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Buildings

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

Campers are Saying

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest, near Hector, Arkansas, is a charming spot for those who appreciate a more rustic camping experience. With its four drive-up campsites, this area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical stone structures, perfect for tent camping and enjoying the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the stunning views of the Illinois Bayou, making it an ideal backdrop for fishing or simply soaking in the scenery. The stone pavilions with fireplaces provide a cozy place to gather, especially on cooler nights. As one camper noted, “The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces.”

This location is all about simplicity and connection with nature. There are no water or electricity hookups, so it’s a true escape from the hustle and bustle. Campers appreciate the clean vault toilets and the “pack-it-in, pack-it-out” policy, which encourages everyone to leave the area as beautiful as they found it.

For those looking to explore, the nearby trails offer easy access to scenic areas, and the campground serves as a great base for overlanding adventures in the Ozarks. While it may not be suited for large RVs, the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to unwind by the river make Bayou Bluff a hidden treasure for tent campers seeking a quiet retreat.

General Overview

National Forest

Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks.

Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services.

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Location

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hector, take Arkansas 27 north for 6 miles.

Coordinates

35.5247628 N
92.94427454 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 17, 2023

Bayou Beauty

Great recreational area along the Illinois Bayou. The river is gorgeous and made us with we had brought a few poles! We camped at a pull off spot so there were no amenities bur we made sure to practice NTLB!

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by samantha S., January 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by samantha S., January 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by samantha S., January 17, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2023

Beautiful scenery on beautiful river, nice stone structures

The notice that says that it is closed for the season is incorrect.  The upper loop is closed, but not the sites with the stone buildings.  In fact, going to the website, there is a statement that it is free camping right now.  Be sure to check the website, as this is subject to change.  The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces.  The walk to the river is very easy.  There are no hookups (water or electricity) so it is primitive camping.  There is no cell service on ATT - it showed only "SOS" but the town of Hector is nearby if you need to check your phone in a pinch.  I have a WeBoost and that still would not get a signal.  This site is easily accessed via the paved highway, passenger vehicles can easily access it.  It's quite an unique area to describe.  It's not really well suited for big RV's but wouldn't be impossible.  I went in January so there was only one other camper.  It looked like they were hammock tenting inside one of the structures.  It would be a great base camp for overlanding the Ozarks.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by valerie , January 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by valerie , January 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by valerie , January 11, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2022

Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

The Bayou Bluff Recreation Area is now called the Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI). In summary, there are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve. Here's is info directly from the Bayou Bluff  page on the National Forst Service Web site: "Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks. Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services." Also: "Open all year. No fees. Upper loop closed. Pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No trash services. Pack it in- pack it out." The NF page also indicates that there is no water available, but there may water in the group site. The vault toilets are clean, and the campground grounds appear to be reasonably maintained. I recommend only tent camping here, as well as car/truck/van camping. Sites appear to be too small for RVs & trailers.

Site3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Fred S., May 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Fred S., May 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Fred S., May 25, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2021

Love covered sites

We very much enjoyed our time spent at bayou bluff. It has fire pits, tables, covered sites, trash cans and bathrooms. Not to mention, alot to explore!!!

Sitefirst covered site
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Samantha K., June 28, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Small campground with CCC-built rock shelters

This recreation area is as close to off-grid as you can get with so many great options right off the pavement. This campground has no water or electricity but has 4 drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire circle, and rock shelters that overlook the beautiful Illinois Bayou. I only recall seeing trash receptacles on the lower loop.  An upper loop is accessible by hiking in. These are tent sites only with no rock shelters on the sites. The rock shelters have a large rock fire area.  There's also a vault toilet on the lower loop. A pavilion onsite is reservable and has electricity. There's also several small trails through the campground but it's most fun when the water is low enough, to go down to the water and walk along the creek. The area is close to many great hiking trails and dirt roads to explore around Hector and makes a great home base. Just up the road is a great area to explore with Jeeps or ATVs. Look up Lindsey Mtwy. This area is not on many people's radar so it's possible that you may only see a local or two while you're here. I still had cell service with my Verizon network while I was in the campground but I lost service when I went down by the Illinois Bayou.  Overall, this is a heck of a nice campground for the non-electric camper. If you visit the area, please leave no trace. :-)

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Amy W., September 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Amy W., September 28, 2020
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Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Nice Spot

I was just passing through, but this is a small campsite just off a main road. There is trail access to some scenic areas right around you, and some interesting stone structures which I haven’t encountered before at a campsite, so that’s cool. Look like they’d be good for cooking if you brought the right equipment.

  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by David S., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by David S., July 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by David S., July 18, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2019

An Arkansas Unknown

Favorite campsite in the spring. Beautiful bluffs take you right down to the water. Stone pavilions with fireplaces for cold weather camping. Best kept secret.

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Nice shady sites!

There aren't many spots in this area. All sites are pretty shaded all day. Swimming is a small but slightly difficult walk down a steep Rocky path. It's rarely crowded which is why we like it.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2016

20+ years camping here

I grew up camping here several times a year. There is a creek to swim or fish in, there are personal pavilions and a larger pavilion for big groups. There is a hiking trail directly from the camp ground. Down the road you can bushwack to Penhook falls. Plenty of privacy on the 2 end sites. There are 3 sites total, no reservations. But you never have trouble getting a spot unless it's a holiday weekend.

  • Review photo of Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) by Tanda P., December 31, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)?

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) does not have wifi.