but part of it extends along the Arkansas River Valley to meet the Ouachita Mountains in the south.
It covers more than one million acres and was established in March of 1908.
This forest is home to a handful of National Scenic Byways, as well as wilderness areas, lakes, streams, and trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, etc.
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Arrowhead State Park Ok
124 RV rentals
Arrowhead State Park is located in eastern Oklahoma, equal distance from the cities of Tulsa, OK and Fort Smith, AR. The state park lies on a peninsula jutting out on to Eufaula Lake, one of the largest lakes in all of Oklahoma. The park was constructed in 1965 and acts as a camping retreat for campers who wish to enjoy all the bounties Eufaula Lake has to offer. Arrowhead State Park’s nearly one hundred RV camping sites makes it an ideal location to bring an RV rental for a weekend or so. Accessing the lake with a rental RV is made simpler with Highway 69 running from the town of Checotah, OK right down past Arrowhead State Park.
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Bernice State Park Ok
204 RV rentals
Make your way to Bernice State Park for a motorhome camping trip with the family. Located in the state of Oklahoma at the northwestern corner of the Grand Lake, Bernice State Park is a great getaway where outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in scenic natural surroundings. Located in the town of Bernice, the state park is about 21 miles from the city of Miami, and renting an RV is a convenient way of getting around. You will find a huge selection of RV rentals in Delaware County to help you explore all the area has to offer.
A terrific lakefront destination, Bernice State Park offers a range of exciting outdoor recreation. The biggest attraction of the 88-acre state park
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