Camping near Leslie, AR

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    Camping opportunities in the Ozark region surrounding Leslie, Arkansas center on Buffalo National River and nearby national forest lands. The area contains developed facilities like Buffalo Point Campground and Tyler Bend Campground, along with more primitive options at South Maumee and Woolum Dispersed Area. Multiple campgrounds provide designated tent and RV sites, while several locations near the Buffalo River offer cabin accommodations for those seeking more shelter and amenities.

    Road access varies considerably across camping areas, with some remote sites requiring high-clearance vehicles on rough gravel roads. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from mid-March through mid-November, though specific opening dates vary by location. "The road in is very dicey and a long way off the main road," noted one camper regarding South Maumee. Weather patterns influence camping conditions, with summer heat making riverside sites particularly desirable. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with coverage generally better at developed campgrounds closer to highways. Vault toilets are common at primitive sites, while larger campgrounds typically provide shower facilities.

    Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the Leslie area. Buffalo National River flows through the region, providing numerous camping opportunities along gravel bars and designated sites. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and clear water quality as standout features. Campgrounds in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, like Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, complement the river-focused options with forest settings. Wildlife viewing opportunities include possible elk sightings at Tyler Bend, where one camper reported, "Beautiful park, very well maintained. Great for swimming in the cold Buffalo River. Lots of wildlife including elk." Weekend crowding occurs at popular river access points during summer months, while more remote primitive sites generally remain less congested even during peak season.

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    Best Campgrounds near Leslie (194)

      1. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

      4.5(33)18mi from Leslie109 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "Paved roads to all the way to your camp site, showers, and a fantastic dinner 5 minutes away may not sound like luxury but Arkansas hllls usually make you work hard to enjoy their beauty."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      2. Richland Creek Recreation Area

      4.8(18)21mi from Leslie4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

      "I had found information online that Arkansas campgrounds were reopened, so it was a surprise to see it closed."

      3. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests

      4.8(24)23mi from Leslie21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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. "

      from $3 - $60 / night

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      4. South Maumee Camping Area — Buffalo National River

      4.2(5)15mi from LeslieRVs, Tents

      5. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River

      3.8(6)16mi from Leslie43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      6. Gunner Pool Recreation Area

      4.3(14)22mi from Leslie4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "v=jioeWYmI0so) While traveling through this portion of Arkansas I stumbled upon a small roadside for Gunner Pool Recreation Area just a short distance past Blanchard Springs.    3 miles down a gravel"

      "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."

      7. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

      4.8(9)20mi from LeslieRVs, Tents

      "I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank."

      "Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao."

      8. Gilbert RV Park

      5.0(2)14mi from LeslieRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally."

      "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."

      from $38 / night

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      9. Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

      3.3(3)14mi from LeslieTents

      "The campsites are a good distance apart, they have plenty of room and have fire rings and picnic tables. Be aware that there is no drinking water and I didn’t get phone service (yay!)."

      10. COE Greers Ferry Lake Choctaw Recreation Area

      4.0(2)15mi from LeslieRVs, Tents

      "General: This is one of (I believe) four Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Greers Ferry Lake and the closest one to Highway 65."

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    Recent Reviews near Leslie, AR

    715 Reviews of 194 Leslie Campgrounds


    • Julie H.
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Camp Conway RV Park

