15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Steel Creek Campground within Buffalo National River accommodates equestrian camping with spacious sites for those traveling with horses. The campground features multiple sites situated alongside the Buffalo River with the impressive Ponca bluffs as a backdrop. Trails accessible directly from the campground provide excellent horseback riding opportunities through diverse terrain. Daily water and river reports are posted at the facilities to help riders plan safe trail excursions. The campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby water access points, though no horse-specific corrals are provided on-site. Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch and Adventure Park offers more extensive horse camping options with miles of ATV and single track trails suitable for horse riding across the property.
Direct access to the Buffalo River Trail system provides equestrians with scenic riding routes that connect to multiple trailheads in the region. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer, elk and occasionally black bears while traversing the well-maintained trails. Horse owners should note that most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak seasons, particularly on holiday weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. Steel Creek's primitive camping area requires a $12 nightly fee with a maximum of six people per site. The road access includes steep, narrow sections with sharp curves, making careful navigation essential when hauling horse trailers. Trailer parking is available but limited at certain trailheads, so arriving early during popular riding seasons is recommended.
"The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."
"You wake up every morning to the sound of the Buffalo River coursing by just a few hundred yards away, and are greeted by the breathtaking view of the bluffs you are surrounded by!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"General: Located in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, you can enjoy time off the grid (we had limited cell service when we were at the summit of the Yellow Rock Trail but none in the campground"
"I stayed in Campground E, one of 5 campgrounds in the park, not including the equestrian campground or the walk in tent sites off of Campground A."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"They continue to upgrade trails and add beautiful camping spots. This is a family room ranch and Donny and Lynn are wonderful hosts. I always come home feeling reconnected with myself and family"
from $15 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."
"Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."
from $16 - $53 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to Rocky Branch boat launch ramps"
"Nice and close to beaver lake. They had kayakes to rent and jet skies. Fishing is good as well. Also lots of wild life! Owls, lizards, tons of birds, deer, and foxes. I would definitaly come back!"
"They have horse back riding and tons of world class rock climbing. Very safe and clean. Facilities were just fine."
"Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."
from $5 - $245 / night
Check Availability"Camped near the river and had a wonderful time exploring the off-road trails near the area."
"This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
from $10 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of drive thru lots for big rigs. Higher end RV park, spacious lots, all utilities included. Beautiful new bathhouse kept very clean. Highly recommended!!!"
"Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see."
"I explored each in detail and took a day to enjoy the trails around them. "
LegendI had heard so many great things about this park but I was not that impressed. The sites are fairly close together. There’s no signs warning that if you are in a large RV you shouldn’t come in on a certain highway. They do have equestrian trails and a campground to accommodate campers with horses. They have a lot of hiking trails. There are cabins and a pool.
LegendCamped here mid-week in early November, 2025. Came here to camp while doing some smallmouth bass fishing on the Buffalo River. Quickly found a large, open, level site with a rock fire ring on a grassy field. This site was large enough to accomodate multiple vehicles and horse trailers. I did not try to find a spot on the river bank, although the river bank appeared easy to access. Only two other camping groups were here during my stay - far enough away that I couldn't hear them. Including the one at the day use parking lot, there are three clean and supplied vault toilets here. The campground appeared well maintained. No potable water and no trash service. Solar recharging and Starlink connectivity are possible. I received spotty T-Mobile 2G and 4G LTE service. This primitive campground is convenient for kayakers and canoers, as well as for overlanders and equestrian campers. I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank. I recommend, especially for those driving 2WD passenger vehicles, accessing the campground using Searcy County Road 15 - not CR14. Although open during my time here, narrow CR14 still had some damage from recent landslides which resulted in rough driving conditions (although, high clearance, 4x4 vehicles should have no problems). Overall, I enjoyed camping here, and I'm looking forward to returning to this beautiful area in the Arkansas Ozarks.
