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If you’re yearning for a peaceful escape tucked away in the heart of nature, Southern Arkansas offers some of the most secluded towns perfect for a quiet retreat or even a permanent move.
These hidden gems provide a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by forests, rivers, and rolling hills, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Each town has its unique charm and character, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures.
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From tiny hamlets with rich histories to communities nestled at the foot of the Ouachita Mountains, these places promise solitude and serenity. Join us as we count down 25 of the most secluded towns in Southern Arkansas that you might not have heard of but are definitely worth exploring.
25. Calion
Calion is a peaceful town of fewer than 500 residents, resting beside the winding Ouachita River. The hum of daily life here is slow and soft—just the whisper of wind through pine trees and the occasional splash of a boat on the water.
What makes Calion feel so hidden is the landscape itself: a tangle of bayous, forested banks, and still backwaters. It’s a place where you can cast a line, read on the porch, or simply listen to the quiet.
Fishing and river life anchor the town, and nearby trails along the water make it a haven for birdwatchers and anyone craving a slow day outdoors.
Where is Calion?
Calion is located in Union County, about 10 miles northwest of El Dorado along U.S. Highway 167. It’s hemmed in by thick pine forest and swampy lowlands that shield it from the faster pace nearby.
Access comes via a rural highway that runs parallel to the Ouachita River, delivering visitors into the heart of stillness.
24. Bluff City
Bluff City is a hidden treasure cradled by White Oak Lake and endless stretches of timberland. With barely 100 residents, it’s more a patchwork of homesteads and cabins than a town—perfect for anyone seeking deep solitude.
The town’s isolation comes from its place amid tall woods and winding backroads, where GPS signals waver and time seems to stretch. I find the silence here almost meditative.
Outdoor lovers can hike, fish, or picnic at nearby White Oak Lake State Park, just minutes away yet somehow equally undisturbed.
Where is Bluff City?
Bluff City lies in southern Nevada County, about 30 miles southeast of Arkadelphia. The journey there winds through hardwood forest and rural pasture, with only the occasional road sign to guide the way.
It’s the kind of place you stumble upon slowly, and once you do, you don’t want to leave.
23. Louann
Louann is a tiny patch of quiet nestled in the southern edge of Ouachita County, where the days move like syrup and the nights are filled with crickets and stars. With just over 150 residents and no major roads to cut through the calm, Louann feels less like a town and more like a forgotten song still humming in the hills.
Its seclusion is shaped by space—surrounded by dense forests and backroads, you won’t hear traffic or see billboards here. It’s a town where you wake to birdsong, wave to everyone you pass, and find peace in the stillness between each passing day.
The nearby Ouachita River offers opportunities to fish or paddle, and the area’s old pine groves give way to quiet trails perfect for wandering. Louann doesn’t shout—it whispers, gently, and only to those who know where to listen.
Where is Louann?
Louann is located in Ouachita County, about 20 miles southeast of Camden and tucked between Bearden and Smackover. It’s accessible via Highway 376, though you’ll likely lose cell service before you see the city limit sign.
Winding through woods and fields, the road to Louann feels like a slow unraveling—by the time you arrive, the outside world has already begun to fade.
22. Leola
Leola sits in a quiet corner of Grant County, where the land flattens into farmland and pine groves, and the town itself feels like a well-kept secret. With fewer than 500 residents, it’s the kind of place where days feel long, neighbors wave from their porches, and every yard seems to bloom with its own quiet story.
What makes Leola truly secluded is how little it asks of the world. It’s miles from interstates, surrounded by rural backroads and farmland, and largely untouched by commercial sprawl. In a landscape that’s mostly sky and trees, Leola sits soft and still.
Nearby Jenkins’ Ferry State Park offers scenic trails and civil war history, and the surrounding woods make for beautiful seasonal drives. But the real attraction is the gentle way of life—simple, slow, and soulful.
Where is Leola?
Leola is located about 30 miles southeast of Benton, nestled in the southern stretch of Grant County. You’ll reach it via Highway 46, passing cattle fields and long stands of pine.
There’s a feeling as you approach that the road is taking you somewhere far away—and it is.
21. Laneburg
Laneburg isn’t loud, or large, or lit up. It’s quiet in a way that feels sacred, with open fields rolling into tree lines and a few homes scattered across the landscape like thoughts on a page. There’s no business district here, no bustle—just space and sky.
Its secluded feeling comes from more than just its rural location. The air feels different here, as if the land is gently holding its breath. Roads curve slowly through tall grass and pine thickets, and at night, the stars pour in like a forgotten song.
