Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park
Travel nurse
The owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
Buffalo Point's spacious campsites allow pets throughout all accommodation types, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Both Buffalo National River campgrounds and Blue Heron Campground permit dogs on-leash with proper waste disposal. Most campgrounds near Harriet enforce standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than 6 feet, current vaccinations, and owner supervision. White Buffalo Resort offers pet-friendly glamping options alongside traditional camping. Grinder's Ferry Gravel Bar and Dillards Ferry provide more rustic pet camping experiences with direct river access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Some campers report raccoons being attracted to pet food left out overnight at Buffalo Point.
The Buffalo National River offers multiple pet-friendly trails connecting to campgrounds, though dogs must remain leashed on all hiking paths. Gilbert RV Park provides convenient access to pet-friendly fishing spots where dogs can join their owners along the shoreline. Pet owners should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as deer are commonly spotted throughout Buffalo Point campgrounds. Barking restrictions are enforced during quiet hours at most established campgrounds. The nearby trails at Buffalo Point feature moderate terrain suitable for most dogs, with the Indian Rockhouse trail being particularly popular. Several reviews mention wildlife encounters requiring extra vigilance with pets, especially at riverside campsites where deer frequently visit during early morning and evening hours.
$20 - $50 / night
"Each site has parking, for car or RV all differing in length, and you walk behind the parking to an area with benches, picinic table, lantern hanger, and fire pit."
"Some sites you may not be long enough for your entire rig and you would park your tow vehicle next to your camper. Shade was plentiful. There are five different loops."
$3 - $60 / night
"I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees in Arkansas about 30ish miles north of Little Rock."
"Blanchard Springs has great camp sites, great hiking, multiple access to swim/wade into water, plus great caving opportunities! There is NO cell service in the park. "
"Amazing little Campground that backs right up to the light river with a fantastic bluff behind that. Beautiful! Would definitely come again, friendly staff, quiet, easy."
"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."
"The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night."
"It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. "
$20 - $50 / night
"The pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot."
"Quiet and close to the river."
$38 / night
"The campground is small and a bit sparse, but the location to the river is unbeatable. The camp owner and store manager “Jim” is a delight…as is “homer” the camp dog."
"We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally."
"There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."
"Absolutely stunning spot to enjoy all Arkansas has to offer! Visited in the early fall, our days filled with basking in the warm sunshine and dips in the clear cool river."












The owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
RARE FIND Such a BEAUTIFUL place! I love all the oak trees and the sounds of nature are so relaxing. They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature. If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it. Everyone here is friendly and the shared spaces are always very clean.
They offer great rates and a Military Discount too!!
Enjoy your stay!
Tent campers have the better camping loop at this campground, closer to the water, nicer sites, most with plenty of trees for shade. You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them. Some campsites are just a football-field distance from the rocky swim beach, while others sit either nestled in the woods or overlooking the creek from above on a small bluff. The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of. Pets are not permitted around or in the water, so we prefer to leave our dog at home when visiting here. Hiking from the campground is terrific, too, particularly when the water is flowing to make waterfalls. Long Pool is a must-visit camping destination for Arkansas residents.
This is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. 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. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
Quick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses.
My wife and I camped here for four nights. Overall it was nice, but there were some things that I wish we knew. The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night.
It’s located on the White river and has a very nice gravel boat ramp, which is a big positive. It also has fishing access during low water.
The WiFi is excellent and the staff are super helpful and friendly.
The biggest plus for us is the bathrooms were among the best that we have found. They’re clean and fairly new.
There is plenty of property to walk and they were very pet friendly. It looks like many of the guests are long term residents.
Beautiful area near the Buffalo National River. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging has a yurt, campsites, cabins with hot tubs on the deck, bunkhouse, showers, allows pets, and is family owned. Loyal customers return year after year. Canoeing, kayaking, or hiking. LVC store has groceries, even organic, supplies, and friendly folks.
It was one of the most peaceful campgrounds I have ever been in! Short hiking trail will lead you to the most gorgeous views! You can even do a little rock climbing here. Please keep pets on a leash. Pit toilets are available at each end of the campgrounds.