GuideWe rolled in at 8pm on a Friday night. The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us. The 26 sites are in two layers, one closer to the parking lot, one closer to the woods, river and bluffs. Rangers patrol regularly and are very helpful. There is a ranger station beyond the horse campground which is a pleasant walk or a quick drive. We stopped there to get our National Park stamp! Easy access to a trail directly from the lot, or walk beyond the horse camp to the Old River trail head. Centerpoint Trail is a 15 minute drive away and offers access to the Big Bluff/Goat Trail. Caution drivers: the road in to the campground is windy and steep. A sign warns against bringing RVs. However there were an enormous bus and tons of horse trailers and campers at the bottom of the hill - braver people than I:) Bathrooms are clean, dimly lit at night presumably to keep bugs out. Each site has a lantern pole, fire ring and picnic table. Lost Valley Trail and shelter are a 10-15 minute drive away. Since it was raining we cooked our dinner in the shelter. Overall a beautiful place with great access to multiple trails as well as river access. Sites are a little close, but if you're fine with having neighbors 20 or so feet away, we highly recommend:)
ScoutLocated within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see. It is immediately next to Erbie put in, with walking distance to both the Erbie Ford and the old community of Erbie, which includes several old homes that have been preserved, the old Erbie Church and Cherry Hill cemetery.
Both cecil Cove Trail and the main Buffalo River trail are right there. With bathrooms and a nice swimming hole, this is a local favorite. The water is seasonal, so ne aware of flash flood risks.
ScoutThis place is a true hidden gem. It is so close to the Buffalo River, Jasper, and Erbie Horse camp. We had such a great weekend with our family! Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area.
LegendGeneral: Located in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas, you can enjoy time off the grid (we had limited cell service when we were at the summit of the Yellow Rock Trail but none in the campground). Limited rainfall resulted in less dramatic (or non-existent) waterfalls that are otherwise boasted of during other times of the year but the scenery was still beautiful, especially in the fall.
Sites/Facilities: Many different camping options (some loops have full hookups while others do not have hookups and there is a dump station near Loop E), a hike-in campground, a group campground, and an equestrian campground. There are also 17 rustic cabins (1-3 bedrooms with kitchens and a/c and heating plus nearby bathrooms). We camped in Loop E and there was reasonable separation between the sites. The pads were paved. Each site had a metal picnic table, lantern hook, and fire grate. Many of the sites provided shade from the many trees.
Bathhouse: Like some other Arkansas state parks, there are two bathhouses in some loops, and they were open on alternating days so that the other one may be cleaned and sanitized (Covid related policy). While the open one in Loop E was clean, the several soap dispensers were empty which does not make sense to me when hand washing is recommended. You also need to bring your own towel, which I have been doing regardless. There are showers but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how good they are.
Activities/Amenities: Hiking! I highly recommend the Yellow Rock Trail and the Devils Den Trail plus there are several others. During the summer, you can rent paddle boats and canoes. There are several areas with picnic tables throughout the park. There is also a swimming pool, although I did not see it when we were there in October(it would only be open in the summer). Firewood is available for sale.
LegendThis is a gorgeous park, even on a rainy weekend. I stayed in Campground E, one of 5 campgrounds in the park, not including the equestrian campground or the walk in tent sites off of Campground A. E was a large campground, with mixed tent and RV camping, with some sites along Lee Creek. Each site was well equipped with paved parking pads, nice flat sites for tents (some gravel pads, some just grassy areas), and many of the spots had electic and water. All had campfire rings, picnic tables, and grills. There were two nice hiking trails leading out of this particular campground, and some of the other campgrounds (A in particular) also had good trails. The bathhouses were really nice and modern and very clean. What I liked about this park, besides the great hiking trails, were all of the historic CCC buildings. There is a really neat scenic overlook that was built by the CCC near the Yellow Rock trailhead, and if you step in the visitor's center, you are actually in the old CCC motor pool. There is a really nice statue and plaque commemorating the work of the CCC in building the park near the lake and cafe.
TravelerDevil's Den is a gorgeous parked tucked in the mountains of Arkansas. The primary campground for RVs is one of the better campgrounds I have seen. The facilities and amenities have been great. The sites are generally spacious. If you want the best experience - grab one of the sites along the ridge (83, 85, 87) - these have a great view off the back and offer incredible space. There are several hiking trails within the park and other activities during warmer months (i.e. pool). If you have a large rig - make sure to take the West Fork exit off I-49 vs. the south exit (Winslow). There's no cell service whatsoever but Wifi (paid) is offered by the park. Make sure to stock up on supplies beforehand - there are not many options within that area as far as food and services.
