Buffalo National River dominates the camping landscape near Jasper, Arkansas, with its limestone bluffs rising up to 500 feet above the water. The region sits at elevations between 800 to 2,200 feet, creating dramatic terrain changes that affect campsite conditions. Summer temperatures commonly reach the 90s with high humidity, while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher elevation campsites.
What to do
Rock climbing at Sam's Throne: Located 30 minutes from Jasper, this free Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers world-class climbing opportunities. "Beautiful place with vault toilets only and no running water. There are a few bears in the region so I would hang my food just to be safe," notes one visitor. The site includes day-use for rock climbing and multiple routes for all skill levels.
Horseback riding: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch offers guided trail rides along with camping. "Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit, you won't be disappointed to check it out," reports one camper. The ranch maintains designated trails throughout their property with options for beginners through advanced riders.
Disc golf and games: JB Trading Co. campground has built-in recreational options when you're not exploring the river. "They have an onsite general store that has about everything you could want from sandwiches to spark plugs. There are also some disc golf holes set up, a basketball goal, and a 'hammock city' area in the middle of the primitive campsites," explains a reviewer who appreciated the on-site activities.
What campers like
Swimming holes: Steel Creek Campground provides direct access to popular river swimming spots. "You can walk to the river from the campground which is very convenient! I'd recommend booking a campsite along the trees and further from the parking lot," suggests a visitor. The sandy beach area adjacent to the campground provides safe entry points for swimmers of all ages.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo River campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities beyond just elk. "We saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," reports a camper at Steel Creek Campground. Another camper at Ozark Campground spotted "a little armadillo staring back at us" using their headlamp at night.
Night skies: The Buffalo National River area is known for minimal light pollution. At Sam's Throne Recreation Area, one camper noted it's "peaceful pulling up at night but is so beautiful and peaceful. On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky." The elevated position of some campsites enhances stargazing opportunities.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating steep gravel roads. For Kyle's Landing, a camper advises, "Speaking of the 'hill', 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." Preparing for these access roads is essential, especially after rain.
Water level variations: The Buffalo River changes dramatically with rainfall. "The river rose pretty fast when we camped here in May this year after a three day storm, but our camp site drained pretty well," noted a visitor at Ozark Campground. Water levels affect swimming safety and campsite selection, particularly at river-adjacent sites.
Campground simplicity: Most Buffalo River campgrounds offer basic amenities. "The sites are first-come-first-serve and cost $12 a night (with a maximum of 6 people per site). There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers," explains a visitor about Ozark Campground. Most primitive sites include picnic tables and fire rings but little else.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some private campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park, a family reports, "My wife and I and our 3 children had a great time at the campground. Large playground, short nature trails, clean showers, nice folks that run the place." These facilities provide alternative activities when not exploring the river.
Open play spaces: Look for campgrounds with central gathering areas. One camper at Ozark notes, "The campsite encircles a large field in the center which some people used to play ball, frisbee etc." These common areas allow children to play while remaining visible from campsites.
Platform tent options: For families new to camping, JB Trading Co. offers an intermediate option. "We have stayed here multiple times and have taken advantage of the platform tents, the huts as well as primitive camping. The facilities are always super clean and in great condition," shares a regular visitor with family in tow.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Dogwood Springs Campground is one of few RV-friendly options near Jasper, but site layout can be challenging. "It's pull through sites two trailers per pull through. If you sit out in chairs by your camper you'll be looking into your neighbors camper," warns one RVer about the tight arrangement.
Mountain-top camping: Buffalo Outdoor Center offers elevated RV sites with panoramic views. "The view is amazing and it is quite literally on top of a mountain. Very clean restrooms and surprisingly good service for how remote it was," reports an RVer who appreciated the unique location despite its distance from town services.
Advance booking essential: The limited RV campgrounds near Jasper fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor to Dogwood Springs notes, "A months advance paid in full reservation should grant you a site you can actually get into." Most RV-friendly sites require reservations, while tent-only sites often operate on first-come, first-served basis.
