Best Campgrounds near Fifty-Six, AR

We stayed 4 nights (Thu-Mon) in June and went on a canoe trip on Saturday. I stopped at the contact station to see if I needed to check in, but they said I didn’t. The bath house was a little messy and it seemed that one toilet wouldn’t flush. There is a paved walk down to the river from B Loop (that’s where we stayed- I don’t know about the others). We found a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach. The water was absolutely beautiful Thursday-Saturday, but the area got a lot of rain Saturday starting around 2 am, and the Buffalo River Float Service told us there would be a crest after 5 pm Sat. We were supposed to start between 9-10, but when we arrived they said they were delaying everyone’s start. We got on the river about 10:45 am. 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). 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 and Sunday morning it was 13 feet. We could see the level dropping throughout the day Sunday and into Monday morning. We ate an amazing dinner at the restaurant at Buffalo Point- and also had lunch at The Springhouse. Both were delicious meals!! 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- went out past the Overflow parking at Rush to see the rapids, and drove around the Rush (tent only) CG which looked like it hadn’t been used in some time. The Buffalo Point CG Loop B was fairly well maintained with a few sites not usable due to erosion. There were a few campers who had barking dogs that they didn’t seem to correct, so we slept with our fan on to drown out the noise. We absolutely loved our visit to Buffalo Point and would definitely return.

We were able to check in early since no one stayed in the spot the night before. We had originally booked 4 nights but changed to 3. Visitor center is very nice and staff was friendly and helpful. We loved having the steps right beside our camper- could walk down to the river and sit on the rock beach. Site was overall very level- just needed a little blocking. Host is across the road. The water spigot would not stop leaking- I reported it to the host and they said to call the visitor center- when I called there, they said they didn’t know why it leaked- but took my number to contact if they could figure it out. The water in the river is COLD and beautiful. We arrived on a Monday and there were quite a few boats passing (fishing).

I tent camped at Site #3, right beside the lake. Put my hammock up and watched the sun set and the fireflies start dancing. A few ducks played on the edge of the water and walked on shore for a bit. There is a marked Artesian Spring right at the turn to this loop before Site #1.  

This park has so much going for it. It is clean, small, handicap accessible....great hiking with short and long options, a pour-off waterfall during the wet season when the lake is high, biking options. You can rent paddle boats and kayaks for the small but beautiful lake that is known for fishing. The visitor's center has nice restrooms, local author's books and art, and is well-stocked in emergency  supplies, treats, a water fountain, and friendly staff. I live close by and opt for this park when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while. This park is small enough to avoid the typical state park crowds and still enjoy all the outdoor sights, sounds and activites you are looking for.