South Maumee Camping Area, near Saint Joe, Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the beauty of the Buffalo National River. This area is perfect for camping, canoeing, and simply soaking up the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with essential amenities like drinking water and clean restrooms. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the campground, with one camper saying, “Very clean, people did a great job of picking up after themselves.” You can also enjoy campfires, but remember to bring your own firewood since it’s not provided on-site.

If you're into water activities, this place is a gem for canoeing and kayaking. The direct access to the Buffalo River makes it easy to launch your boat and explore the beautiful waters. Some campers have mentioned that it’s a great starting point for canoe trips, making it a popular choice for those looking to paddle through the scenic landscapes.

While the road to get there can be a bit tricky, the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views make it worth the journey. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a longer stay, South Maumee Camping Area is a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.

Located in northern Arkansas, the Buffalo River flows for 153 uninterrupted miles, from its origin in the Ozarks’ Boston Mountains eastward to its confluence with the White River. In 1972, the Buffalo was designated America’s first National River, and is currently managed jointly by the US Forest Service and the US National Park Service. Over the course of its journey, the Buffalo passes sandstone and limestone bluffs, mixed upland forests, and flows through three wilderness areas: Upper Buffalo, Ponca, and Lower Buffalo. Along the river are more than 12 campgrounds, as well as primitive camp areas, which provide a variety of options for taking advantage of the area’s numerous hiking trails, as well as rafting, paddling and fishing on the river. Accessible via a 7-mile gravel road from the small town of Morning Star, on Highway 27, South Maumee Campground offers five free, first-come, first-served campsites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is available, but no trash service, so campers need to pack out all garbage; hookups are not available at this location. The campground is situated on a wide, sandy bend on the Buffalo River, so river access is easy for swimming and fishing, however there is no boat launch. A boat launch is available at the North Maumee Campground, on the other side of the river, and accessible via Highway 14. In addition to river recreation, there are 14 miles of hiking trails in the area for exploring an old mining townsite, an indigenous peoples’ bluff shelter, and scenic viewpoints.

South Maumee Camping Area — Buffalo National River

Join the fun near Buffalo National River. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Buffalo National River, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Buffalo National River and user-submitted reviews.

Buffalo National River

The Best Camping Near Buffalo National River, Arkansas

We can't wait to go back here. One of the best times ever. Not one bad thing to say. Its nice, quite, peaceful, and breathtaking.

Maumee AR

Great beautiful water with very nice employees! Very clean campground and very clean bathrooms

Great beautiful water with very nice employees! Very clean campground 

We canoed &amp; kayaked in from Tyler Bend Campground.  Great place to camp.  Not much on amenities. Perfect for what we were looking for.  Would definitely go back. 

Great camping spot

There are a handful of tent sites, a primitive bathroom, and direct access to the Buffalo River. 

  

There is limited shelter during bad lightning storms.  The road in is very dicey and a long way off the main road. Does provide a good place to take out or start a canoe trip and it is free.

Good canoeing spot

A LOT of people use this access including outfitters. Great gravel bar, plenty of room to.launch, picnic, camp. Very clean, people did a great job of picking up after themselves. 

Photos of South Maumee Camping Area — Buffalo National River

Real photos from real campers