For actual camping there was maybe 2 other campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas. Lots of snakes and saw a feral cat but so pretty, and the bathroomS were absolutely disgusting and full of trash
Buffalo National River creates the primary camping corridor near Harriet, Arkansas, with elevations ranging between 700-1,200 feet along the river valley. The area features limestone bluffs and oak-hickory forests that provide natural shade at many campsites during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Campgrounds around Harriet offer varying levels of accessibility during seasonal flooding, with spring typically bringing higher water levels that can affect riverfront sites.
River access points: Buffalo Point Campground provides several designated river entry locations throughout the grounds. As Cody S. notes, "There are several river access spots throughout the campground. There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground."
Cave exploration: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers unique underground adventures just a short drive from Harriet. According to Lynn G., "Beautiful caverns with lots of hiking and water activities and a no-frills campground among rolling hills... the standard cave tour is great, plus there is a more extreme tour where you can crawl and squeeze through trails in the caves!"
Fishing spots: White Buffalo Resort sits at the confluence of two prime fishing waters. Bill M. explains, "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."
Hiking trails: The area's varied terrain offers routes for different ability levels. Heath L. recommends, "The Indian Rockhouse hike was really great. I will def be back in warmer weather to float the river which it was low for the winter."
Clear water swimming: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area provides refreshing swimming opportunities. Carla T. shares, "It's the clearest spring I've ever seen. There's a bluff in the camping area that's amazing for swimming and small jumping."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. Wayne J. notes about Buffalo Point, "The camp grounds are well maintained by the NPS. Sites can be hit and miss depending on the time of the year. Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides frequent wildlife encounters. Heath L. reports, "Deer were everywhere and the Indian Rockhouse hike was really great. Falls colors everywhere and great weather."
River views: Shine Eye Gravel Bar offers primitive camping with scenic water views. Lindsey P. explains, "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."
Weather impacts: River conditions can change rapidly with rainfall. Susan R. cautions at Buffalo Point, "The water was absolutely beautiful Thursday-Saturday, but the area got a lot of rain Saturday starting around 2 am... By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT."
Campsite selection strategy: At Buffalo Point, Wayne J. advises, "Sites can be hit and miss depending on the time of the year. Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site. Some get full sun in the morning but most are shaded in the evening due to the mountain."
Noise considerations: Tyler Bend Campground has highway proximity issues. Marty warns, "The close proximity to US 65 Highway detracts from what is otherwise a beautiful campground. Truckers seem to favor Jake brakes when descending into the river Valley…especially at 4:00 am."
Bathhouse facilities: Expectations should be realistic for public facilities. Wayne J. notes at Buffalo Point, "The showers and restrooms are a bit, um, rustic."
Kid-friendly water activities: Families with children can enjoy safe water play. Heather L. recalls of Buffalo Point, "Had my 2 little boy cousins and my dog with us and we all had a good time walking down to the river to play. Great place to chill out and cool off!"
Educational opportunities: Blue Heron Campground offers learning experiences. Sharon N. shares, "I grew up around here so I return often. The trout fishing can't be beat. My highlight was the way the fog rolls in at night and disappears in the morning. It was so pretty over the river."
Wildlife precautions: Prepare children for wilderness encounters. Wayne J. advises, "Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night and mosquitos depending on the weather."
Playground access: White Buffalo Resort offers dedicated play areas. Ashlee B. mentions, "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."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have varied terrain. Lucy P. notes about Tyler Bend, "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small."
Hookup availability: Grinder's Ferry Gravel Bar provides more primitive options. Candace R. shares, "Visited in the early fall, our days filled with basking in the warm sunshine and dips in the clear cool river. Our evenings spent cozy by a fire, gazing at the breathtaking sky."
Pet-friendly facilities: For dog friendly campgrounds near Harriet, Blue Heron Campground welcomes pets with designated areas. The region's pet-welcoming sites offer good options for travelers with animals throughout the Buffalo River area.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. Arkansas F. comments about Maumee camping area, "The road in is very dicey and a long way off the main road. Does provide a good place to take out or start a canoe trip and it is free."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Harriet, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Harriet, AR is Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Harriet, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 138 dog-friendly camping locations near Harriet, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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