LegendAmazing State Park with something for everyone
I have been to Devil's Den State Park twice now and this is my favorite state park in Arkansas. Devil's Den State park has something for every camper, no matter how you prefer to camp. Tent camping, hike in camping, RVs, cabins, they have it all. Want to bring your horse, you can do that as well. Devil's Den has some great hiking and mountain biking trails, from short to long. If you only do one trail be sure that is the Devil's Den Trail, you won't be disappointed on this 1.5 mile trail. If you want a longer trail there is the 15 mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. Devil's Den campground includes 135 campsites ranging from basic tent sites to full hookups for the RV crowed and horse sites. Campground are all paved with paved parking pads. Individual sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings and a first for me, hooks for hanging your lantern. Flush toilets and showers are included. If you like to swim they even have a pool. Park has a store to provide your food needs. Sites all appeared to be well spaced. If you want complete privacy the word is get one of the walk in sites, you will have a bit of a walk but the reward is complete solitude. Lee Creek runs through the park and a 8-acre lake which allows fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats. You need to reserve your site before hand or at the visitor center. One thing I do like is if you arrive to late to register at the visitor center, then you can just grab an empty site for the night, you just have to register the next day by 10am.
Ranger Review of Banner& Oaks Bull Tan Hat
Got the Bull Tan hat and have been wearing it for about a month now. Hat fits great, looks great. This is a very well made hat with quality materials and made in the U.S.A. It has held up amazing well in all weather conditions, sun, heat, rain and even snow and continues to hold its shape. I have a lot of hats and this one is one of my favorites.
Steel Creek Campground offers primitive sites near the Buffalo River with vault toilets and water spigots located throughout the grounds. The campground sits at approximately 900 feet elevation within the Ozark Mountains. Sites cost $12 per night and require visitors to navigate a steep, narrow access road with sharp curves.
Hiking trails: Access scenic routes directly from Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, which offers opportunities beyond horseback riding. "Trails accessible directly from the campground provide excellent hiking opportunities through diverse terrain," notes Drea R., who adds that the area is "Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."
Swimming and kayaking: Cool off in the Buffalo River at multiple access points near Erbie Campground. "Kayaking, swimming, and fishing were awesome!" shares Donna M. The river provides refreshing swimming holes during summer months when temperatures typically reach the mid-90s.
Rock climbing: Test your skills on sandstone formations throughout the region. "The sport climbing here in particular is really well maintained and the sandstone rock is grippy and clean," says Alex M. about Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. The area offers routes for beginners through advanced climbers with most climbing areas accessible via short hikes from camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning elk sightings near Devil's Den State Park. "Lots of wildlife such as deer, elk and if you are lucky black bears," mentions Joey C. The park maintains feeding areas where elk commonly gather at dawn and dusk.
River sounds: Falling asleep to moving water at streamside sites. "The thunder echoing off of the bluffs surrounding this campground is an amazing sound to fall asleep to!" shares Leah H. about Steel Creek. Many sites offer the natural white noise of flowing water, particularly beneficial during spring when water levels run higher.
Natural features: Exploring unique rock formations throughout the region. "The Goat trail was the one we were looking for as it had been described as a difficult trail with a breathtaking view," explains Ashley F., who recommends watching your step on narrow sections along bluff faces.
Seasonal considerations: Check water levels before planning water activities. "We wanted to kayak but water was up too high after the rain," reports Bruce F. about Erbie Campground. River conditions change rapidly after rainfall, with spring typically offering highest water levels and late summer having more shallow sections.
Road access: Prepare for challenging drives to remote camping areas. "Be warned: four wheel drive is highly recommended. The road is steep, has sharp, blind curves and is very narrow," cautions Leah H. Many access roads require careful navigation, particularly after rain when surfaces become slippery.
Reservation requirements: Book early for popular weekends at Roaring River State Park. "Reservations are highly recommended as this is a trout fishing park and fills up during the summer and on weekends," advises Gary P. Holiday weekends often reach capacity months in advance.
Kid-friendly water areas: Select shallow swimming spots for younger children. "The river isn't close but the sites are within walking distance," notes Ace R. about Erbie. Families should look for wider, calmer sections of river typically found at designated swimming areas.
Activity planning: Include fishing options for children at developed campgrounds. "Daily water and river reports are posted at the facilities to help plan safe excursions," shares a visitor to Steel Creek. Many sites sell fishing permits on-location and rent basic equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Huntsville, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Huntsville, AR is Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Huntsville, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Huntsville, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