      Horrible

      This is a long review but please read it. It is a public service announcement. Camp Conway greenbrier. Landlord Burt Zinser. Where to begin.. Let start with Ameneties. The website states Each site has full hook ups including 20/30/50 amp electric, clean city water, city sewer and fiber-optic high-speed WiFi. Guests at Camp Conway have the option of porches, sheds and gazebos with management approval. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. 1. Clean city water- it taste like plastic and chlorine. Must have a water filter if you actually want to drink it or give it to your pets. 2. Fiber optic high speed wifi. That's a joke. Shoddy at best. TCW repeatedly has to come out to fix it and it's still garbage. If you are okay with internet dropping in and out every 5 to 10 min, then it's great. Save yourself the headache and get your own, but don't expect Burt Zinser to reduce your rent for services he offers but you can't use. Here at camp conway you can expect to pay for services unrendered.(Not the only one that has this problem in the park) 3. Porches, sheds or gazebos. 100%, as long as you are one of his favorites, like the people in the pictures he uses on his website. The beautiful two story rv with full front porch, likes to watch what everyone else is doing and then go complain to Burt if she doesn't like how your lot looks or what your doing. Burt will be sure to tell you it's too much, or beauty is sometimes only in the eye of the beholder. 4. We also offer a bath house and a laundry. The"Bath House" is one shower, without a bathroom vent, a toilet and sink, in the laundry room and is always disgusting. Hair on the floors, wall, drain, soap scum, ect. The toilet has pubic hair and feces on and around it. No one cleans it, nor cleans up after themselves. Not sure who replaces the toilet paper but half the time it's empty. The laundry is two household washers and dryers. Costing 2.50, which isn't bad. Just don't run the washers at the same time or they flood the room(you will be blamed for over loading it) and expect to dry your clothes for an hour or so, or they will be damp. The state of the laundry room is horrible. Trash overflowing, dog hair, and random debris all over the floors. Again no one cleans them.( you think well I'll just get compact washer, expect to be charged extra for water and don't you dare hang clothes outside to dry, that includes beachwear and towels). It's not visually appealing. 5. Spacious lots. The outer lots are 600 and the other lots 565(it was 550 back in Feb, this is important to note). Price subject to change without a notice. Do Not expect Burt Zinsers crappy memory to remember not to over charge you(text wont help you either). Honestly, don't bother to ask Burt about it, or he will get annoyed and either kick you out or threaten to. I'll get to that later. The lots flood when it rains, grass is almost non existent, scorching heat from lack of trees and of course you have to love the red clay that gets over everything. Lots are suppose to mowed by him, but he hasn't mowed in the 5 months we've been here. He sends his child out, who does a half ass job weed whacking around the pedestals and mows part of the big field. If it wasn't for one of the permanent resident here mowing for people that ask him, it would be horrible. 6. Someone pointed out they have a huge open field with plans to extend the park, but currently it's a great dog area to let your dogs off leash to play. WRONG. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE OFF LEASH. Expect to be harassed about picking up your dog poop. Even when you do, other people do not, while letting their dog roam free and you will be blamed. He has plans to extend the park, true, but until then expect for Burt to constantly remind you that until the park fills up, it all comes out of his pocket, so he's loosing money. You can rent one of his tiny homes if you want to pay near 1,000 for a studio apartment, open floor plan, with a 500 dollar, per pet, fee. You will be secure too as one of his security cameras point directly in the front windows of the current one and only tiny home he has on the premises. 7. Rules. It all depends which of his rules and who you are. If he tells you no AC units in the windows of RVs. There are currently 5 RVs that have units in the windows, so he doesn't really give a crap about that rule. I personally don't care but it was one of the things he stated when we called. No agressive dogs. His example, like pitbulls. Hey as long as you tell him it's another breed he doesn't know the difference and isn't bothered to check. I see nothing wrong with pitties, he's just the type that believes in bad dogs, not bad owners. Oh and on that note you will be sure to hear or be told, that you don't need another mouth to feed, or straight up told you can't keep another pet if you get one. 8. Privacy. Don't expect it. Burt Zinser likes to meddle in people's business. He gives unsolicited relationship advice, opinions on how you should decorate, how your vehicle