You won’t find attractions or activities on a map, but the simplicity is its own draw. The reward is space—mental, emotional, and physical—to just be.
Where is Laneburg?
Laneburg lies in central Nevada County, southwest of Prescott and east of Rosston. It’s reachable via Highway 371, but there are few markers to guide the way.
The road there feels like a retreat in itself, framed by open pasture and wide southern sky.
20. Blevins
Blevins is a place where time stretches its legs. With a population of just under 300, the town offers the kind of space and slowness that modern life rarely allows. You’ll see laundry on the line, hear screen doors closing softly, and feel something in the air that says: there’s no need to rush.
Set in gentle farmland and pine groves, Blevins is far enough from anything fast to let you breathe. Its pace is set by the seasons and the quiet work of daily life—farming, family, and the kind of neighborliness that feels like something out of a storybook.
There’s nothing flashy here, but the calm is real. This is where the noise ends, and living begins.
Where is Blevins?
Blevins is located in Hempstead County, along Highway 371 northwest of Hope. It sits between soft hills and stretches of open farmland, well away from the current of bigger towns.
The road there winds gently, and with each mile, the world grows quieter.
19. Friendship
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Friendship is nestled near the Ouachita Mountains, where the land rises in soft waves and the woods grow thick with hush. With fewer than 200 people and just a few blocks of homes and streets, it’s the kind of town that you could pass without noticing—unless you’re paying attention to silence.
Its seclusion is part topography, part spirit. Tucked between hills and rivers, it’s shielded from noise and busyness by the natural world itself. The people here live slow, and the land encourages them to do so.
Take a walk through the old streets, drive beneath the oaks, or simply sit and watch the sky change. In Friendship, the world feels generous with its quiet.
Where is Friendship?
Friendship is in Hot Spring County, about 10 miles west of Arkadelphia, just off Highway 8. Though not far from Interstate 30, the terrain and forest buffer it like a protective shell.
You’ll feel the difference as soon as you leave the main road—the hum disappears, and the hush arrives.
18. Huttig
Huttig sits near the Louisiana border like a town lost to time. Once a hub for the timber industry, it’s now a whisper of its former self, with abandoned tracks, quiet homes, and forests slowly reclaiming the land. The stillness here is not empty—it’s full of history, air, and space to think.
The town’s isolation is shaped by its geography—dense pine woods, sluggish bayous, and a long drive from any sizable city. There’s a kind of reverence here, the kind that comes from the land having outlasted the noise.
There are no real attractions, and that’s the point. Huttig offers the kind of quiet you can’t schedule. You simply show up, and it meets you.
Where is Huttig?
Huttig is in Union County, in the southeastern corner of the state. It lies about 30 miles southeast of El Dorado, nestled off rural roads near the state line.
The drive is long, winding, and entirely worth it for the sense of arrival that waits at the end.
17. Rosston
Rosston is more pasture than pavement, more breeze than bustle. With a few hundred residents and no rush to speak of, the town feels spread out—like a thought whispered across open fields.
Its seclusion is both literal and emotional. Far from any urban center, and without any through-traffic, it exists quietly in its own world. The daily rhythm is steady, unbroken, and slow.
You won’t find festivals or guided tours. But you might find yourself, out under a big sky with nothing but wind and time for company.
Where is Rosston?
Rosston is located in central Nevada County, southwest of Prescott along Highway 278. It’s surrounded by farmland, woodlots, and long stretches of road where the only sound is your own tires on gravel.
The journey is calm, and the silence that greets you is complete.
16. Thornton
Thornton is an old timber town where the trains still pass, but no one’s in a hurry. The town is small—fewer than 500 people—and its quiet streets hold a kind of tired dignity, like a place that has seen much and now asks for little.
Its remoteness is both physical and cultural. Set between stretches of pine forest, it feels tucked into its own memory, where life still centers on family, faith, and fields.
There’s a city park, some tidy homes, and trees taller than most rooftops. The air smells of earth and stillness.
Where is Thornton?
Thornton is located in Calhoun County, about 25 miles north of Camden along U.S. Highway 79. Though the highway runs through it, the town remains deeply insulated from the wider world.
Surrounded by trees and flanked by farmland, it’s the kind of place where quiet is part of the landscape.
15. McCaskill
McCaskill is a town in miniature—just a few homes, some fields, and more sky than most people are used to. With fewer than 100 residents, it offers a deep quiet that can only be found in places this small and this loved.
It’s removed from the usual roads, without commercial sprawl or the hum of traffic. What you get instead is sunrise over hay bales, dirt roads leading nowhere in particular, and the kind of sleep that only comes when there’s nothing to worry about.
