Best Tent Camping near Combs, AR
The Buffalo National River region near Combs, Arkansas provides numerous tent camping opportunities with sites situated along waterways and beneath forest canopies. Steel Creek Campground offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings along the Buffalo River, while Kyles Landing Campground features walk-in tent sites surrounded by towering Ozark bluffs. Both locations are managed by the National Park Service and require modest fees for overnight stays, generally ranging from $10-15 per night.
Tent campers should prepare for minimal amenities across most locations. Most sites provide vault toilets but lack shower facilities, with Steel Creek and Kyles Landing offering drinking water during peak seasons through November. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing Kyles Landing due to its steep, rough gravel road that becomes challenging after rainfall. The sandy soil at Steel Creek drains well during storms, making it preferable for tent setups during wet conditions. Most campgrounds are first-come, first-served with limited or no cell service, requiring advance planning and self-sufficiency.
During weekdays, tent campers often find ample space and solitude at these locations, though summer weekends and holidays bring increased crowds. Many campsites feature lantern poles, picnic tables, and fire rings with access to hiking trails directly from the campgrounds. Tent-only areas along the Buffalo River provide immediate water access for swimming and paddling. The surrounding Ozark National Forest also contains more primitive tent camping options with fewer amenities but greater seclusion. Walk-in tent sites at Steel Creek back up against the treeline, offering better shade and proximity to the river. A camper noted that "Kyles Landing is the best disconnect from the world campground" with stunning bluff views and complete absence of road noise that creates a truly immersive outdoor experience.