looks, if your working or not(regardless if you pay rent on time, he doesn't like it if you are a stay at home person). Our experience here has been crap. We moved into the park on Feb 3rd. The lot was one giant mud pit. We asked if he would buy grass seed and we'd care for the lawn until it fully grown. We were told yes at first then the next day we received a text staying no because then he'd have to do that for everyone. We bought grass seed, tilled the land by hand and grew grass. We called about the internet 3 different times. The first time he handed us a wifi extender, that didnt work and TCW said it was pointless since it wasnt hooked into landline nor had bluetooth capabilities. He then had TCW come out two more times to"fix" it, before we said screw it and got starlink. When asked if he would remove the fee for the interent we can't use. He said no. When we asked why are we paying for something we can't use, he stated it was our problem, not his. For the month of Feb rent was 550. March 550. April we TEXT him after hours and asked him to gIve us a call so we could pay rent. HE CALLED US, did the transaction and got off the phone. We checked and noticed he overcharged us, 565. We TEXT him again and pointed out he over charged us. HE CALLED US BACK. He asked when we had moved in, we told him Feb, he apologized and refunded the 15 dollars. When asked when he was going to raise the rent if he would be notifying us. We asked if we would still be paying 550 until then. He called us nieve to think rent wouldn't change. When we explained that we didn't think it would stay 550 forever, but that we would be notified and not just him taking whatever amount he decides he wants. He got irritated said we were busting his balls and he hadn't eaten dinner yet but instead dealing with this crap, and that we were temporary visitors(i didnt know 5 months of renting was temporary). He belittled a person that has autism and learning disabilities when he was the one to CALL US BACK and interupt his own supper. We called during business hours and informed him of the condition of the shower being filthy and smelling of cat urine, because everyone closes the door behind them after a shower and there is no vent( burt decided it wasn't needed, told to us by someone else). We were told people are supposed to be cleaning up after themselves. We asked if he would get a deck brush, hose and cleaning supplies for us and we would clean it for free, once a week. He said sure. A week later we saw him on the property asked about it again. He got annoyed, we dropped it and bought an external on demand hot water heater to be able to shower and feel clean. Once again it was time for rent to be paid. I noticed he had been over charging us again for may and June, not even a week after he told me that August 1st was when the rent would be raised. I saw him on the property and walked over to bring it to his attention. He got irritated and told me that it was becoming a bit much. When asked what he was talking about he stated that no one else bothers him as much as we do, and it's overwhelming. I stated to him that we haven't been unreasonable in holding him accountable for his property. I had explained previously about my husband being autistic with learning disabilities that sometimes effect how he understands things. I brought up that he stated he thinks he's autistic and his wife has told him thay his facial expressions and attitude towards people can be offputting and misinterpreted. I would think he would be more understanding. I told him he obviously has an issue with my husband and that from now on he will be dealing with me since my husband irritates him so much. He tried telling me no that wasn't the issue. I cut him off and said that was exactly the problem or it was holding him accountable, or both. He asked if we be out by then end of the month and I said no, as we have done nothing wrong. Rent is never late. Always paid. Our site is clean, we follow the rules. The next day we received a text from him telling us to be out by the end of the month and he was sorry it didn't work out. Retaliation for a woman speaking to him. Burt Zinser is a horrible business man, landlord and human being. He has issues with speaking too and dealing with woman if they try to be an equal. I truly believe he's sexist and I'm not the only woman in this park that thinks that. If you and your husband are speaking to him, you ask him a question he will disrespect you by looking at your husband and answering. Ask around, talk to people in the park, and not his favorites. I'm hoping I can attach the photos I've taken around the park and facilities but if I can't, feel free to reach out. I have no problem sharing them, in hopes you won't support this man and his park. I will be posting this in every RV group I'm a member of, local community pages and restaurants. Let's hold this man accountable for his disrespect, horrible ethics, and business. Greenbrier is a better community then this man deserves and he shouldn't be allowed to continue this way.

