Best Tent Camping near Everton, AR

Tent camping options in the Buffalo National River region near Everton, Arkansas include both established campgrounds and designated primitive sites. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area offers limited tent camping locations with specific regulations, while several Buffalo National River sites like Carver Campground and Kyles Landing provide tent-friendly environments with riverside access.

Tent sites throughout the area feature varying terrain, primarily gravel bars along the river or cleared spots under forest canopy. Gene Rush WMA requires a $5 camping permit purchased through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, with camping allowed only in designated areas. Most Buffalo National River tent campgrounds offer basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, but minimal services beyond that. Sites near water access points like Carver and Kyles Landing tend to be busier during peak floating season, particularly on summer weekends.

The Buffalo River corridor provides excellent tent camping experiences with direct access to water activities. Areas such as Shine Eye Gravel Bar allow tent campers to find spots directly along the riverbank, perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Campers can enjoy the natural landscape while having easy access to hiking trails and river activities. Geographic features include scenic bluffs, clear water, and forest surroundings that create an immersive outdoor experience. One visitor noted, "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."

Best Tent Sites Near Everton, Arkansas (29)

    1. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    2. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    13 miles

    "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."

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    3. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

    4. Carver Campground — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Add to that that the road leading down to the waters edge from the campground was a dirt path that was wet and slick, it did make getting our crafts up a little rough."

    "The sites has fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of room to spread out and relax."

    5. Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    14 miles

    "Beautiful surrounding areas. Near Cobb Cave and Whitaker Point!"

    "It was nice but the people camping next to is where up all night. They were loud and drunk but besides that we had a wonderful time."

    6. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    24 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, showers, and a trash dumpster. The only downside to this campground is that it can be moderately expensive."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    7. Shine Eye Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River

    1 Review
    St. Joe, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."

    8. Rush Campground — Buffalo National River

    4 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    "This is primitive camping at its best. They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot. Right on the beautiful buffalo river. The sites were patrolled by rangers on a regular basis."

    "Plenty of shade options. Restrooms are pit-style, so dont expect anything fancy. Did not see shower facilities where we were at."

    9. Black Raspberry Campsite

    1 Review
    Jasper, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 715-2016

    $100 - $125 / night

    10. Gilbert Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River

    1 Review
    Buffalo National River, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502
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Tent Camping Reviews near Everton, AR

778 Reviews of 29 Everton Campgrounds


  • Amy W.
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    Small campground with CCC-built rock shelters

    This recreation area is as close to off-grid as you can get with so many great options right off the pavement. This campground has no water or electricity but has 4 drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire circle, and rock shelters that overlook the beautiful Illinois Bayou. I only recall seeing trash receptacles on the lower loop.  An upper loop is accessible by hiking in. These are tent sites only with no rock shelters on the sites. The rock shelters have a large rock fire area.  There's also a vault toilet on the lower loop. A pavilion onsite is reservable and has electricity. There's also several small trails through the campground but it's most fun when the water is low enough, to go down to the water and walk along the creek. The area is close to many great hiking trails and dirt roads to explore around Hector and makes a great home base. Just up the road is a great area to explore with Jeeps or ATVs. Look up Lindsey Mtwy. This area is not on many people's radar so it's possible that you may only see a local or two while you're here. I still had cell service with my Verizon network while I was in the campground but I lost service when I went down by the Illinois Bayou.  Overall, this is a heck of a nice campground for the non-electric camper. If you visit the area, please leave no trace. :-)

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2022

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    The Bayou Bluff Recreation Area is now called the Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI). In summary, there are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve. Here's is info directly from the Bayou Bluff  page on the National Forst Service Web site: "Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks. Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services." Also: "Open all year. No fees. Upper loop closed. Pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No trash services. Pack it in- pack it out." The NF page also indicates that there is no water available, but there may water in the group site. The vault toilets are clean, and the campground grounds appear to be reasonably maintained. I recommend only tent camping here, as well as car/truck/van camping. Sites appear to be too small for RVs & trailers.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Barkshed Recreation Area

