The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Buffalo National River

815 Reviews

Buffalo National River encompasses a diverse camping landscape with options ranging from developed facilities to dispersed sites along the riverbanks. The area includes established locations such as Buffalo Point, which accommodates tents, RVs and cabins, while more remote options like Woolum Dispersed Area provide primitive riverside camping with minimal amenities. Several campgrounds operated by the National Park Service feature varying levels of development, from basic sites with vault toilets to areas with electric hookups and shower facilities.

Many campgrounds in the Buffalo National River area operate seasonally, with most developed sites open from mid-March through mid-November. Roads to some remote locations can present challenges, particularly after rainfall or during spring flooding. "I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS," noted one visitor regarding Woolum access. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with most remote areas having limited or no connectivity. Visitors should plan accordingly, bringing necessary supplies and checking current conditions before arrival, especially during spring when water levels can affect river access and campsite availability.

Riverside camping represents the most sought-after experience in the area, with multiple access points allowing visitors to camp near or along the Buffalo River. South Maumee and Gilbert Gravel Bar provide direct water access, popular for paddlers starting or ending multi-day river trips. The campgrounds typically feature primitive amenities with vault toilets and no hookups, maintaining the natural character of the area. According to a review, "We canoed & kayaked in from Tyler Bend Campground. Great place to camp. Not much on amenities. Perfect for what we were looking for." Summer visitors should be prepared for crowds at popular river access points, while spring and fall offer more solitude with pleasant temperatures and fewer insects.

Map showing campgrounds near Buffalo National River, ArkansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Buffalo National River (222)

    1. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The campground in nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs. "

    "The Buffalo National river was right next to our campsite. All I had to do was walk down a hill or a path and it was right there for me to swim in."

    2. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    8 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    9 miles
    Website

    "I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank."

    "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."

    3. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot."

    "Quiet and close to the river."

    4. South Maumee Camping Area — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    Buffalo National River, AR
    7 miles
    Website

    5. Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    30 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    23 miles
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "The Buffalo National River in northeast Arkansas was the first National River. The river runs for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states."

    "I traveled down Scenic Route 7 from Eureka Springs to Little Rock and found Buffalo National River, which until that trip I didn’t know was even there.  And how did I discover it? "

    6. Bull Shoals-White River State Park

    26 Reviews
    Bull Shoals, AR
    22 miles
    Website

    "Like all Arkansas State parks this is a well kept park"

    "It's one of the best I've been to in Arkansas.  "

    7. Richland Creek Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Witts Springs, AR
    21 miles
    Website

    "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

    "I had found information online that Arkansas campgrounds were reopened, so it was a surprise to see it closed."

    8. Gilbert RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Buffalo National River, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2111

    $38 / night

    "We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally."

    "The campground is small and a bit sparse, but the location to the river is unbeatable. The camp owner and store manager “Jim” is a delight…as is “homer” the camp dog."

    9. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby"

    "Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's."

    10. Blue Heron Campground

    15 Reviews
    Cotter, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 453-4678

    "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. "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 222 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Buffalo National River Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Buffalo National River

212 Photos of 222 Buffalo National River Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buffalo National River

815 Reviews of 222 Buffalo National River Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    Easy access to the Buffalo National River

    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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Baker Ford Primitive Campground, Buffalo National River

    Free primitive campground with river access

    Visited here on Nov 5, 2025. Did not camp here though. The river access area is nice, but I didn't like the campground. The campground is just an open grass field with no designated sites. One can park and camp anywhere on the grass. It is convenient for canoers and kayakers who need a place along the Buffalo River to camp for the night. There is a vault toilet, but it was not supplied and cleaned for a while at the time of my visit. The is no potable water and no trash service. The unpaved County Road 18 to the campground is rough in spots, but the road is better graded after crossing onto National Park Service land. Driving on this road in a 2WD passenger vehicle should be okay. The track from the campground area down to the boat launch is eroded and has not been graded in a while. There is little shade at the campground, so Starlink connectivity can be accomplished. I did not receive T-Mobile cell service. There are some trees around the perimter of the field where hammock camping may be possible, but camping appears to be restricted on the open grassy area - not in the woods. Fishing and swimming is possible at the river.

  • Jacquelyn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    The campsites sit just off the dirt road. There's a little bit of traffic from people going to hike but not much, the campsites are pretty close together. The people that are across from me are a larger group and while they are very nice I can hear just about everything, they are not being loud it's just how the campsites are set up.

    I usually prefer a little more dispersed and secluded but this is still very calm and peaceful and leaves changing colors makes it absolutely stunning.

    It's a little humid during the day but still cool during the day and the perfect amount of chilly at night without being cold.

    I think I'm the only one here who has my dog tethered to a tree with a long rope, everyone else allows the dog to be off leash and that almost created a dog fight so just be cautious of that.

