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Buffalo Point campground accommodates pets at all its campsites, allowing campers to bring dogs while enjoying the Buffalo National River. The campground features electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and cabin stays. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and White Buffalo Resort also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly areas. Most campsites require pets to be leashed at all times, with some areas limiting dogs to designated walking paths. Campsites are close together but most guests spend the day doing water activities, making the proximity less noticeable. The facilities include clean restrooms with hot showers, though they can get busy during peak season.
Hiking trails throughout Buffalo Point provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with the Indian Rockhouse trail offering a moderately challenging 4-mile loop suitable for active dogs. Access to the Buffalo River allows dogs to cool off, though owners should be aware that sites are typically uphill from the water access points. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot ground surfaces. Wildlife is abundant in the area, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets. Buffalo Point's beaches and swimming areas can be accessed from Loop B campsites, though carrying gear requires a hike up and down hills. Campers report that rangers regularly patrol the grounds ensuring a safe environment for all guests and their pets.
"Our site was just steps from the river. In the summer, I can see how this place could be hot and humid, but most sites do have shade."
"Each site has parking, for car or RV all differing in length, and you walk behind the parking to an area with benches, picinic table, lantern hanger, and fire pit."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees in Arkansas about 30ish miles north of Little Rock."
"Blanchard Springs has great camp sites, great hiking, multiple access to swim/wade into water, plus great caving opportunities! There is NO cell service in the park. "
from $3 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy."
"Right on the White River with easy access to the Buffalo River by boat, canoe, or kayak. Pool, playground, small store with essentials, boat rentals, ping pong, & more."
"We love having direct access to creek. It is kayak, family, pet friendly. The only thing it is lacking is internet connection, which for us is a plus for disconnecting."
"Quick access to the Syllamore Trail, the creek, and nearby mountain biking trails."
from $5 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night."
"It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. "
"Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower."
"close the the river and next to the hatchery Great fishing and it’s neat to watch the water rise from the dam."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"It was clean, not noisy at night, great wifi, city park near by to walk you dog. We love it and are staying 6 weeks. Highly recommend."
"This is a nice RV park situated perfectly near the downtown Mountain View Area and the Ozark Folk Center State Park. It is a small, quiet park with lots of spots for gathering in groups."
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"You are surrounded by mountains, wildlife, birds, eagles, deer, geese and the confluence of the White & Norfork River is at the end of driveway. Norfork Lake is just a few miles away."
from $40 - $45 / night
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TravelerThe owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
TravelerRARE FIND Such a BEAUTIFUL place! I love all the oak trees and the sounds of nature are so relaxing. They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature. If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it. Everyone here is friendly and the shared spaces are always very clean.
They offer great rates and a Military Discount too!!
Enjoy your stay!
LegendWe had the campground mostly to ourself this early in the season. Our site was just steps from the river. In the summer, I can see how this place could be hot and humid, but most sites do have shade. We took advantage of the Kayak rentals in the area and did a 9 mile float. We ou saw 1 other couple. In the summer, I understand it it very crowded. Wild Bills is a store close for the quick camp food purchase, fishing stuff or beverages.
Pro note....Gravity BrewWorks, Big Flats, AR, is a micro brewery within a 32 min drive. The beer is awesome!
TravelerThis is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
TravelerQuick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses.
ScoutMy wife and I camped here for four nights. Overall it was nice, but there were some things that I wish we knew. The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night.
It’s located on the White river and has a very nice gravel boat ramp, which is a big positive. It also has fishing access during low water.
The WiFi is excellent and the staff are super helpful and friendly.
The biggest plus for us is the bathrooms were among the best that we have found. They’re clean and fairly new.
There is plenty of property to walk and they were very pet friendly. It looks like many of the guests are long term residents.
ScoutIt was one of the most peaceful campgrounds I have ever been in! Short hiking trail will lead you to the most gorgeous views! You can even do a little rock climbing here. Please keep pets on a leash. Pit toilets are available at each end of the campgrounds.
TravelerWe love this campground. We love having direct access to creek. It is kayak, family, pet friendly. The only thing it is lacking is internet connection, which for us is a plus for disconnecting. All sites are reasonably level. Site F is the premium and most secluded full hook up site. They have all levels of sites: primitive, water and electric, or full. Their small store has firewood and many other convenient items for sale. We take our own kayaks, but they do have rentals. They have public showers and restrooms, but the restrooms are currently closed due to renovations. It’s really one of our favorite local sites to camp.