    Mostly walkin tent sites

    Visited here on Oct 7, 2025. Did not camp here. There are a handful of first-come, first-serve primitive sites. I only saw one drive-in site down near the creek. There are about 4 walk-in tent sites up a driveway into a parking area. The walk-in sites are close to the parking area. One site, which is not quite level, has a picnic table. The walk-in sites have metal fire rings. There are 2 clean vault toilets with tp at the campground. No potable water. The tent sites have a dirt and grass surface. There are a few shade trees. Starlink connectivity is possible. No AT&T and T-Mobile service. Nice swimming hole down by the creek. Access to the North Sylamore Creek Trail is at this recreation area. Note that the unpaved forest road approaching the recreation area from highway 14 is sketchy in spots due to Spring storm damage. Sections were being regraded during my visit. Low clearance, 2wd passenger vehicles can make it, but should tread carefully. Also note that, due to storm damage, Tie Ridge Road between Barkshed and Gunner Pool Road was only open to 4x4 vehicles at the time of my visit.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Gem in Missouri

    Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers. There’s about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/ RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table. 2-3 bars of LTE with AT&T. Little bit of road noise but no issues sleeping in my van. Everyone we came across was kind. No electric or water so come prepared. Closest town for supplies is around 25 minutes. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Renee H.
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Dam - Quarry

    Clean campground, nice location

    Average space between sites. Level paved sites with gravel picnic area including picnic table, fire ring, lantern hanger. Some sites had covered picnic area. Limited shade, most sites don’t have trees. Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Garbage cans were outside of bathrooms, as well as dumpsters near the registration building. Friendly staff upon check in. Campground was patrolled regularly. No laundry or recycling. Nearby road with little road noise. Verizon cell signal was excellent. There is a dump station and potable fill station. No store or food for purchase on site. No hiking in campground, but multiple trails nearby. Boat ramp at campground and lots of wading fly fishing in river. Fish hatchery across from campground.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 25, 2021

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Basic but very quiet and peaceful

    General: We were apprehensive about planning to stay at this campground as the nearby one in Blanchard Springs was closed, we could not make reservations, five of the 27 sites were closed due to potential flooding from Hurricane Laura, and access is via a three-mile winding dirt road (not recommended for large RVs but it was navigable for our campervan), so we made alternate backup plans. There was no need to worry, however, as there were plenty of open sites, including some overlooking North Sylamore Creek when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon in mid-October for a hike. 

    Sites/Facilities: Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, and lantern pole. There is a central water source.

    Activities/Amenities: This is a no-frills campground – no electric or water hookups, dumpster, playground, or flush toilets – just vault toilets. What struck me most was how quiet it was. There is access to the Sylamore hiking trail; you can hike five miles to the Blanchard Springs picnic area.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Wonderful overnight

    We hiked in to this campground from Blanchard and were pleasantly surprised. It is primitive in some aspects but not overtly so. They have vault toilets that were manageable and spickets for water. We grabbed a site that had a bi-level for the tent and picnic table. There was a fire ring as well. Overall, it has some stuff to do being by the river and a longish trail to explore. We may have been to tired to care about some of the finer details so we were pretty happy with this site!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Remote Inexpensive Camping Along Water

    For Full Video Review. CLICK HERE

    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, but well maintained roadway, the campground sat nestled between to sections of the water way.     On one side, slow moving water is met by the dam forming the blue toned pool and on the other a gentle flowing stream flanks the massive mountain side.   

    Along the camping loop, spaces are well separated and have plenty of room to spread out.   Each site is equipped with standard camping amenities such as picnic tables, lantern hooks and fire rings.      Vault toilets are centrally located in several areas of camp both on the upper and lower loops.   In addition locking style garbage cans are placed near restrooms. 

    When I visited the Forest Service was on property trimming trees and clearing debris from recent rain.   Their office is located just a short distance from the entry of the roadway, so they are often here to work on the property.

    A little gem in the midst of the campground is located just across from the pay kiosk, the story of the property and the CCC camp which actually created not only this property but also worked on neighboring sites at Blanchard.   Definitely check out the story!!

