Best Camping In Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48, meandering 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains. The river is a protected river and part of the National Park Service. It is Americas first national river.
Buffalo National River is a beautiful part of the state, and we cant wait to share more details with you for some of the best camping in the Arkansas Ozarks!
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Along with camping, the area is home to incredible hiking trails, fishing spots, places to kayak, canoe, explore waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. The Ozarks are steeped in history and full of early homesteads, homesites, railroads, former mines, and remnants from prehistoric Native Americans. The Buffalo National River area has miles and miles of hiking trails to explore.
If you are looking to relax and kick back in nature, the Buffalo National River has several excellent spots for camping along its banks, with take-outs for folks floating the river. These take-outs with campgrounds give campers a great place to park their small RVs or set up tents. The take-outs provide access to the river for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, or just playing in the water.
Ozarks Rv Resort On Table Rock Lake
The Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake in Oak Grove, Arkansas has a coveted perfect Good Sam rating and makes for an excellent home base during your Buffalo National River RV trip. There are 164 full hookup spots, many with waterfront views, plus tennis and pickleball courts, a 9-hole golf course, and pools and hot tubs.
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Guide To Buffalo National River Arkansas: Everything The Rv Renter Needs To Know
Ozark Mountain views every step of the way. Visiting this beautiful country locale means enjoying everything nature has to offerhow better to do that than with a rented hotel room on wheels? Heres everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable RV vacation in the Ozarks down Buffalo National River.
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Buffalo National River Arkansas
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Buffalo River was established as the first National River in the country in 1972, and, ever since, it has been enjoyed by visitors looking for adventure on its rushing rapids and still, natural swimming pools. This long stretch of river remains one of the only completely undammed rivers in the country, which means boaters can enjoy 135 miles of free running water and incredible
Ozark Mountain views every step of the way. Visiting this beautiful country locale means enjoying everything nature has to offerhow better to do that than with a rented hotel room on wheels? Heres everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable RV vacation in the Ozarks down Buffalo National River.
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Best Places To Camp Along The Arkansas Buffalo River
Plan your next camping trip along the Arkansas Buffalo River! This article features all the best campgrounds, camping details, swimming holes, and hikes to compliment your next outdoor adventure at Buffalo National River National Park, located within the Ozark Mountains.
image: Tylers Bend Campground
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Campsite Details & Lengths
A and E Loops are not available for reservation. They are strictly first come, first served and saving sites is not allowed. B, C, and D Loops are available for reservation 3 days to 6 months in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov. Check-in time is 1:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 pm. All drive-in sites are $30 per night and offer the following amenities available:
Best Hikes Near Steel Creek Campground
Below are hikes youll love trekking when camping at Steel Creek:
Buffalo River Trail is one of the main backpacking trails through Buffalo National River National Park. It can be accessed right from the Steel Creek Campground.
Centerpoint to Big Bluff is a popular backcountry hike in the area featuring incredible views of the Buffalo River Valley and a steep bluff trail known as the Goat Trail. This hike is not for folks who are afraid of heights. However, it is totally worth doing ! Read more about hiking the Centerpoint to Big Bluff trail here. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the Ponca Trailhead from Steel Creek Campground.
Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag is one of the most iconic hikes in all of Arkansas! Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail is such a fun experience. It features the famous Hawksbill Crag! Hike during the week to beat the weekend crowds. Read more about hiking the Whitaker Point Trail here. The Whitaker Point Trailhead is roughly a 40-minute drive from the Steel Creek Campground.
Lost Valley Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Buffalo National River! The trail features caves, waterfalls, and an enormous 200-foot bluff shelter. The Lost Valley Trail is about 15 minutes from the campground. Get all the trail details here!
Hideout Hollow Trail is located about 30 minutes from the campground, near Compton. Hideout Hollow features a 50-foot waterfall. Walk up stream further to see another small waterfall. It is a quiet and easy hike.
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Upper Buffalo Wilderness To Carver
The upper or western end of the park includes 5 campgrounds. Fees for sites in four of these developed campgrounds are $16 – $20 per site per night with 6 people permitted on each site. Camping fees are charged during the season when water is available. Camping fees are not charged November 15 through March 14 when flush restrooms and water systems are shutdown.
GPS Coordinates: 36.0407758, -93.3440483
Steel Creek is about 3 miles east of Ponca, Arkansas, off of Highway 74. The tent campground has 26 campsites and the horse campground has 14 sites. All sites are $20 per site, per night. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook provided. The campground is open year round on a first come, first served basis and reservations are available March 15 – November 14 for tent sites 1 – 13 and horse sites 27 – 32. The flush restroom and water system in the tent campground and at the Steel Creek launch will be closed November 15 to March 14 and no fees are charged during this time. The vault toilet in the tent campground will be open but with very limited servicing during the winter. Trash pick up provided. No RVs allowed.Please see the Steel Creek Campground page for more details and to make a reservation.