There are no events, no crowds, no headlines. Just the gift of stillness.
Where is McCaskill?
McCaskill lies in northern Hempstead County, about 20 miles northeast of Hope. It’s reached by small county roads that wind past pastures, silos, and tall grass.
When you get there, you’ll feel it: a town so quiet, it almost disappears into the land.
14. Mount Holly
Mount Holly is the kind of place where the past seems to hang in the air like morning mist. With fewer than 150 residents, it feels suspended in time—surrounded by old cemeteries, shaded country roads, and oak trees that have seen generations come and go. There’s a sense of reverence in the stillness here, like the land itself remembers.
What makes Mount Holly so secluded is the way it sits quietly amid vast pine forests and deep hollows, far from busy towns or loud highways. Life unfolds at a slow pace: a dog barking in the distance, a tractor rumbling by, a neighbor’s wave from across the field.
While there’s little to do in the way of attractions, the peace is a draw of its own. You might spend an afternoon visiting the storied Mount Holly Cemetery or walking beneath the canopy of trees—letting the quiet work its way into your bones.
Where is Mount Holly?
Mount Holly is located in Union County, about 20 miles northeast of El Dorado. It’s reached by rural roads that wind through forests and farmland, growing quieter with each passing mile.
Surrounded by woods and whispers of history, Mount Holly offers the kind of stillness that feels earned—a retreat into the very heart of southern solitude.
13. Harrell
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Harrell sits quietly in the bottom corner of Calhoun County, a place where gravel roads outnumber paved ones and the breeze carries the scent of pine and still water. With fewer than 250 residents, it hums with the kind of stillness that’s hard to come by—unrushed, unbothered, and deeply rooted in the land around it.
Its seclusion comes naturally. Forest wraps around Harrell like a shawl, and long stretches of unbroken timberland keep it buffered from the wider world. There’s no chain store here, no fast lane—just porch swings, the slow turn of seasons, and lives measured in gardens, Sunday dinners, and shared stories.
Locals find their joy in the little things: walking a dog beneath towering trees, fishing in nearby creeks, or watching deer cross the road in the early morning fog. Harrell doesn’t try to impress—it invites you to slow down and simply belong.
Where is Harrell?
Harrell is located in Calhoun County, about 20 miles south of Hampton along Highway 160. The road there is flanked by tall pines and deep stillness, the kind that deepens the further you go.
Its place on the map is modest, but its distance from noise and rush makes it one of the South’s truest hidden corners.
12. Lisbon
Lisbon isn’t so much a town as it is a memory stitched into forest. The houses are scattered. The people are few. The quiet? Complete.
Its rhythm is old and slow, more wind than Wi-Fi, more pine needle than pavement.
Where is Lisbon?
Lisbon lies in southwestern Union County, tucked between Strong and Huttig. It’s reached only by narrow county roads that meander through vast woods and over gentle hills.
You won’t pass through Lisbon by accident—you have to go looking for it.
11. Ivan
Ivan is the kind of place where the woods outnumber the people and every road feels like it leads into a dream. With no stoplights and just a handful of homes, it floats between farmland and forest like a quiet breath.
Its seclusion is rooted in distance—from interstates, from noise, from time. What remains is simple: old mailboxes, long gravel drives, and skies that feel impossibly wide.
There’s peace here for those who seek it. The kind that stretches out, unbothered, under the trees.
Where is Ivan?
Ivan is in northern Dallas County, between Fordyce and Sheridan along U.S. Highway 167. Though it sits on a highway, the surrounding woods and low traffic make it feel worlds away.
The journey winds through quiet pine country, where towns get smaller, and the hush grows deeper with each passing mile.
10. Hermitage
Hermitage, with a population of around 400 people, is a peaceful rural town that epitomizes small-town charm. I find that one of the joys of Hermitage is exploring the local natural surroundings, such as the nearby Saline River, which offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Agriculture is a mainstay here, particularly tomato farming, and the town celebrates this with the annual Hermitage Tomato Festival, a delightful community event.
What makes Hermitage truly secluded is its low population density and abundance of natural surroundings, providing residents with ample privacy and a quiet living experience.
The town has minimal commercial development, which adds to its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking a slower pace of life. With spacious properties and friendly neighbors, Hermitage feels like a hidden sanctuary tucked away in Southern Arkansas.
Where is Hermitage?
Located in Bradley County, Hermitage sits in the southeastern part of Arkansas, about 10 miles north of the Louisiana border. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding dense forests and agricultural lands that create a natural buffer from larger cities and busy highways.
