Woolum Dispersed Area, near [Buffalo National River](https://thedyrt.com/camping/arkansas/near/buffalo-national-river), Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude and stunning natural beauty. This area offers a chance to camp right by the riverbank, surrounded by picturesque scenery that changes with the seasons.

The camping experience here is pretty straightforward, with fire rings available for cozy campfires and vault toilets for your convenience. Visitors have raved about the peacefulness of the area, with one camper noting, “We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back.” Just remember, it’s a primitive setup—no picnic tables or trash services, so pack in what you need and pack out what you don’t.

If you’re up for some adventure, the [Buffalo National River](https://thedyrt.com/camping/arkansas/near/buffalo-national-river) is perfect for canoeing and exploring the surrounding trails. Many campers have enjoyed the grassy meadows and riverside spots, making it a great choice for those looking to disconnect from technology and soak in the great outdoors. Just be sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen, as the beauty of nature comes with its little nuisances. 

Whether you’re setting up camp for a weekend or just passing through, Woolum offers a serene escape that keeps you coming back for more.

Woolum Campground is a large open field at the Woolum access to the Buffalo River near St. Joe AR. There are no amenities at Woolum. There are no designated sites. A vault toilet is available. Fees are not charged at Woolum. Woolum serves as overflow when Tyler Bend campground is full.

Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

Are you in need of a campground near St. Joe, AR? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in St. Joe, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

St. Joe

The Best Camping Near St. Joe, Arkansas

Lovely

This is a very primitive campground, but it's one of our favorites! We can almost always find a spot to camp and it's super easy to pull our trailer into every spot there. It's a horse camp and there are many spots with shade and some with none. There are two vault bathrooms, no tables provided, and not trash. We love the peacefulness of this place and will continue coming back.

Quiet, spacious, with the best swimming hole!

I took a canoe trip down the buffalo river a few springs ago and I believe this was one of my stops. It was still early in the season so restroom facilities weren’t open yet. Bare bones camp sites with only fire pit rings. Beautiful area! 

Extremly beautiful area, simple camp ground

So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology. Late September visit means the river is low, nights are cool and days are filled with sunshine. Bring the bug spray and sunscreen. 

Buggy but Beautiful

This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring.  We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming.  There were hiking trails, nice clean restrooms, lots of bike riding and nice large spaces.  We had full hookups to boot!  

Beautiful campground!

I have visited this spot multiple times and camped right on the riverbank. Beautiful scenery year-round.  I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS. Not sure when main road will reopen. Ended up camping out at bakers ford just a few miles away.

One of the best remote campgrounds in AR

Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently. Fire rings. Only one other camper that’s at the other end of the campground on memorial weekend. Vault toilets. Good Solar.

Love this place 

Camped here mid-week in early November, 2025. Came here to camp while doing some smallmouth bass fishing on the Buffalo River. Quickly found a large, open, level site with a rock fire ring on a grassy field. This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access. Only two other camping groups were here during my stay - far enough away that I couldn't hear them. Including the one at the day use parking lot, there are three clean and supplied vault toilets here. The campground appeared well maintained. No potable water and no trash service. Solar recharging and Starlink connectivity are possible. I received spotty T-Mobile 2G and 4G LTE service. This primitive campground is convenient for kayakers and canoers, as well as for overlanders and equestrian campers. I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank. I recommend, especially for those driving 2WD passenger vehicles, accessing the campground using Searcy County Road 15 - not CR14. Although open during my time here, narrow CR14 still had some damage from recent landslides which resulted in rough driving conditions (although, high clearance, 4x4 vehicles should have no problems). Overall, I enjoyed camping here, and I'm looking forward to returning to this beautiful area in the Arkansas Ozarks.

Photos of Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

Real photos from real campers