Erbie Horse Camp
GPS Coordinates
Tyler Bend Rv Camping
The Tyler Bend Campground has places to park a small or large RV, but does not provide hookups for electric, water or sewage. The price for parking your RV at the Tyler Bend Campground is $20.00 per night. You can call the Visitor Center at Tyler Bend to ask more questions or inquire about reservations at .
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Buffalo National River Maps For Sale
We carry excellent Trails Illustrated maps of the Buffalo National River in our store, which was can also mail to you in advance of your trip. Just give us contact us and indicate which map you prefer. For the map that covers the Ponca-to-Pruitt section, request the WEST HALF BUFFALO RIVER MAP. This map includes river and trail topo detail from the headwaters area downstream to Woolum. For the middle and lower river districts, request the EAST HALF BUFFALO RIVER MAP, which covers from Woolum downstream to Buffalo City where the river confluences with the White River.
Need your map before traveling? Call us at with your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card and we can ship your map pronto! Buffalo National River maps are $13.95+tax. Shipping for one map is $5.00.
Great Campgrounds In Arkansas Buffalo National River
Upper River District
The Steel Creek Campground offers 26 tent-only campsites and 14 horse camping sites. RVs are not permitted. Though mountains and exposed limestone bluffs surround the campground, many of the campsites are on open, grassy lots, perfect for nighttime stargazing. Launch your canoe right from the campground or, in the summer, take a dip in the river. The campground is open year-round but the restroom and water facilities are closed November through March . Ozark Campground is located down a bumpy dirt road and may be a difficult drive for RVs or vehicles with low clearance. Popular with boaters because of its great river access, Ozark Campground has 31 campsites, some shaded by trees and others right on the river. RVs are allowed but there are no hookups. The campsite is open year-round, but the flush toilets are closed November through March .
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How To Get To Campground
From Springfield, Missouri take U.S. Highway 65 south for 109 miles then turn right at Ranger Road and drive another 2 miles to visitor center and campground.
From Little Rock, Arkansas take Interstate 40 West for 34 miles, then exit “U.S. 65/Skyline Drive.” From here continue on U.S. Highway 65 north for 74 miles and turn left at Ranger Road to the visitor center and campground.
Discover The Best Arkansas Rentals For Buffalo River Camping Getaways
Enjoy camping out on the Buffalo River or out in the secluded woods of Arkansas. While hiking glampers can dive into some of the waterfalls. Going for a different view of the area? Head over to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Zipline for an adrenaline-rushing experience. Buffalo River camping offers numerous adventures from kayaking and water-rafting to floating and taking in sun rays for people of all ages. This yurt camping by the river is a glamping trip you do not want to miss out on! Buffalo River, Arkansas camping rentals of the highest quality are available with Glamping Hub, so why look elsewhere? Scroll through and pick your favorite and start planning your getaway. Get ready for the best Buffalo River, Arkansas vacation!
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Shadow Mountain Rv Park
In Mena, Arkansas, located in the central west area of the state is the Shadow Mountain RV Park. This is near the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest.
Shadow Mountain has hunting areas close by in eastern Oklahoma.
This site is fairly simple, with pull-through sites and full hookups, 30/50 amp service, a playground, video rentals, WiFi, several nature trails, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails. There is also hunting available in nearby areas like eastern Oklahoma, which isnt too far away.
This site is open year-round, but youll have to start a reservation by phone or email, with the information on their website in order to see the prices.
Rv Camping At Tyler Bend Campground
Generators: Generators may only operate between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can’t miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando
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Final Thoughts On Arkansas Buffalo River Camping
The Buffalo National River is near and dear to our hearts. It is one of the closest national parks to where we live in Oklahoma, and we love how rural and remote the camping and hiking are.
Along with jaw-dropping backcountry hikes, there are some pretty incredible places to camp right next to the Buffalo River. The water is the most beautiful teal color. Our pictures are not photoshopped!
The first time we ever saw the Arkansas Buffalo River, our jaws dropped because we couldnt believe how clear and blue the water was. We literally felt like we had been transported to a glacier in another country. The Buffalo National River is an extraordinary place.
Thanks for reading and happy camping!
