One of the greatest summer activities? Pitching a tent and losing yourself in nature for a few days. If you’re in the mood to slow down and explore all the wonders The Natural State has to offer (especially before school starts), we’ve got you covered.
Here are six free campsites that make roughing it well worth it.
Buffalo River National Park
Drive time: 2 hours
If you’re not afraid of a little primitive camping, then the Buffalo River National Park is just the place. The area offers multiple campgrounds with access to bathrooms and running water for a fee, but folks are welcome to backcountry camp for free anywhere in the park as long as it’s not on a historic site or close to private property.
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
Drive time: 22 minutes
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA is open year-round with 35 campsites. There’s no running water, toilets or electricity, but you’re less than 10 minutes from Bald Knob with access to many different types of eateries and small grocery stores. Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole.
Rock Creek Lake Greeson
Drive time: 2 hours
Rock Creek is another great campsite for fishers. With 14 campsites available year-round, the area is tucked away by a lake with plenty of access to wildlife. There are also vaulted toilets at this campground.
Falling Water Creek Campsite
Drive time: 2 hours
Falling Water Creek campsite is located in the heart of the Ozark National Forest. The campsite is just 50 feet from the creek and pets are welcome. Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ozark National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise.
Sam’s Throne Recreation Area
Drive time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Sam’s Throne is an oasis for rock climbers, but the free high-elevation campsite is also a tempting draw. The spot features six primitive campsites with vaulted toilets and no running water. Just a short walk down the hiking trail offers campers sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains.
Erbie Campground
Drive time: 2 hours and 42 minutes
This free campground is located seven miles down a gravel road off of Highway 7 north of Jasper. The campground has 14 drive-in campsites and two walk-in campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. Group sites are first-come, first-served, while sites two, three and four can be reserved by calling the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870.439.2502.
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