Buffalo Point Campground in Buffalo National River allows pets in designated areas with standard leash requirements. Campground features include electric and water hookups, sanitary dump stations, and tent and RV sites accommodating various camping styles. Pets must remain on leashes no longer than six feet when outside vehicles. The campground maintains clean facilities with regularly serviced restrooms and trash collection. Campers visiting with pets appreciate the spacious sites with room for dogs to settle comfortably near camp while remaining secured. Some primitive camping options like Sam's Throne Recreation Area also welcome pets at their free dispersed sites where vault toilets are available.
Several developed campgrounds near Dennard feature pet-friendly cabins including Gilbert RV Park, where the campground sits within walking distance of Buffalo River access points. The owner treats visitors with pets like family according to camper experiences. Tyler Bend Campground provides river proximity for pets that enjoy swimming, though some reviews note highway noise can disturb sensitive animals. When hiking with dogs on nearby trails, owners should carry sufficient water and waste bags as amenities are limited at more primitive sites. National Forest areas provide additional dispersed camping opportunities where pets are welcome with proper containment and waste management. Weather considerations include hot summer temperatures requiring extra water provisions for pets and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.
$20 - $50 / night
"Each site has parking, for car or RV all differing in length, and you walk behind the parking to an area with benches, picinic table, lantern hanger, and fire pit."
"Some sites you may not be long enough for your entire rig and you would park your tow vehicle next to your camper. Shade was plentiful. There are five different loops."
$3 - $60 / night
"I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees in Arkansas about 30ish miles north of Little Rock."
"Blanchard Springs has great camp sites, great hiking, multiple access to swim/wade into water, plus great caving opportunities! There is NO cell service in the park. "
$25 - $40 / night
"We decided on Petit Jean State Park to be our first Arkansas camping experience and it did not disappoint!"
"Great areas to look around and hike. Restaurant is pretty decent and breakfast was hot and delicious. There’s a little petting zoo thing close by for kids. Playground was great."
$18 - $50 / night
"As most campsites are, there are no real defined borders and all Greers Ferry and Heber Springs are surrounded by residential areas."
"The locations and names of “parks” are confusing on Dyrt so I would note that the camping area is called Sugar Loaf Park."
$18 - $50 / night
"This Campground is quiet, secluded jewel in Clinton, Arkansas. Tall trees everywhere you look. Every campsite is shaded. Perfectly spaced trees for the hammock lovers."
"Tall trees, a lake, and nicely spaced out sites. Loved it."
$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."
"I think I'm the only one here who has my dog tethered to a tree with a long rope, everyone else allows the dog to be off leash and that almost created a dog fight so just be cautious of that."
"Many groups out there taking advantage of the beautiful March weather to hit the rock and explore all the many jaw-dropping routes on and around Sam's rocky Throne."
$38 / night
"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."
"We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally."
TravelerThe owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
TravelerRARE FIND Such a BEAUTIFUL place! I love all the oak trees and the sounds of nature are so relaxing. They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature. If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it. Everyone here is friendly and the shared spaces are always very clean.
They offer great rates and a Military Discount too!!
Enjoy your stay!
ScoutSpent three nights. Called for reservations, very receptive owners no problems getting in. I was running late due to the distance. They called to check on us and left instructions in a box at the office with site number, WiFi, bath codes. Again very nice owners. Went in the next morning to settle bill. Office is stocked with a nice assortment of things that an RV owner might need for minor repairs. Camp site was pretty level, spacing is typical for a campsite built some years ago, but we had a site on the end so we didn’t feel too close to anyone. Owners have only had the campground for two years. Was told the water connections were their next priority. Connections are a little inconvenient due to being under ground level, but no problem connecting my water filter for my 5th wheel. Dog park was a short walk away, was clean. Campground was clean, dumpsters accessible for trash and area clean around them. We would be happy to stay there again.
RangerTent campers have the better camping loop at this campground, closer to the water, nicer sites, most with plenty of trees for shade. You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them. Some campsites are just a football-field distance from the rocky swim beach, while others sit either nestled in the woods or overlooking the creek from above on a small bluff. The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of. Pets are not permitted around or in the water, so we prefer to leave our dog at home when visiting here. Hiking from the campground is terrific, too, particularly when the water is flowing to make waterfalls. Long Pool is a must-visit camping destination for Arkansas residents.
