Primitive tent camping sites along the Buffalo National River near Cozahome, Arkansas offer direct access to waterways and hiking trails within the Ozark landscape. Most sites are situated between elevations of 600 and 1,200 feet, providing both riverside and bluff camping options. River levels fluctuate seasonally, with water running lower during late summer months and higher during spring flooding events.
What to do
Float trips with overnight stays: Buffalo Camping & Canoeing in Gilbert serves as an excellent starting point for multi-day paddling adventures. The outfitter provides camping sites for those preparing for river journeys.
Hiking access: Syllamo offers both mountain biking and hiking opportunities with well-maintained trail systems. "This is a series of trails with multiple trail heads. Each trail head has a course gravel parking area and a very nice pit toilet. Bring lots of drinking water. Good for both Mountain Biking and hiking, but hikers need to make way for bikers," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires a $5 camping permit from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission but provides designated tent sites in secluded settings. "Stayed the night in Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites... The farther east site is high on a bluff top, the west site is more in a valley," explains one camper.
What campers like
River proximity: Rush Campground offers direct Buffalo River access for beginning paddlers. "This is the last stop before you enter the wilderness area of the Buffalo River. It was amazing. The only complaint is that at times the river can run somewhat low. This is a great place to go if you are a beginner level for canoeing," shares one visitor.
Wilderness experience: Campers particularly value the isolation at riverside locations. "You can find Gilbert Gravel Bar off 65 just south of the city of St Joe's. Go through the city of Gilbert and you will find parking at the end of the road leading to a fairly large beach/gravel area. You can tent hear in preparation for a canoe trip or as a stop over along the Buffalo River," writes one camper.
Simple accommodations: The best tent camping near Cozahome, Arkansas features basic but functional sites. "This is just a gravel bar along The Buffalo National River but it is beautiful! There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot," explains a visitor to Shine Eye Gravel Bar.
What you should know
Access challenges: Road conditions vary dramatically by season and weather. Kyles Landing Campground has particular access considerations. "This campground is awesome. It's a few miles down a dirt road but worth it. The camp sites have tables and fire pits and are all next to the river. This camp sees heavy traffic during the day due to being the take out for paddle trips down from the town of Ponca," notes one reviewer.
Facility limitations: Most tent sites near Cozahome have minimal facilities. "This campground is quite and beautiful. A real bob Ross of a campground, however the drive down the Arkansas hill to this serene location is a tense frustrating and should not be attempted with a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle," warns a Kyles Landing camper.
Timing considerations: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!" advises a visitor to Kyles Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Spring Creek Campground offers more private sites for families seeking quieter camping. "This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog. We stayed three nights in October 2020. It's right on a put-in spot on the Buffalo River so there were a couple of buses and shuttles but for the most part it was very quiet. The campsites are a good distance apart," reports one visitor.
Water safety: River conditions vary greatly by season, affecting swimming and paddling options. "Beautiful spot! We were the only people there and it was very beautiful & peaceful. Water was clear & right beside the camp. It isn't my favorite camp site but it is my favorite swim spot," notes a camper at Dillards Ferry.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially in fall. "We were here last fall and the colors were simply gorgeous. It was quite chilly in the morning and evening/night, so pack warm clothes!" advises a Kyles Landing camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Cozahome accommodate smaller RVs or tent camping only. "This is a beautiful campground for the entire family. Fairly quiet at night after 11pm. Very busy during the day and evening time. Water gets crowded with canoers and people with kayaks. Plenty of shade options," mentions a visitor to Rush Campground.
Road accessibility: High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing most sites. "The road has improved and was more than passable even after heavy rains. Campsite is remote with great access to trials and the River. Not for Car Camping or RVing," explains a Kyles Landing reviewer.
Campground selection: For tent camping near Cozahome, Arkansas, choose between established sites with basic amenities or more remote gravel bar camping. "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish. WMA Regulations are very easy to find on the AGFC website," advises a Gene Rush WMA visitor.
