Best Tent Camping near Bull Shoals Lake

Tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas provides access to both lakeside and riverfront sites within the Ozark Mountains region. Aufderklamm Farm offers private tent campsites with lake views and access to Bull Shoals Lake for kayaking and swimming. The Buffalo National River area, located within driving distance of Bull Shoals, features several tent-only campgrounds including Rush Campground and Spring Creek Campground, which provide primitive tent camping experiences along the scenic river corridor.

Most tent campgrounds in the Bull Shoals area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Vault toilets are standard at primitive sites, while some locations like Aufderklamm Farm provide shower facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at most established tent sites, though Spring Creek Campground has more minimal facilities. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering drinking water spigots while others require campers to bring their own supply. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most backcountry tent camping locations, particularly those along the Buffalo River.

The tent camping experience near Bull Shoals offers notable privacy and natural immersion. According to reviews, Spring Creek Campground provides a peaceful setting with campsites spaced at good distances from each other. One visitor noted, "This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog. The campsites are a good distance apart and have plenty of room." Walk-in tent sites at Kyles Landing Campground offer a more secluded experience, though the access road requires careful navigation. Weekday visits typically provide greater solitude, with one camper reporting midweek stays at Steel Creek Campground as "practically empty" compared to crowded summer weekends. Wildlife sightings including deer and armadillos are common at many of the tent campgrounds in the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Bull Shoals Lake (26)

    1. Aufderklamm Farm

    1 Review
    Greeson Lake, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (267) 648-8977

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Beautiful private campground with access to Bull Shoals Lake. The campsite is lake view, and I took my kayak into a private lake cove."

    2. Rush Campground — Buffalo National River

    4 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    "This is primitive camping at its best. They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot. Right on the beautiful buffalo river. The sites were patrolled by rangers on a regular basis."

    "Plenty of shade options. Restrooms are pit-style, so dont expect anything fancy. Did not see shower facilities where we were at."

    3. Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    8 Reviews
    Kirbyville, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 746-0291

    "Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers."

    "This one had all the necessary items, picnic tables and fire rings along with pit toilets which were not in bad shape.  "

    4. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    5. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

    6. Rippee Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Vanzant, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 256-7161

    8. Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    2 Reviews
    Harriet, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    "This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog. We stayed three nights in October 2020."

    9. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

    "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."

    10. Shine Eye Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River

    1 Review
    St. Joe, AR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Bull Shoals Lake

708 Reviews of 26 Bull Shoals Lake Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Barkshed Recreation Area

    Mostly walkin tent sites

    Visited 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped 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.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Gem in Missouri

    Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers. There’s about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/ RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table. 2-3 bars of LTE with AT&T. Little bit of road noise but no issues sleeping in my van. Everyone we came across was kind. No electric or water so come prepared. Closest town for supplies is around 25 minutes. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Renee H.
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Dam - Quarry

    Clean campground, nice location

    Average space between sites. Level paved sites with gravel picnic area including picnic table, fire ring, lantern hanger. Some sites had covered picnic area. Limited shade, most sites don’t have trees. Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Garbage cans were outside of bathrooms, as well as dumpsters near the registration building. Friendly staff upon check in. Campground was patrolled regularly. No laundry or recycling. Nearby road with little road noise. Verizon cell signal was excellent. There is a dump station and potable fill station. No store or food for purchase on site. No hiking in campground, but multiple trails nearby. Boat ramp at campground and lots of wading fly fishing in river. Fish hatchery across from campground.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Basic but very quiet and peaceful

    General: We were apprehensive about planning to stay at this campground as the nearby one in Blanchard Springs was closed, we could not make reservations, five of the 27 sites were closed due to potential flooding from Hurricane Laura, and access is via a three-mile winding dirt road (not recommended for large RVs but it was navigable for our campervan), so we made alternate backup plans. There was no need to worry, however, as there were plenty of open sites, including some overlooking North Sylamore Creek when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon in mid-October for a hike. 

    Sites/Facilities: Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, and lantern pole. There is a central water source.

    Activities/Amenities: This is a no-frills campground – no electric or water hookups, dumpster, playground, or flush toilets – just vault toilets. What struck me most was how quiet it was. There is access to the Sylamore hiking trail; you can hike five miles to the Blanchard Springs picnic area.

  • Staci F.
    Jul. 13, 2017

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    First time camping in Arkansas... and am in love

    This is one of the nicest campgrounds we have stayed at! Shade for days, amazing lake and campsites are a very good size. Shower house was big and air conditioned! Trees almost give it a forest feel and deer were everywhere!

    We camp with a 19 foot Jayco TT and the site was big. Concrete right outside our door to a concrete picnic table. Water hookups were a little far - required a 50' hose. Nice, quiet grounds. I am a runner so plenty of pavement for me to get some miles in too. Water was still up in Bull Shoals lake so beach was closed and boat ramp was tricky.

    We highly recommend this campground and will be camping here again.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Cobb Ridge

    Oasis in the Woods

    Open:  year round

    Reservations:  877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

                               Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance

    Fees:  $15.00 single with electric

                $10.00 single no electric

                $45.00 group site

                Passes honored

    Bear Aware.  Beautiful fence around campground with the road and pads all paved.  Nice.  Complete campground is well maintained.  Camp host on duty, no gate house.  Sites are very large and spaced out well.  Some pull thrus.  Picnic table, fire ring, toilets, showers, water, trash.  There are nearly 80 miles of inter connected loops that go from easy to hard terrian, winding in and out of forested hollers and along ridge tops.  ATV must be 50 inches wide or less.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Wonderful overnight

    We hiked in to this campground from Blanchard and were pleasantly surprised. It is primitive in some aspects but not overtly so. They have vault toilets that were manageable and spickets for water. We grabbed a site that had a bi-level for the tent and picnic table. There was a fire ring as well. Overall, it has some stuff to do being by the river and a longish trail to explore. We may have been to tired to care about some of the finer details so we were pretty happy with this site!

  • Laura L.
    Mar. 14, 2021

    Pontiac

    Nice small campground

    Private campground, some full hook ups, some electric only, andsome primitive. Water is shared and can be 50 feet from your campsite. Nice big trees, mostly level parking, which is saying something considering it's the ozarks! Bull Shoals lake is lovely. Marina and restaurant at the campground. Ice available. Nice bathrooms. Walk to swim from the shore. No beach but rocks to jump from into incredibly deep water.


Guide to Bull Shoals Lake

Tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find options that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers should check out Rush Campground — Buffalo National River

  • Located right on the stunning Buffalo River, Rush Campground features primitive camping with vault toilets and a water spigot, making it a great spot for those who appreciate simplicity.
  • This campground is known for its regular ranger patrols, ensuring a safe and informative experience for visitors eager to learn about the area.
  • With 12 tent sites available, it’s a popular choice for families looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway amidst nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Aufderklamm Farm

  • Aufderklamm Farm offers spacious sites with access to Bull Shoals Lake, perfect for those who enjoy kayaking or fishing right from their campsite.
  • Campers can enjoy the convenience of drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for a weekend retreat.
  • The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Tips for tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake

  • For a unique experience, consider Gilbert Gravel Bar, which serves as a great starting point for canoe trips along the Buffalo River, with ample space for tent camping.
  • If you're looking for a quieter spot, Rippee Conservation Area offers a serene environment with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Be prepared for a more rustic experience at Spring Creek Campground, where you'll find primitive sites with vault toilets and no drinking water, ideal for those who want to truly disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bull Shoals Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bull Shoals Lake is Aufderklamm Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Bull Shoals Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.