Nestled between the White River and Bull Shoals Lake, the camping areas near Flippin, Arkansas sit at approximately 700 feet elevation in the Ozark Mountains. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range. Most campgrounds provide river access points with concrete steps or gradual entries to accommodate fishing gear and water activities.
What to do
River float trips: At Buffalo Point, visitors can explore the Buffalo National River with guided tours. "There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground," notes Cody S. The Buffalo River also offers unique exploration opportunities with "a cool cave at the far right end of the rock beach" according to Susan R.
Hiking trails: Buffalo Point provides multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. Wayne J. confirms, "If you like hiking… plenty of trails. Want to just site by one of the cleanest rivers around and enjoy the Ozarks… this is it." The Overlook Trail is well-maintained and provides views across the valley and river systems.
Fishing excursions: White Buffalo Resort sits at the confluence of two major waterways. "This is an incredible place to camp. Your camp is where the White River and Buffalo rivers merge. If you enjoy fishing this has some of the best trout and bass fishing in the area," explains Bill M. The resort offers boat rentals and fishing guides for those seeking local expertise.
What campers like
Concrete parking pads: Blue Heron Campground features exceptionally level sites with thoughtful design elements. Jodie C. notes, "Excellent concrete pads with easy back-in markings for RVs. Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain." Sites include fire pits and chairs for comfortable outdoor relaxation.
Clean facilities: The campgrounds maintain above-average cleanliness standards. At Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake, campers appreciate the "big and air conditioned" shower houses according to Staci F., while Blue Heron earns consistent praise for maintenance. Joe G. calls it "a hidden secret on the banks of the White River" with "top notch" convenience.
Wildlife viewing: Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake offers abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "Trees almost give it a forest feel and deer were everywhere!" remarks Staci F. The heavily wooded setting provides natural shade and wildlife habitat within the campground boundaries.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some riverside campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby bridges. Sharon N. from Blue Heron notes, "It is near a bridge so the first night we could hear the traffic but by the next day it became like background noise." Similarly, Jennifer O. mentions, "LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn't hear it in our camper."
Water level fluctuations: The White River experiences significant water level changes due to dam operations. Rodney B. observes, "Water was up and down a lot cause of the damn." This affects fishing conditions and river access at many campgrounds, including Buffalo Point where Susan R. witnessed the water level rise "12 feet by Saturday night."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. Into the Woods RV Park provides a quiet setting with the trade-off of limited connectivity. Heath L. noted about Buffalo Point, "There is no service in the camp site at all," making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: White Buffalo Resort offers swimming options beyond the river. Ashlee B. describes it as "Very family friendly. Right on the White River with easy access to the Buffalo River by boat, canoe, or kayak. Pool, playground, small store with essentials, boat rentals, ping pong, & more."
Game facilities: Several campgrounds provide recreational amenities for children. Cheryl C. notes, "There's a pool in the summer and a ping pong table" at White Buffalo Resort, while Copper Johns has "swings, rocking chairs, outdoor kitchens" according to Wolfgang M.
Safety considerations: Campground management varies in enforcement of quiet hours and capacity rules. Copper Johns Resort earns praise for being "quiet" with "beautiful views of the White River" according to Terri, offering a more controlled environment for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: Water connections at some campgrounds require extra equipment. Krissy C. from Lakeview notes, "The water hookup was quite a distance from the site and had to use three hoses to make it reach." Bringing additional connection length ensures trouble-free setup.
Site spacing: Denton Ferry RV Park & Cabin Rental offers waterfront access with varying site sizes. "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," according to Jaynee S. The park is especially pet-friendly for responsible owners.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects comfort at less-shaded locations. Jaynee S. advises, "This is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees." Selecting sites with afternoon shade provides more comfortable pet-friendly camping near Flippin during peak summer months.