To get there, I usually take Highway 63, which connects Hermitage to nearby towns like Warren and Pine Bluff, yet the roads are quiet and traffic is minimal. The town’s remote location makes it a perfect getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
9. Stamps
Stamps, home to approximately 1,600 residents, is a quaint town that offers a serene lifestyle amidst Southern Arkansas’s natural beauty. One of my favorite spots here is Lake June, a quiet lake perfect for fishing and picnicking, surrounded by lush forests teeming with wildlife.
The town doesn’t have heavy industry; instead, it thrives on agriculture and small businesses, contributing to its laid-back atmosphere. What sets Stamps apart is its minimal traffic and development, with wide-open spaces and a close-knit community that values peace and quiet.
The abundance of tree-lined streets and the absence of urban noise make it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. I appreciate how the town’s setting among lakes and forests provides countless opportunities for outdoor activities while maintaining a quiet, secluded feel.
Where is Stamps?
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Nestled in Lafayette County, Stamps is situated in the southwestern corner of Arkansas, near the Louisiana border. The town’s seclusion comes from its distance from major highways and urban centers, enveloped by expansive forests and rural landscapes.
To reach Stamps, I usually take State Highway 53 or 82, which wind through picturesque countryside and small communities. The journey itself feels like a retreat, and upon arrival, the tranquil environment of Stamps makes it well worth the trip.
8. Reader
Reader is an unincorporated community with a population of around 70 people, straddling the counties of Nevada and Ouachita. This tiny haven offers a tranquil setting away from commercial zones, making it perfect for those who crave solitude.
I love the spaciousness here, with large lot sizes that provide plenty of room for privacy and outdoor activities like gardening or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. With no major industries, life in Reader revolves around family, community, and the natural surroundings.
It’s this lack of commercial development and minimal population that makes Reader exceptionally secluded. The area is rich with forests and wildlife, providing a serene backdrop for those who wish to live close to nature.
Where is Reader?
Reader is located in Southern Arkansas, approximately halfway between the towns of Prescott and Camden. Its seclusion is due in part to its position off the beaten path, accessible via State Highway 24 but with limited through traffic.
The surrounding dense woodlands and absence of major roadways contribute to its quiet atmosphere. Getting to Reader feels like stepping back in time, and I find the journey through the winding rural roads enhances the sense of seclusion that awaits.
7. Lockesburg
Lockesburg, with a population hovering around 700, is a charming town in Sevier County that offers an abundance of wide-open spaces and a peaceful environment. The town is home to the Lockesburg City Park, where I often enjoy picnics under the shade of mature trees and take leisurely walks along the trails.
Timber and agriculture are primary industries here, which blend seamlessly into the town’s landscape. Its low housing density and expansive properties make Lockesburg ideal for residents seeking a private and tranquil setting.
The absence of crowded streets and noise pollution provides a serene backdrop for daily life. I appreciate how the community emphasizes a relaxed lifestyle, free from the distractions of larger towns.
Where is Lockesburg?
Situated in the southwestern part of Arkansas, Lockesburg lies at the intersection of Highways 71 and 371. Its remote location, nestled among rolling hills and forests, contributes to its sense of seclusion.
The town is about 15 miles east of De Queen and is surrounded by rural landscapes that stretch for miles. Traveling to Lockesburg involves scenic drives through the countryside, which I find both peaceful and rejuvenating.
6. Wickes
Wickes is a small town of about 750 people, located in Polk County near the base of the Ouachita Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts like me are drawn to its proximity to natural attractions like the Cossatot River State Park, which offers excellent hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
The main industries in Wickes include timber and agriculture, reflecting the town’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. Wickes’s seclusion is enhanced by the natural barriers provided by the Ouachita Mountains, which add to its charm and sense of escape from urban centers.
The town has minimal commercial development, and the surrounding wilderness creates a peaceful ambiance. I find that the combination of mountain views and quiet living makes Wickes a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
Where is Wickes?
Wickes is located in the western part of Arkansas, near the border with Oklahoma. Its secluded nature comes from being nestled at the base of the Ouachita Mountains, with dense forests and rugged terrain surrounding the town.
Access is primarily via U.S. Highway 71, but the area remains free from heavy traffic and congestion. Getting to Wickes involves traversing winding roads through the mountains, which I always find to be a beautiful and calming journey.
5. Wilton
Wilton is a small town in Little River County with a population of around 350 residents. The town offers a peaceful community setting, with large properties that provide privacy and space. In Wilton, I enjoy the scenic views of rolling hills and forests that surround the town, making it a picturesque place to live or visit.