RangerWe decided on Petit Jean State Park to be our first Arkansas camping experience and it did not disappoint! The area in and surrounding the park is absolutely stunning with amazing hiking opportunities. Waterfalls, rock outcroppings, flora and fauna… it’s all here! The site was surrounded by hardwood and pines and very private. Extremely pet friendly as well. We highly recommended staying here!
ScoutJust outside Conway, AR. Easy access to sites, very clean park. Plenty green areas to throw frisbee or just play with pets.
GuideLove this place because there are so many types of camp sites available. Great areas to look around and hike. Restaurant is pretty decent and breakfast was hot and delicious. There’s a little petting zoo thing close by for kids. Playground was great.
TravelerThis is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
TravelerQuick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains at an elevation of around 800 feet, Dennard provides access to camping areas with varied terrain and river access points. The region experiences mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs often reaching 90°F, while winters can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility, though water systems may be winterized during colder months.
Hiking the Indian Rockhouse Trail: This popular trail at Buffalo Point Campground offers access to unique geological formations. "We did the Over Look trail and it was pretty well maintained. We also went to the Rush Ghost Town and did the short loop to check it out," notes Susan R.
Canoe and kayak river access: Multiple river entry points provide varied float experiences. "We canoed & kayaked in from Tyler Bend Campground. Great place to camp. Not much on amenities. Perfect for what we were looking for," shares Joel H. from South Maumee Camping Area.
Rock climbing opportunities: The bluffs provide numerous climbing routes for various skill levels. "Beautiful path to walk to see the open ozarks but not much else to do here," explains Bri at Sam's Throne Recreation Area, where "There are a number of trails outside the main established trails."
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing. "On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky," comments Kaylee W., who enjoyed "a peaceful night without cell service" at Sam's Throne Recreation Area.
River swimming spots: The Buffalo River provides natural swimming areas with clear water. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff," shares Kaylee W. about their experience at Buffalo Point.
Wildlife encounters: Deer and other wildlife frequently visit campsites. "Deer were everywhere and the Indian Rockhouse hike was really great," reports Heath L. from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, adding that "During the week was super quiet and more my speed."
Limited cell reception: Most campgrounds have spotty or no service. "There is no service in the camp site at all," warns Heath L. about Buffalo Point, though at Sam's Throne "Some campsites have cell phone service. ATT had the best out of all of our phones."
Weather-related water level changes: The Buffalo River can rise rapidly after rainfall. "By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT," warns Susan R., noting it "had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night."
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Dennard: Most camping areas welcome pets with proper containment. "We had my 2 little boy cousins and my dog with us and we all had a good time walking down to the river to play," shares Heather L. about Petit Jean State Park, one of several pet-friendly campgrounds in the region.
Choose spacious sites: Look for sites with adequate room for children to play safely. "The camp sites were clean and water accessible. The hike to the overlook was fantastic!!!" notes Manny A. about Buffalo Point.
Vault toilets available: Even at more primitive sites, basic facilities exist. "Bathrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's," explains Dustin D.B. at Gilbert RV Park, where "the location to the river is unbeatable."
Prepare for creek crossings: Some access roads may ford small streams. "There is a paved walk down to the river from B Loop," mentions Susan R., adding that at Buffalo Point they "found a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach."
Limited level sites: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Many sites are unlevel and require significant leveling chocks to get it truly level," warns Ryan S. at Petit Jean State Park, noting that "some sites are angled differently and there is no clear indication how you have to enter the loop."
Full hookup options: Select campgrounds offer complete services. "Loop A is new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand," shares Ryan S. about Petit Jean State Park.
Crowding on weekends: Midweek visits offer more solitude. "The sites in C & D appeared to be a little smaller. I noticed several sites in B & C were uneven from roots pushing the asphalt up," cautions Shana D., who advises to "RESERVE EARLY to get a spot in Loop A or Loop B" at Petit Jean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dennard, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dennard, AR is Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dennard, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 140 dog-friendly camping locations near Dennard, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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