    Tips:

    • Bring your own envelop for the pay kiosk, when I visited the paper envelops were soggy and unable to be used.    You can easily pull one but putting money in them they simply fell apart.
    • Bring everything.   There are no stores in the camp in addition to no fire wood available at the campsite so make sure you come prepared.    The closest store for major things is located over 15 miles away.
  • S
    May. 28, 2019

    Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    Nice Campground!

    We enjoyed camping here. We came for Memorial Day weekend and the campground was very busy, but quiet hours seemed to be honored. Some of the campsites are walk-in while some are drive-in. Picnic tables and lantern hooks at every site, nice clean working bathrooms, dumpster, and even a volleyball net. The campsite encircles a large field in the center which some people used to play ball, frisbee etc. many of the sites are not very secluded; you could easily be sleeping right next to another tent. RVs are allowed. There is a quick trail leading to the river - if you camp near this, be aware that people will be going up and down it all day and loading/unloading canoes and kayaks. Fees are $20/night and the campground is patrolled frequently by a park ranger (he was very nice). Lots of dogs!


Guide to Everton

Tent camping near Everton, Arkansas offers rugged natural settings with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet in the Ozark Mountain region. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during peak camping months (June-August) and pleasant spring and fall temperatures in the 60-75°F range. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing at night, even when daytime temperatures seem mild.

What to do

Hiking the Goat Trail: Access this challenging trail from Steel Creek Campground for spectacular views. "The Goat trail was the one we were looking for as it had been described as a difficult trail with a breathtaking view. Please refer to the pictures I have posted to see how narrow this trail is along the face of the bluffs with a sharp drop down the mountain," notes one Steel Creek Campground visitor.

Rock climbing: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch offers extensive climbing opportunities for all skill levels. "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, you won't be disappointed to check it out!" says a Horseshoe Canyon Ranch reviewer.

Swimming holes: Find excellent swimming spots along the Buffalo River. "Right on the beautiful buffalo river... I can't wait to go back," shares a camper at Rush Campground, noting the clear water and accessible swimming areas.

What campers like

Easy river access: Many campsites offer direct paths to the Buffalo River. At Kyles Landing Campground, "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."

Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and occasionally black bears. "Lots of wildlife such as deer, elk and if you are lucky black bears. Very quiet and every site has a picnic table," reports a camper at Steel Creek Campground.

Off-grid experience: Many sites lack cell service, creating a true disconnection. A Kyles Landing visitor mentions, "Absolutely no cell service. No one in our group with varying cell service providers had service."

What you should know

Vehicle access challenges: Several campgrounds have steep access roads. "The road is steeply inclined and bumpy. While 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way," cautions a Kyles Landing reviewer.

Permit requirements: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires specific permits. "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish. WMA Regulations are very easy to find on the AGFC website," explains a Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area camper.

Weekend crowds: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly. "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!" warns a Kyles Landing visitor. Plan to arrive early, especially during summer months and holiday weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly campsites: Look for sites with gentle river access. "Babys first camping trip! Beautiful campground! Loved camping by the river! Had great trees to hammock on! I was happy to have a table and a fire pit. I was happy to have the bathrooms close to our camp site," shares a Kyles Landing visitor.

Easy swimming spots: Find calm water areas for children. "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," notes a Steel Creek camper, highlighting the practical benefits of certain sites for families.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Engage children with animal watching. "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," mentions a visitor to Steel Creek.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV amenities: Most Buffalo River sites lack RV hookups. "This isn't the national forest, you can't just pull off and camp anywhere you please," cautions a Rush Campground visitor, emphasizing the primitive nature of most sites in the area.

Road condition awareness: Access roads to many sites can be challenging. "The road in is dirt and gravel. I'd still love to go try it car camping though," mentions a Horseshoe Canyon Ranch reviewer, indicating potential difficulties for larger vehicles.

Dispersed camping regulations: Know where you can and cannot camp. "There is only a handful of sites spread throughout the WMA and you can only camp in those designated by the game and fish," explains a Gene Rush WMA visitor about the strict regulations in that area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Everton, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Everton, AR is Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Everton, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Everton, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.