    • Eliza S.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 25, 2026

      White Buffalo Resort

      Beautiful

      This location was our maiden voyage with our new fifth wheel RV. White buffalo resort is a beautiful place to stay with very friendly and helpful staff. Met some friendly, long-term RV’ers. The only drawback is they don’t have a bike trail except for around the campground (4stars). They offer free Wi-Fi, has a nice clean pool, adequate playground and pavilion. Scenery is fantastic.

    • l
      May. 17, 2026

      Hummingpines RV Park

      Beautiful small and private

      Excellent little campground! Peaceful, clean but no showers or toilets! There is electrical hook up and water with a fire ring and picnic table. Friendly fast, service

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 15, 2026

      Moccasin Gap Horse Trail NF Campground

      Ok one nighter when tired

      Electric hook up and level spots with shade cover. Just off the highway so some traffic noise. We were tired and it was handy to get to. Not disappointed.

    • Hans W B.
      May. 12, 2026

      Dogwood Springs Campground

      Skoolie Friendly

      Nightly rate & monthly rate available. Have your own solar? Spot 50 is cheaper because it has no working electricity. Water and sewer hookup are available at this site. Dogs welcome.

    • Cathy H.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 6, 2026

      Haw Creek Falls Camping

      Good if you no where to go

      So, I never been here so it took me a little bit to find a camp spot. I found a spot where my medium clearance compact suv could drive up to. ...it was a all wheel drive, but I think a 2- wheel drive could get to where I camped. It was very nice where I was at. Covered with trees and a rock fire ring there.

    • C
      Apr. 20, 2026

      Xtreme Paintball and Laser Tag

      The best experience!

      This was our second time coming back, and it was just as amazing as the first! I’d recommend this place to anyone of all ages. He does a great job making everything fun and fair while still letting you have control over how you want to play. He even gave us a trial of Splatterball to try, which was a really cool bonus. Great guy with tons of experience, and it definitely shows. We’ll absolutely be back again!

    • Mark S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 8, 2026

      Middle Fork Dispersed Site AR Ozarks

      Nice But …

      This would be a great campsite but too many people have trashed it. Cans, tp, and broken glass everywhere. Some local charity should clean it up.

    • sThe Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 24, 2026

      Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

      Beautiful

      Lots of room, lots of fire rings. Several (maybe 5?) vault toilets that are well-maintained and stocked. When we got there, there were probably 50 people at 20 different spots scattered across the field. When we left, it was just us and one other group. Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao. One of the roads into the park is closed, but the detour is signed well and easy to figure out. If I had to guess, it’s closed because one of the edges is getting pretty close to crumbling into the river. I wish I had thought to bring paddle boards and kayaks. There were lots of people who brought big rigs down to the camp site, as well as pulled boats. The gravel roads are well maintained enough that I’d be comfortable doing that, but the hill is pretty steep at times, so be wary.


    Guide to Leslie

    Camping sites near Leslie, Arkansas center primarily on Buffalo National River and Ozark National Forest areas. The landscape features limestone bluffs, dense hardwood forests, and elevations ranging from 800 to 2,200 feet. Water levels in the Buffalo River fluctuate seasonally, with spring bringing higher, faster currents while late summer sees calmer, lower water conditions suitable for novice paddlers.

    What to Do

    Canoeing trips: Float outfitters operate near Buffalo Point for various trip lengths. "We stayed 4 nights (Thu-Mon) in June and went on a canoe trip on Saturday. Our float trip was amazing and we were on our way back to our vehicle on the 3 pm bus (trip was Dillard's Ferry to Rush)," reports Susan R. from Buffalo Point.

    Cave exploration: Tour Blanchard Springs Caverns for $10 admission. "Cavern Tours are very cool! Keep food stuffs put away. Bring Bug spray...Lots," advises Jarrod L. from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. The caverns offer both standard tours and more adventurous options.

    Waterfall hunting: Multiple falls within 30-minute drives. "Many waterfalls nearby usually very peaceful," notes Nikki M. about the Richland Creek Recreation Area. Six Finger Falls and Falling Water Falls are accessible by vehicle with short walks from parking areas.