    *I have T-Mobile and have pretty good service

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    The Embers Glamping and RV Resort

    Clean/New/Expensive/Great Location

    Little expensive, but does it all right. Super nice shop with coffee shop and pizza attached.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Buffalo outdoor center

    Most beautiful place in Arkansas

    I love this area, we’ve enjoyed the cabins at BOC and brought our RV this time. I have zero complaints about the RV park except be aware it sits on top of the mountain. So wind can be an issue and there’s zero shade. Full hook ups, convenient to all the hikes and activities, totally level pads, and they don’t pack them in here like sardines- there’s only 15 spots. Be aware site 7 is low so if it’s rainy you will have water in your spot.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    Primitive camping along the Buffalo River

    Van-camped in site #3 in mid-October, 2025. Free National Park Service primitive campground along the Buffalo Ntional River. The property serves as a drop-off and pickup location for kayakers and canoers. Outfitters may be coming and going. Not all sites are level; varies from site to site. Some sites are walk-ins. Clean vault toilet, supplied with tp and hand sanitizer. No potable water. Sites include table, metal fire ring, and lantern pole. Dirt surface. Good separation between sites but no privacy. A handful of armadillos were scrounging around during the evening. There is a partial view of the river through the trees. The road approaching the campground, CR99, is about 3 miles long and gravel, narrow in places. The last 1.5 miles has some minor erosion and rocky in places. There are no hiking trails at this location. No cell service. Starlink connectivity possible depending on the site. Tent and hammock camping possible. Fishing along the river bank. Overall, this is not a bad campground in a beautiful area.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    White Buffalo Resort

    Can’t beat this view!

    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. I will say I like site 11, but if you are not camping and pears, you will be camping directly next to site 10. They are pull through sites that are connected basically. We had another couple with us and it a great set up. But if it had just been us it would have been weird.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Clean, well maintained campground

    Camped at site #8 in Oct 10-11, 2025. Our site was on a wooded loop, the first camping section on the left after entering the campground. Good spacing between sites. Our campervan fit nicely on the site; level. Shared water faucet between sites 7 & 8. Our site had 20 and 30 amp power. There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass. Sites 5, 7 & 8 are really nice on this loop. Campground is clean and well maintained. AT&T and T-Mobile service. I normally do primitive and dispersed camping, but occasionally use established campgrounds, such as this, for replemishing water and power, and to take a shower. I was very pleased with our campsite and the campground. Did some hiking on the campground trails. The person working the entrance gate wad very nice and helpful. I would stay here again.

Guide to Buffalo National River

Camping near Buffalo National River, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the river, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack modern conveniences. A camper at Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River noted, "Vault toilets only and they were not stocked regularly," so be prepared for rustic conditions.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife. One reviewer at Richland Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Watch for Elk, you’ll probably see an armadillo or two," which adds to the outdoor experience.
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor to Gunner Pool Recreation Area warned, "The road down from Falling Water had been washed out," so check conditions before heading out.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. A parent at Bull Shoals-White River State Park said, "The restroom/shower house is clean & warm," which is great for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One camper at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River mentioned, "Want to just sit by one of the cleanest rivers around," suggesting a balance of relaxation and adventure.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River noted, "It's a good place for families that want to get into the river," indicating that having fun by the water is a hit.

Tips from RVers

Camping near Buffalo National River, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful scenery, fun activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available at Buffalo River in Arkansas?

Buffalo National River provides numerous tent camping options throughout the park. Ozark Campground offers tent sites along the 135-mile undammed river with beautiful canyon views. For more primitive experiences, Shine Eye Gravel Bar provides undeveloped camping - simply park, walk to the river, and find your spot on this beautiful gravel bar. Buffalo Point features shaded sites perfect for summer tent and hammock camping with river access. Additional options include Woolum Dispersed Area for more primitive camping, and Tyler Bend Campground for those seeking slightly more facilities. Most tent sites are first-come, first-served, with some reservable options available.

Are there campsites with electricity at Buffalo National River?

Buffalo National River primarily offers primitive camping experiences, but there are limited options with electricity. Prominence Homestead of the Ozarks provides an RV pad with electrical hookups on a secluded 10-acre property near the river. For those seeking traditional campgrounds with electrical hookups, options near but not directly on the Buffalo National River include private campgrounds like Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging, which offers various accommodation types including sites with amenities. Buffalo Point does have some developed campsites, though electricity availability should be verified before arrival. For full hookups, consider nearby options like Gilbert RV Park or Blue Heron Campground, which cater specifically to RVers requiring electrical connections.

Where is Mt. Hersey Campground located on Buffalo River?

Mt. Hersey (sometimes spelled Hersey) is located in the middle section of the Buffalo National River, not far from the South Maumee area. South Maumee Camping Area serves as a reference point, as it's in the same general vicinity near Saint Joe, Arkansas. Mt. Hersey provides a primitive camping experience with minimal facilities. The campground sits along the riverbank, making it popular with paddlers exploring this section of the Buffalo. Access is typically via Highway 14 and county roads, though road conditions can be challenging during wet weather. While less developed than campgrounds like Steel Creek or Buffalo Point, Mt. Hersey offers a more secluded experience for those seeking to connect with nature away from crowds.

What are the best campgrounds at Buffalo National River?

Buffalo National River offers several outstanding campgrounds. Steel Creek Campground is considered one of the most scenic, featuring the iconic Roark Bluff and access to multiple hiking trails. The area provides tent sites and river access. Kyles Landing Campground is another favorite, known for beautiful surroundings, well-maintained grounds, and typically fewer crowds than other locations. It runs parallel to the river with direct access points. Both campgrounds offer primitive camping experiences with basic facilities. For those seeking a more developed option, Buffalo Point provides more amenities. The best choice depends on your preference for scenery, amenities, and crowd levels.

Keep Exploring