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.
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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? "
"Like all Arkansas State parks this is a well kept park"
"It's one of the best I've been to in Arkansas. "
"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."
$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."
"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. "
"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."
LegendAmazing 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.
LegendCamped 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.
LegendCamped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has 27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.
ScoutNice spot, we stay next to the swimming area. Most of the sites have a big concrete pads. Campground host was very friendly. Great value for what you get. Be sure to double check and see what your hookups are as our site only has electric.
LegendVisited here on Oct 7, 2025. Did not camp here. There are a handful of first-come, first-serve primitive sites. I only saw one drive-in site down near the creek. There are about 4 walk-in tent sites up a driveway into a parking area. The walk-in sites are close to the parking area. One site, which is not quite level, has a picnic table. The walk-in sites have metal fire rings. There are 2 clean vault toilets with tp at the campground. No potable water. The tent sites have a dirt and grass surface. There are a few shade trees. Starlink connectivity is possible. No AT&T and T-Mobile service. Nice swimming hole down by the creek. Access to the North Sylamore Creek Trail is at this recreation area. Note that the unpaved forest road approaching the recreation area from highway 14 is sketchy in spots due to Spring storm damage. Sections were being regraded during my visit. Low clearance, 2wd passenger vehicles can make it, but should tread carefully. Also note that, due to storm damage, Tie Ridge Road between Barkshed and Gunner Pool Road was only open to 4x4 vehicles at the time of my visit.
LegendWe love this state park. We have been regularly going there for a long weekend annually
TravelerIt was quiet,peaceful and nice. The entrance wasn't well marked and I had a hard time navigating the entrance with my bumper pull 36'
GuideWe stayed for 3 nights on sites 64 and 65. Absolutely beautiful views. Some damage from flooding but didn't really notice. Bathrooms and bath house were clean. Stay if you get a chance.
GuideWe had the perfect little spot for our tent camping weekend. It is a campground so you do have neighbors but the sites were spread out and didn’t feel cramped. There was ample room for our tent, the fire ring, our hammock set up and the picnic table. Restrooms were the cleanest i’ve ever seen. I will definitely be back!
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.
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.
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