Northwestern Arkansas camping/trail advise needed!

[adventure_is_necessary]

I am going on a solo trip next weekend in the NW part of Arkansas in the Ozark NF and Ouachita NF. I am traveling from central Kansas. Anyone recommend some good places to camp? I have 2 nights to plan for, and I plan on moving sites each night unless I find a premium site. Hoping to have a fire each night. I am also looking for some good roads and trails to cruise while I'm there. Thanks in advance for any advice you have!!

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Are you looking for formal campgrounds or dispersed sites?

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Are you looking for formal campgrounds or dispersed sites?

I'd prefer dispersed if possible. But I'm open to a more formal campground if they're cheap or free to stay at.

 

[RainGoat]

I love that area - the Karst topography is outstanding - but I haven’t been in decades. I remember the Buffalo River & Bull Shoals as being nice. Please post your finds (or I’d appreciate a DM) as my Mom is in KC & usually drives out to CO, UT or even here. I know there must be some good weekender spots down there.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

I love that area - the Karst topography is outstanding - but I haven’t been in decades. I remember the Buffalo River & Bull Shoals as being nice. Please post your finds (or I’d appreciate a DM) as my Mom is in KC & usually drives out to CO, UT or even here. I know there must be some good weekender spots down there.

I'll be sure to take a few photos, but I mainly plan on relaxing and putting out the fire that is caused me to be burnt out. There are a few spots all over the state to run trails and camp out. iOverlander has been most helpful finding potential spots to camp. Just hoping someone more local can shed some light on anything good that I don't know about. I've raced mountain bikes in the state so I know some, but I didn't have a ton of time to explore on race weekends.

 

[Boostpowered]

For dispersed camping in arkansas or oklahoma in ouachitas or ozarks you can camp pretty much anywhere within around 100ft of the service roads aka trails. Usually at the end of alot of trails there will be a fire ring someone else who has camped there already made those are usually the easiest.

 

[Wandering Yeti]

White rock mountain, byrds adventure center, wolf pen campground, redding Rec area, haw creek falls campground would all be good campsites. Redding and Byrd’s have running water.

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Lots of forest service rds and trails in the area. Definitely recommend eating at Oark Cafe. Most of the area has dispersed camping along the way

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Make sure to check the mvum maps

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

White rock mountain, byrds adventure center, wolf pen campground, redding Rec area, haw creek falls campground would all be good campsites. Redding and Byrd’s have running water. View attachment 128009View attachment 128010

Where is this at??

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Make sure to check the mvum maps

I've been plugging through the IVM (Interactive Visitor Map) per a suggestion from a friend. I have also downloaded the Avenza app since that's what the NFS suggested as well, but that's paid per map. Is there a good place near either NF to get a paper copy of the MVUM's for free???

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Where is this at??

White Rock Mt

 

[Wandering Yeti]

I've been plugging through the IVM (Interactive Visitor Map) per a suggestion from a friend. I have also downloaded the Avenza app since that's what the NFS suggested as well, but that's paid per map. Is there a good place near either NF to get a paper copy of the MVUM's for free???

There is a visitor center near Clarksville. Don’t remember exactly where. Should be googleable.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Any suggestions on some good roads/trails in the area to hit up in the Ozark NF? I've got about an 80 mile route from Cass to Deer that should take me through a lot of good mix area. Hoping to find some areas to test my rig a little.

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Any suggestions on some good roads/trails in the area to hit up in the Ozark NF? I've got about an 80 mile route from Cass to Deer that should take me through a lot of good mix area. Hoping to find some areas to test my rig a little.

There are some trails on the mvum off of white Rock mt. Near the top. Pin stripes are guaranteed though. Near Cass

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

There are some trails on the mvum off of white Rock mt. Near the top. Pin stripes are guaranteed though. Near Cass

I think that's where I've mapped out for the weekend. I have at least 100 miles of non-pavement to travel/explore from Cass to Deer.

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Also check out the trails at Byrd’s adventure center in between Cass and oark. The forest service roads need Byrd’s aren’t bad either.

 

[Wandering Yeti]

Also check out the trails at Byrd’s adventure center in between Cass and oark. The forest service roads need Byrd’s aren’t bad either.

Near Byrd’s

 

[Wandering Yeti]

FS Rd 1405 between hwy 21 and 12 has at least 3 water crossings and some decent rocks to crawl over. East of oark, comes out just south of Haw creek falls

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

FS Rd 1405 between hwy 21 and 12 has at least 3 water crossings and some decent rocks to crawl over. East of oark, comes out just south of Haw creek falls

I've got this one on the map now. Looks like it'll intersect with my current route. Looks promising. I better bring my water shoes with all the water I'll be going through this weekend. Thanks!