GuideBuffalo national river is the first national river established in the US and let me tell you it's gorgeous!! There are many places to camp but we stayed at Buffalo Point. There are a few different loops to stay on, we stayed in A. Each site has parking, for car or RV all differing in length, and you walk behind the parking to an area with benches, picinic table, lantern hanger, and fire pit. The river is behind the sites and you can swim in it. I recommend swim shoes because its all rocks to get to it and entering in and out of the water. Behind A loop on the opposite side from the ramp before the curve in the river is a rope swing. Its across the river so you must be a strong swimmer to beat the current. The bathrooms are well kept and there is trash bins available. Pets are allowed too. The loop that we stayed in was first come first serve and there was a self pay station near the bathroom. If you are up early enough, you may see bald eagles flying around the river like we did!
Buffalo National River area near Big Flat, Arkansas offers camping across varied terrain from river basins to mountain plateaus at elevations from 800 to 2,200 feet. The region has mild springs and falls but summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity. Camping options include riverside sites with water access points, forested hideaways, and developed campgrounds with varying amenities.
Explore hiking trails: The Indian Rockhouse trail at Buffalo Point offers a moderately challenging 4-mile loop with caves to explore. "We saw a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach," notes Susan R. The trail system provides excellent opportunities to see native wildlife and geological features unique to the Ozarks.
Float the Buffalo River: Outfitters near Buffalo Point coordinate river trips with transportation. "There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground," explains Cody S. Water conditions vary by season, with clear water typically from late spring through early summer, though rainfall can change conditions quickly.
Visit Blanchard Springs Caverns: Located near Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, these underground caves offer guided tours. "The standard cave tour is great, plus there is a more extreme tour where you can crawl and squeeze through trails in the caves," writes Lynn G. Tours cost approximately $10 per person and run daily during peak season.
River access points: At South Maumee Camping Area, campers appreciate the direct connection to the water. "A LOT of people use this access including outfitters. Great gravel bar, plenty of room to launch, picnic, camp," reports Jason W. The easy access makes loading and unloading boats simpler than steeper riverside locations.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings and evenings offer prime viewing times. "Deer were everywhere" at Buffalo Point, according to Heath L. The quieter weekday periods typically provide better wildlife observation opportunities than busy weekends.
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature mature tree cover. "The campground is nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs," notes Cody S. about Buffalo Point. These shaded sites help during summer heat when temperatures regularly climb above 90°F.
Water level fluctuations: The Buffalo River can change dramatically with rainfall. "Our float trip was amazing... By 8pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT," reports Susan R. about Buffalo Point. "The park ranger said it had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night." Check with local outfitters or rangers about water conditions before planning water activities.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have no cellular coverage. "There is no service in the camp site at all," notes Heath L. about Buffalo Point. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal crowd variations: Weekdays offer a quieter experience at most campgrounds. "Some of the sites can get a little crowded on the weekend. During the week was super quiet and more my speed," shares Heath L. Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Choose kid-friendly hikes: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "The Overlook trail and it was pretty well maintained," notes Susan R. at Buffalo Point. Hiking early morning or evening helps avoid summer heat.
Visit swimming areas: White Buffalo Resort offers family-friendly water access. "We rented a boat and explored the Buffalo River - it was very relaxing & amazing views," shares Ashlee B. The resort provides amenities designed for families including "pool, playground, small store with essentials, boat rentals, ping pong, & more."
Pack pet essentials: For pet friendly camping near Big Flat, Arkansas, bring extra leashes and portable water bowls. "We had my 2 little boy cousins and my dog with us and we all had a good time walking down to the river to play," writes Heather L. about Buffalo Point. Most campgrounds require pets remain leashed at all times.
Check site descriptions carefully: Not all RV sites are created equal at Sylamore Creek Camp. "All sites are reasonably level. Site F is the premium and most secluded full hook up site," advises Sandy R. Some sites flood during heavy rainfall, particularly those closest to water.
Research hookup options: Electrical amperage varies between campgrounds. "We stayed in our motor coach and the spot was top notch for convenience of hook up and set up," writes Joe G. about Blue Heron Campground. Many sites offer water and electric hookups, but fewer provide full sewer connections.
Consider seasonal closures: Some campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Buffalo Point typically operates from March 15 to November 14, while others remain open year-round with reduced services in winter. Verify operating schedules when planning trips during shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Flat, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Flat, AR is Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Flat, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 138 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Flat, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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