Tent camping opportunities around Compton, Arkansas center on the Buffalo River watershed within the Ozark mountains. Elevations range from 800 to 2,200 feet above sea level, creating diverse microclimates and terrain features. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and drop to 60-70°F at night, with humidity levels often exceeding 80% during peak camping season.
What to do
Swimming and fishing: Kings River Falls Campground provides access to multiple swimming areas along the Kings River. A camper notes, "Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas" with plenty of "caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river."
Hiking trails: Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby hiking trails. "Recently reopened following flooding. This is a must see for hikers and campers alike," according to a recent visitor. The campground provides easy access to multiple hiking routes of varying difficulty levels.
Rock climbing: For experienced outdoor enthusiasts, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch offers extensive climbing opportunities. "Horseshoe canyon is one of the biggest climbing and bouldering locations in the southeast area. Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit," according to one climber. The ranch maintains numerous established routes suitable for various skill levels.
What campers like
Riverside access: Campers at Steel Creek Campground appreciate the proximity to water. One camper shared that the sites feature "Clear running water (river) great views" while another mentioned, "We loved camping at Steel Creek! You can see beautiful bluff from the campground. The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole!"
Wildlife viewing: Many visitors to Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area value the increased chances to observe local fauna. The area requires purchasing a camping license from the Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission for $5, which can be done online. The management area offers two designated campsites with different terrain features - "The farther east site is high on a bluff top, the west site is more in a valley."
Natural water features: Haw Creek Falls Camping provides access to scenic waterfalls. "Fun campground, not exactly remote but private enough. $10/night, which is more than fair considering the size of most of the sites. Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!" A different camper observed that "eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in Arkansas."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Kyles Landing Campground requires careful driving. "The road is steeply inclined and bumpy," notes one camper, while another explains, "I got my compact car down just fine. Go slow in a lower gear." This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is essential during peak seasons.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have no cellular connectivity. At Kyles Landing, a camper reported, "Absolutely no cell service. No one in our group with varying cell service providers had service." Similarly at Haw Creek Falls, visitors should "need bug spray, worth the ride out but no cell service at all!"
Reservation requirements: While many campgrounds operate on first-come first-served basis, some require advance booking. At Kings River Falls Campground, "You have to book your stay at this private campground through their website. They will then give you very detailed directions to their private property."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Multiple family-friendly swimming areas exist throughout the region. At Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, families appreciate that the campground has "virtually every single amenity that you could think of" with "goats and horses around the property." One family noted it was "magical" for their children.
Space considerations: When camping with children, site size matters. At Black Raspberry Campsite, campers enjoy "the view from the entire campsite" with sufficient room for families to spread out. Kings River Falls Campground receives similar praise: "We had campsite #5 and loved how much room we had! You are close enough to see your neighbor campers but we couldn't hear them at all. We had 2 dogs that loved the space too."
Amenities access: Facilities vary greatly between campgrounds. Steel Creek offers "bathrooms with flush toilets cleaned daily, but no showers. Weather and river reports posted at the bathroom daily." Meanwhile, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides showers, making longer stays with children more comfortable.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. At Kyles Landing, one camper warned: "While 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way." Similarly at Steel Creek, "four wheel drive is highly recommended. The road is steep, has sharp, blind curves and is very narrow."
Site selection: At Steel Creek Campground, "The sand may be a pain, but the sandy sites drain away rain water faster than the grassy sites that had standing water for a couple days after a big storm." RVers should check specific site conditions before setting up, especially after rainfall.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Compton have limited or no hookups. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch does offer electric hookups, making it one of the few options for RVers requiring power. Most other campgrounds only offer tent camping or primitive RV parking without services.