    What Campers Like

    Clear swimming holes: Natural pools throughout the region provide relief from summer heat. "There is a paved walk down to the river from B Loop. We found a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach. The water was absolutely beautiful Thursday-Saturday," describes Susan R. about Buffalo Point.

    Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities. "Deer were everywhere and the Indian Rockhouse hike was really great. I will def be back in warmer weather to float the river which it was low for the winter. Falls colors everywhere and great weather," shares Heath L. about his stay at Buffalo Point.

    Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at remote sites. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night with out cell service! Highly recommended for those who are looking to get away from reality!" explains Kaylee W. about her experience at Tyler Bend Campground.

    What You Should Know

    Road conditions: Access varies significantly between campgrounds. "The dirt road leading in is well maintained," notes Josh B. about Richland Creek Recreation Area, while another camper warns: "If you travel the north road from the campground for about 3.5 miles you will get decent service from AT&T but I don't know about the other carriers."

    Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter months. Buffalo Point operates from March 15 to November 14, while primitive sites like Richland Creek Recreation Area remain accessible year-round though without maintenance during off-season.

    Water levels impact activities: Spring rains can cause rapid changes. "We got on the river about 10:45 am. By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT. We saw a park ranger on Sunday and asked about the water level and she said it had gone up 12 feet by Saturday night," recounts Susan R. about Buffalo Point.

    Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours better than others. "This campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules," reports Amanda W. about Buffalo Point.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Easy access swimming: Designated areas suitable for children. "Good place to camp and very nice employees! Very clean campground and very clean bathrooms," notes Corbin I. about Maumee. The campground offers direct river access with shallow areas.

    Short hiking options: Several trails under 1 mile. "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," shares Susan R., describing family-friendly activities near Buffalo Point.

    Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room between neighbors. "The camp sites were very roomy! Clean bathrooms. Hikers' paradise! Love it here!" exclaims Leah H. about Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookup options: Plan for self-sufficiency. "We stayed at a no hook ups site overlooking the water in the E loop site 17. Many of the waterfront sites were closed because they were underwater. Well spaced sites. $16 night, hence four stars w no hookups," explains Jess C. about Choctaw Recreation Area.

    Size restrictions: Many camping areas unsuitable for larger rigs. "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small," warns Lucy P. about Tyler Bend Campground. Sites at Buffalo Point may accommodate larger vehicles in specific loops only.

    Loop selection matters: Research site angles and sun exposure. "Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site. Some get full sun in the morning but most are shaded in the evening due to the mountain," advises Wayne J. from Buffalo Point.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there good camping at Leslie Gulf?

    While Leslie Gulf isn't a specific camping destination, the Leslie area in Arkansas offers excellent camping options nearby. Cove Creek on Greers Ferry Lake provides beautiful waterfront camping with sites for both RVs and tent campers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be advantageous during less busy periods. Another great option is Richland Creek Recreation Area, known for peaceful primitive camping and excellent hiking opportunities. Be prepared for limited cell service and gravel roads when visiting Richland Creek.

    What amenities are available at Leslie State Park campground?

    Leslie State Park isn't a designated campground, but nearby camping options offer various amenities. Hill Creek - Greers Ferry Lake provides water and electric hookups (including 50 amp), a dump station, drinking water, showers, flush toilets, a boat ramp, marina, playground, and fish cleaning station. The campground is reservation-friendly. Another option is Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, which offers beautiful natural surroundings with caverns and recreation opportunities, though with more basic facilities typical of forest service campgrounds.

    When is the best time to camp in Leslie area?

    The best time to camp in the Leslie area is late spring through early fall, with May through September offering ideal conditions. Gamaliel campground is particularly popular during this period, with excellent sites though they can be close together. For those seeking swimming opportunities, Buffalo Point is ideal during summer months when you can enjoy the Buffalo National River. The CCC-built Buffalo Point campground features unique multi-level sites with elevated platforms in some cases. Fall brings spectacular foliage, while spring offers wildflowers and moderate temperatures, making both seasons excellent for camping.