Tent campsites near Buffalo National River offer visitors access to one of America's few remaining undammed rivers, flowing 135 miles through the Arkansas Ozarks. The terrain ranges from 400 to 2,200 feet in elevation with limestone bluffs creating dramatic backdrops at many sites. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide cooler camping conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trails lead to seasonal waterfalls near Steel Creek Campground. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail offers views from narrow ledges along bluff faces with significant drops. According to Ashley F., "We took the Old River Trail up to the Centerpoint trailhead... the Goat trail was the one we were looking for as it had been described as a difficult trail with a breathtaking view."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to see deer, armadillos, and occasionally elk. "We saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," notes Samantha W. from Steel Creek. At Spring Creek, campers report nocturnal visitors: "A handful of armadillos were scrounging around during the evening," according to Fred S.
Cave exploration: Hasty Takeout serves as a base camp for visiting nearby cave systems. One camper mentioned, "We went to the tour of the caves nearby," while another noted its proximity to Cobb Cave. The Dyrt reviewer Leah H. specifically noted Hasty is "Near Cobb Cave and Whitaker Point!"
What campers like
Clear water for swimming: The Buffalo's clear water creates popular swimming spots at Carver Campground. Donna M. reported, "Had a blast swimming, fishing, and kayaking! Caught 18 inch small mouth bass! Biggest small mouth I have ever seen!" Ashley F. also noted the flat terrain near swimming holes: "The gentle sandbar of the Carver Campground was a welcome site after an 11 mile canoe trip."
Secluded camping options: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area offers more remote tent camping than river sites. "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 one reviewer. Robert B. adds, "The farther east site is high on a bluff top, the west site is more in a valley."
Stargazing: Open field sites at several campgrounds provide unobstructed night sky viewing. Ashley F. specifically selected Steel Creek's site #16 because it "was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky." The lack of light pollution and open meadow settings enhance celestial viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some camping areas require special permits. At Gene Rush WMA, "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish," according to reviewer Poopy B.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. The route to Spring Creek Campground includes "about 3 miles long and gravel, narrow in places. The last 1.5 miles has some minor erosion and rocky in places." Another camper described it as having a "rather janky gravel and dirt road leading to it. In the rain, the road would be extremely difficult. Very steep."
Cell service limitations: Most tent sites lack reliable cell coverage. Fred S. reports Spring Creek has "No cell service. Starlink connectivity possible depending on the site." Lisa B. confirmed this isolation: "I didn't get phone service (yay!)" while staying there in October 2020.
Tips for camping with families
Quiet weekday visits: For families seeking peaceful tent camping experiences, midweek visits offer less crowded conditions. "We went on a weekend in mid-October and there were probably about 5 to 8 other sites being used (with plenty of vacancy still)," reports one Steel Creek camper. Contrast this with holiday weekends when the same reviewer noted it was "overflowing with people."
Campground patrols: Rush Campground maintains regular ranger presence. One camper mentioned, "This is primitive camping at its best. They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot." Jeyd A. noted it's "a beautiful campground for the entire family. Fairly quiet at night after 11pm."
Accessible swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature gradual entry swimming holes suitable for children. At Gilbert Gravel Bar, "You can find Gilbert Gravel Bar off 65 just south of the city of St Joe's. Go through the city of Gilbert and you will find parking at the end of the road leading to a fairly large beach/gravel area."
Tips for RVers
Road access cautions: RVers should consider campground access roads before arrival. At Kyles Landing, "its a steep road down into the campground. Other reviewers will probably say you need a truck/suv to get into it. I got my compact car down just fine. Go slow in a lower gear." Another camper warns, "the drive down the Arkansas hill to this serene location is a tense frustrating and should not be attempted with a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle."
Campsite specifications: Most Buffalo River tent sites aren't suitable for large RVs. Steel Creek provides some options with "sites along the treeline were just a minute's walk down to the river," while Christina notes "each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is drinking water available."
Seasonal considerations: Avoid spring flooding periods when access roads become impassable for larger vehicles. Nathan H. warned about Spring Creek: "In the rain, the road would be extremely difficult. Very steep."