Ashlee + Pablo
Buffalo National River Camping Awaits You With Your Visit To The Lost Valley Trail
The Buffalo National River is America’s first national river. It is born in the Boston Mountains, and flows through the Ozark Mountains, and down to the White River at Buffalo City. Its massive bluffs, waterfalls, wildlife, and location, makes Buffalo National River, the ideal scenario for a secluded camping trip. Moreover, it offers great outdoor recreation opportunities: rafting, hiking, boating, kayaking, and zip lining, are some fun things to do in Buffalo National River. Camping is the best way to discover everything Buffalo National River offers, so if you are thinking about staying for a few nights, take a look at these unique rentals when you go camping near river areas! Explore the best things to see in Buffalo River National Park right here. The best glamping in Arkansas is waiting for you today!
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No Electricity Phone Or Rv Facilities
Please note that none of the upper river campgrounds have electricity or shower facilities . The campgrounds do, however, have running water, pit and/or flush toilets, and tent camping sites with a grill grate, lantern pole, and picnic table. Please note that cell phones cannot receive reception at campgrounds due to the geography and lack of towers in this area. If you have an RV, you should call the NPS at for campsite recommendations.
Camping On The Buffalo River
The National Park Service opens 12 campgrounds April-October. Most campgrounds fill to capacity very quickly especially during the summer months and availability is first come first serve. There are plenty of places to stay in the Buffalo River National Park Region.
Want to enjoy the river but dont want to rough it? The Gateway City to the Buffalo River National Park Region means you can have adventure by day and comfort at nightand its affordable!
Camp at one of the National Parks Campgrounds on the Upper River District:
Lost Valley Lost Valley has wheelchair accessible campsites and trails.
Steel Creek
Ozark
Carver
Backcountry camping is welcome as long as camps are not near historic sites, buildings or on private land. There are no backcountry camping fees.
In the Middle River District, the National Park Service offers campgrounds at Tyler Bend and in the Lower River District the park has camps at Buffalo Point.
Primitive Camping is available at the Ghost Town of Rush No FEE
Rush Arkansas Campground
Riverside at Rush Landing
Primitive site no electric
Fees should be paid at the self-registering systems located at each campground and up to 6 people are allowed at each site. Quiet hours are 10pm-6am. What is camping without a campfire? Be sure and bring wood with you as most of the wooded areas around the campgrounds have been picked over already.
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Camping At Buffalo National River
Camping with an RV near Buffalo National River is a breeze. Many campgrounds and RV parks scattered throughout the local region, and all know how to cater to the needs of visitors.
Gilbert RV Campground is located in that town. This park is open the middle of March through the middle of October. Bathrooms and showers are available for guests, and equipment rentals, such as tubes for the river, are offered as well. Some full-hookup campsites and WiFi are also provided.
Sherwood Forest RV Park and Campground is found nearby as well. This camp features full-hookups and can accommodate both short and lengthy stays. Pool access is also available. As there are so many things to do near here, it should make it easy for you to locate any services you may need when you are RV camping at the Buffalo National River.
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Shady Oaks Campground And Rv Park
In the centrally northern part of the state as well, in Harrison, Arkansas, is the Shady Oaks Campground and RV Park.
This site includes laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, a dog park, a playground, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, a pavilion with tabletop games, as well as a Wii, a kitchen area, WiFi, a splash pad, hiking trails, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
The RV sites can go up to 50 amps, and there are full hookups available.
There really arent enough words to convey all the plusses of the Park. You will find Rob and Melissa to be very professional with the added touch of welcoming you as though you are family visiting them
If you are looking for a little bit of Heaven on earth, a place to sit back and let your soul ease back in then you will want to plan a visit to Shady Oaks.
In the nearby area, there is the Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome, the Hurricane River Caverns, the Buffalo National River, and more. This campground is heavily wooded, and it is really pretty in the spring and summer months.
The rates go from only $27 to $35 a night, so youre able to stay here at a relatively low cost.
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Enjoy A Night In Nature
Camping is an unforgettable experience. With fresh air, wonderful views and a campfire for toasting smores, theres no better way to spend a weekend away. Arkansas is known as The Natural State for good reason, as the beautiful landscape beckons outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Youll find campsites throughout Arkansas from the Ozarks to the Delta region, whether you want to camp in a tent to be close to nature or just relax in an RV with the comforts and conveniences of home. Several campgrounds offer a variety of options, including both primitive campsites and hookups for recreational vehicles.
Arkansas is home to more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams, so many campgrounds and RV parks located on or near the water are perfectly positioned for fun marine activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming and more. Daisy State Park is located on the shore of Lake Greeson in the Ouachita Mountains, and offers RV hook ups, lakefront campsites, picnic areas, boat launch ramps and hiking trails and ATV trails. For a truly unique experience, spend a weekend at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Located atop a scenic Ozark Mountain ridge on over 450 acres, the refuge is home to approximately 100 exotic and native animals, and offers sites for both tent and RV camping.
You can find the ideal campground or RV park for your adventure by browsing the listings below.
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