The main industries here are agriculture and forestry, contributing to the town’s rural character. Wilton’s seclusion comes from its remote location and low population density, ensuring a slow-paced lifestyle. The quiet streets and friendly locals create a welcoming environment that feels miles away from the stresses of city life.
Where is Wilton?
Wilton is situated in the southwestern part of Arkansas, along U.S. Highway 71 between the towns of Ashdown and Texarkana. Its secluded nature is due to the surrounding rural landscapes and minimal commercial development in the area.
To reach Wilton, I typically drive through stretches of scenic countryside with little traffic and an abundance of natural beauty. The town’s location away from major urban centers makes it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility.
4. Emmet
Emmet, with a population of about 500 people, is located in Nevada County and offers a secluded environment ideal for nature enthusiasts like me. The town is close to the Little Missouri River, providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the river’s serene beauty.
Emmet doesn’t have significant industries; instead, it thrives on small businesses and agriculture, which adds to its quiet, small-town feel. What makes Emmet particularly secluded is its location away from major highways and cities, nestled among rolling hills and forests.
The absence of heavy traffic and commercial noise means residents can enjoy the sounds of nature and a peaceful atmosphere. I find that Emmet’s charm lies in its simplicity and the easy access to outdoor activities.
Where is Emmet?
Emmet is located in Southern Arkansas, about 15 miles north of Hope, accessible via U.S. Highway 67. Its seclusion is enhanced by its rural setting and limited development in the surrounding areas.
Getting to Emmet involves traveling through quiet, scenic roads with minimal traffic, which adds to the sense of tranquility upon arrival. The town’s proximity to the Little Missouri River also places it away from bustling urban centers, making it a perfect spot for a quiet escape.
3. Buckner
Buckner is a small town with a population of just around 275 people, situated in Lafayette County. The town offers serene living with spacious lots and is surrounded by natural landscapes, making it ideal for those looking to escape the noise of city life.
There isn’t much industry in Buckner, which contributes to its peaceful and unhurried atmosphere. The lack of commercial distractions allows residents to focus on community, family, and enjoying the simplicity of rural life.
What makes Buckner particularly secluded is its low population and the absence of through-traffic, ensuring a quiet environment. I enjoy how the town’s setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like bird watching and leisurely walks.
Where is Buckner?
Buckner is located in Southern Arkansas, roughly 20 miles southwest of Magnolia, accessible via U.S. Highway 82 and State Highway 53. The town’s seclusion is due to its remote location amid vast agricultural lands and forests, far from major cities and highways.
To get to Buckner, I drive through miles of peaceful countryside, with the journey itself being a relaxing experience. The town’s isolation makes it a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and a strong sense of community.
2. Ozan
Ozan is a small town in Hempstead County with a population of about 85 residents. Rich in history, Ozan offers a glimpse into the rural charm of Southern Arkansas. I enjoy exploring the historic sites around the town, including old churches and cemeteries that tell stories of the area’s past.
The town is characterized by expansive farmlands, and agriculture remains a central aspect of life here. What makes Ozan secluded is its peaceful atmosphere, far removed from city life and surrounded by open fields and forests.
The minimal population and the vastness of the surrounding landscape provide residents with privacy and a strong connection to nature. I find that Ozan’s simplicity and tranquility are its most appealing features.
Where is Ozan?
Located in Southwest Arkansas, Ozan is about 10 miles northeast of Hope, accessible via U.S. Highway 278 and State Highway 24. Its seclusion is heightened by the surrounding rural areas and the lack of major commercial development.
Getting to Ozan involves traveling through stretches of farmland and woodland, which I find both peaceful and scenic. The town’s remote location makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the bustle and immerse themselves in a quiet, rural setting.
1. Cale
Cale is a tiny unincorporated community in Nevada County with a population of around 75 people, truly embodying the essence of seclusion. Enveloped by dense woodlands, Cale offers an ultimate escape from urban bustle, with large acreages that provide ample privacy.
The town’s remote setting allows for activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the serenity of the forest. There are no major industries in Cale; the community is primarily residential, which adds to its quiet charm.
The seclusion is enhanced by the absence of commercial development and minimal traffic, making it a perfect place for those seeking solitude. Cale’s natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere create a haven for anyone looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Where is Cale?
Cale is located in Southern Arkansas, about 20 miles southeast of Prescott, accessible via State Highway 200. The town’s seclusion comes from being surrounded by dense forests and being far removed from major roads and urban centers.
To reach Cale, I usually drive along quiet country roads that wind through miles of untouched woodland. The journey to Cale feels like an adventure into the wilderness, and the tranquil environment upon arrival makes it an idyllic spot for a secluded retreat.
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