Tent campsites near Fifty-Six, Arkansas cluster predominantly around Buffalo National River, with primitive camping options situated within a 30-mile radius of this small Ozark community. The region sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet with distinct seasonal patterns that affect river levels and camping access. Road conditions to many camping areas deteriorate significantly after rainfall, requiring vehicles with adequate clearance.
What to do
River float trips: Rush Campground serves as a strategic starting point for multi-day paddling adventures. "This is the last stop before you enter the wilderness area of the Buffalo River," notes Matt S., adding that the gentle current makes it "a great place to go if you are a beginner level for canoeing."
Gravel bar camping: Shine Eye Gravel Bar offers an alternative to established campgrounds. According to Lindsey P., "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."
Mountain biking access: The Syllamo trail system provides backcountry camping options with direct trail access. Arkansas F. reports, "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. Good for both Mountain Biking and hiking, but hikers need to make way for bikers."
Wildlife observation: Primitive campgrounds along the Buffalo River corridor provide habitat for nocturnal wildlife. Fred S. spotted "a handful of armadillos scrounging around during the evening" at Spring Creek Campground, where the natural setting supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Weekday visits typically offer significantly lower crowds than weekends, particularly during summer months. Lisa B. found Spring Creek Campground "perfect for me and my dog. We stayed three nights in October 2020... for the most part it was very quiet."
Swimming holes: Clear water access points near campsites allow for convenient swimming options without driving. Kristen G. reports that Dillards Ferry "isn't my favorite camp site but it is my favorite swim spot. Water was clear & right beside the camp."
Ranger presence: Some campgrounds maintain regular ranger patrols, providing safety and local knowledge. At Rush Campground, Paul P. observed "The sites were patrolled by rangers on a regular basis. However, the rangers were great and knew a lot about area."
Town proximity: Gilbert Gravel Bar provides camping with easy access to resupply options. Arkansas F. notes, "There are plenty of supplies and food opportunities in Gilbert," making it practical for extended trips requiring resupply.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many Buffalo River campgrounds require careful navigation. Nathan H. warns about Spring Creek Campground, "Campsite had a rather janky gravel and dirt road leading to it. In the rain, the road would be extremely difficult. Very steep."
Campground closures: Always verify current status before planning trips. N I. reported that "Tecumseh Park campground has been eliminated" due to bridge construction, demonstrating how facilities in this region can change without notice.
Vault toilet maintenance: Bathroom facilities vary widely in cleanliness and supply levels. Fred S. found "Clean vault toilet, supplied with tp and hand sanitizer" at Spring Creek, though conditions fluctuate seasonally and with maintenance schedules.
Weekend noise levels: Weekends can bring higher noise levels at otherwise quiet campgrounds. Nathan H. experienced "other people listening to rave style music late into the night and killing random critters all night and shooting guns all night" during one stay, though this appears atypical for the area.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Buffalo River water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming safety. Jeyd A. observed at Rush Campground that "Water gets crowded with canoers and people with kayaks" during peak seasons, requiring extra vigilance with children.
Site spacing: Choose campgrounds with adequate site separation for family privacy. Lisa B. appreciated that Spring Creek Campground sites "are a good distance apart, they have plenty of room and have fire rings and picnic tables."
No-cell-service preparation: Most Buffalo River campgrounds lack cellular coverage. Lisa B. noted "I didn't get phone service" at Spring Creek, requiring families to plan communication and emergency procedures in advance.
Off-season timing: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for reduced crowds. Fred S. visited Spring Creek "in mid-October," finding minimal competition for prime camping spots typically unavailable during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few tent campgrounds near Fifty-Six accommodate larger RVs. At Hillbilly Hippie Hideaway, Jake C. notes the area provides "a great basecamp for your Arkansas adventures" with sites that can accommodate various camping styles.
Rough access roads: Access routes to many Buffalo River campgrounds present challenges for trailers. Fred S. describes the approach to Spring Creek: "The road approaching the campground, CR99, is about 3 miles long and gravel, narrow in places. The last 1.5 miles has some minor erosion and rocky in places."
Limited hookups: Expect predominantly primitive camping with no electricity or water connections. Lacee G. found at Mill Creek that "sites were filled with leaves. The bathrooms were closed... None of the sites were near the water," demonstrating the rustic nature of facilities throughout the area.
