Monday, April 29, 2024

Don't Miss

Rv Camping Buffalo River Arkansas

Tyler Bend Rv Camping

2020 October – Buffalo National River – Arkansas – Erbie Campground

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 .

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.

Best Hikes From Kyles Landing Campground

Check out these incredible hikes to explore while camping at Kyles Landing along the Buffalo River:

Hemmed in Hollow Trail from Kyles Landing is one of the largest waterfalls in the Midwest, towering over 200-feet. There are a few ways to hike to the waterfall. You can hike from the campground and go through the river, or hike from the Compton Centerpoint Trailhead. Do some research to pick the best route for your adventure. This trail is very remote and within the Ponca Wilderness Area.

Indian Creek Trail The trailhead is located on the southwest side of the campground. It is a pleasant hike through the woods featuring a small waterfall.

Eye of the Needle A short 15-20 minute drive from the campground, the Eye of the Needle Trail is known for its hole in the rock eye of the needle features and waterfall. This is considered a hard hike, and hikers will get wet during the wetter seasons.

Buffalo River Trail the main backpacking trail for the national park goes through the campground area.

Shop the Best River Camping Layers & Gear:

  • $20 night first come, first serve
  • Dogs are allowed
  • Flush restrooms are open mid-March through Mid-November
  • Open year-round + vault toilet
  • Easy road to access
  • There are no camping fees November 15 through March 14 but the restrooms are closed
  • Campfires are allowed, and there is a fire pit.
  • There is some cell phone reception.

Recommended Reading: Free Camping Cedar City Utah

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.

-Jim and Sue W, TripAdvisor Review

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.

Camping At Buffalo National River

Buffalo River 2010

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.

Read Also: Non Perishable Food For Camping

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.

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.

You May Like: Free Camping Sites In Florida

Treasure Isle Rv Park

Back in the popular Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the Treasure Isle RV Park. This campground is right on Lake Hamilton and has all the same area attractions as the other parks in this area.

This site has laundry facilities, WiFi areas, fishing and swimming in the lake, a new pool, and new bathhouses, and 30/50 amp service as well as full hookups. There are 48 channels Direct TV. This place is also kid- and pet-friendly.

Treasure Isle RV Park is a lakefront location with laundry facilities and a pool.

This place is simple, but the lakefront environment is peaceful as well as fun. Its a great place to stay while you spend time visiting the local attractions.

Prices range from about $30 to $50 a night, depending on location, time of year, and other factors. There are 45 pull-through and 20 back in sites available.

Buffalo National River Arkansas

Welcome to the Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park

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.

Don’t Miss: How To Go Camping For The First Time

Harrison Village Campground & Rv Park

Just a 20-minute drive from Buffalo National River, Harrison Village Campground & RV Park offers 74 full hookup RV sites, each one with a shady tree. The camp shop has gifts and snacks, as well as all the RV supplies youll need to make the most of your stay, including a propane gas fill-up station.

Upper Buffalo National River Campgrounds

The upper Buffalo River features several National Park Service campgrounds with pretty sceneryarguably the prettiest in the park! The campgrounds of the upper Buffalo River are: Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, Erbie, Ozark, Carver, and Mount Hersey. The Steel Creek and Kyles Landing campgrounds are the most popular because of their proximity to the Ponca-to-Kyles Landing section of river. These are primitive campgrounds with basic tent site accommodations, including space for up to 3 tents , a picnic table, fire grate and lantern pole. Sites are $20 per night / per site. Drinking water faucets are available, as well as pit and flush toilets. There are no shower facilities. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times in campgrounds.

Recommended Reading: List Of Florida State Parks With Camping

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.

Camping In Buffalo National River

Carver Campground, Buffalo National River

There are campgrounds throughout the National Park area itself, some which allow RVs and some which dont. Fully developed RV sites with hookups are hard to come by, but if youre interested in roughing it, many of the campgrounds do allow RVs. Check out the NPS website for a full listing of campgrounds on the national land.

Also Check: Camping Near Garner State Park

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.

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.

Recommended Reading: Camping World Promo Code 2020

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:

  • Water hookup

Hot Springs National Park Koa

Ozark Campground, Camping near the Buffalo River

Also in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the Hot Springs National Park KOA. KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America which is a network of privately-owned campgrounds throughout the country. The KOA directory lists the organizations many excellent facilities and friendly service.

This site is very close to the actual Hot Springs National Park, as well as the downtown, where you can enjoy the hot springs and relax. There are shops, and all of the same local attractions as in the previous campsite mentioned.

This campground offers shuttles for a cost to downtown, and for free to Magic Springs and Oaklawn when they are open.

This campground is close to hot springs.

The Hot Springs National Park KOA offers up to 50 amp hookups, WiFi, a pool, fishing, mini golf, an arcade room, laundry facilities, a pet playground, hiking trails, activities throughout the year, and more.

The Hot Springs National Park KOA offers up to 50 amp hookups, WiFi, a pool, fishing, mini golf, an arcade room, laundry facilities, a pet playground, hiking trails, activities throughout the year, and more.

On certain weekends during peak season, they offer Grandpas Griddle with breakfast served in the mornings.

This site is unique because it is built into a hillside, and it has terraced sites rather than sites on the flat ground. This makes it visually appealing, as well as a bit more private.

Recommended Reading: Portable Ac Power Supply Camping

Guide To The Buffalo National River

The First National River

If youve never heard of the Buffalo National River, youre about to be pleasantly surprised by this natural beauty. Offering numerous outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking and camping and featuring hundreds of natural wonders, such as picturesque bluffs and waterfalls, the river winds its way through 153 miles of northern Arkansas Ozark Mountains. If youre looking to rent an RV the closest pick-up locations in Arkansas are Little Rock and Fayetteville. Nearby you can rent an RV in Branson, Missouri.

The Buffalo National River, managed by the National Park Service, became the first National River in the United States in 1972. It is one of the most popular attractions in Arkansas, bringing about one million visitors each year.

The Ozark Mountains are known for rolling hills, springs, waterfalls, lakes and other water sources. The Buffalo National River, which is part of the Ozark Mountains, is a little different than the typical geological structure of the region. The Buffalo Rivers watershed is made up largely of sandstone and shale whereas the Ozark basin is usually limestone. That means the mountainside in which the River flows is deeply cut leaving tall, vertical rock structures called bluffs for a drastic and beautiful backdrop.

History

Floating the river

Camping at campgrounds

The Upper District

The Middle District

The Lower District

Other RV Camping Options

Hiking

Popular Hiking Trails

Fishing

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.

Read Also: Mineral Wells State Park Camping

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.

Sponsored Content

Buffalo National River Maps For Sale

Buffalo National River Buffalo Point Campground, Yellville, AR

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.

You May Like: Tent Camping Near Elko Nv

Latest Posts

Popular Articles

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.