Best Tent Camping near Jasper, AR

Tent campgrounds along the Buffalo National River near Jasper, Arkansas provide primitive yet accessible options for outdoor enthusiasts. Steel Creek Campground and Kyles Landing Campground offer tent-specific sites within the Buffalo National River area, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. Both locations sit along the river, providing scenic views of the surrounding Ozark terrain and limestone bluffs.

Most tent campsites require moderate preparation as amenities remain basic throughout the region. Kyles Landing features walk-in tent sites that require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. According to one visitor, "The road to it is not the best but it has improved. At the top of the road there is a general store to rent kayaks and a coin operated shower." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some campgrounds, particularly after rainfall when dirt roads become slick. Toilets with running water are available at most established sites, but showers are limited or nonexistent, and campers should bring drinking water.

The tent camping experience near Jasper offers exceptional access to natural features and outdoor activities. Areas surrounding Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provide tent sites with proximity to rock climbing routes, while campgrounds along the Buffalo River serve as popular access points for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Many tent campsites sit under tree cover, providing natural shade during summer months. One camper noted that "Kyle's Landing probably has to be my favorite campground along the Buffalo National River. Though less well-known than spots like Steel Creek, the campground has the same amenities, yet with much less of the crowd." First-come, first-served policies apply at most locations, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, improves chances of securing desirable backcountry tent camping spots.

Best Tent Sites Near Jasper, Arkansas (33)

    1. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    2. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "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."

    3. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    6 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, showers, and a trash dumpster. The only downside to this campground is that it can be moderately expensive."

    "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."

    4. Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    6 miles

    "Beautiful surrounding areas. Near Cobb Cave and Whitaker Point!"

    "It was nice but the people camping next to is where up all night. They were loud and drunk but besides that we had a wonderful time."

    5. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    10 miles

    "Stayed the night in Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites."

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    6. Carver Campground — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Add to that that the road leading down to the waters edge from the campground was a dirt path that was wet and slick, it did make getting our crafts up a little rough."

    "The sites has fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of room to spread out and relax."

    7. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-5522

    $15 - $150 / night

    "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."

    8. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "This is a pretty nice and quite camp site there is definitely traffic through here more than we’re use to but it’s a really nice spot, it’s all primitive camping, there is vault toilets on site we keep"

    "The campground is located in the Ozark National Forest. Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."

    9. Black Raspberry Campsite

    1 Review
    Jasper, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 715-2016

    $100 - $125 / night

    10. Barn on the Buffalo

    Be the first to review!
    Jasper, AR
    1 mile
    +1 (479) 430-0283

    $50 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Jasper, AR

964 Reviews of 33 Jasper Campgrounds


  • Amy W.
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    Small campground with CCC-built rock shelters

    This recreation area is as close to off-grid as you can get with so many great options right off the pavement. This campground has no water or electricity but has 4 drive-up campsites with picnic tables, fire circle, and rock shelters that overlook the beautiful Illinois Bayou. I only recall seeing trash receptacles on the lower loop.  An upper loop is accessible by hiking in. These are tent sites only with no rock shelters on the sites. The rock shelters have a large rock fire area.  There's also a vault toilet on the lower loop. A pavilion onsite is reservable and has electricity. There's also several small trails through the campground but it's most fun when the water is low enough, to go down to the water and walk along the creek. The area is close to many great hiking trails and dirt roads to explore around Hector and makes a great home base. Just up the road is a great area to explore with Jeeps or ATVs. Look up Lindsey Mtwy. This area is not on many people's radar so it's possible that you may only see a local or two while you're here. I still had cell service with my Verizon network while I was in the campground but I lost service when I went down by the Illinois Bayou.  Overall, this is a heck of a nice campground for the non-electric camper. If you visit the area, please leave no trace. :-)

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2022

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    The Bayou Bluff Recreation Area is now called the Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI). In summary, there are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve. Here's is info directly from the Bayou Bluff  page on the National Forst Service Web site: "Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks. Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services." Also: "Open all year. No fees. Upper loop closed. Pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No trash services. Pack it in- pack it out." The NF page also indicates that there is no water available, but there may water in the group site. The vault toilets are clean, and the campground grounds appear to be reasonably maintained. I recommend only tent camping here, as well as car/truck/van camping. Sites appear to be too small for RVs & trailers.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lost Bridge South

    Stay at South Bridge for Lakeside camping and beautiful scenerey

    I really like Lost Bridge South and Lost Bridge North. They are on the banks of Beaver Lake and are beautiful. The only downside is both campgrounds are built on the slopes of a hill. The RV and camper pads are level with asphalt, but to pitch a tent can be a bit tricky to find level ground.

    Personally I do not like pitching my tent on concrete or rock pads, I prefer good old grass and dirt. Both my tent and my back last a little bit longer when on soft ground versus rocks.

    The facilities were clean nice. The showers and bathrooms were pretty good. The only problem was there were no soap dispensers, so bring your own if you like clean hands.

    This is a solid four star campground. I highly recommend getting a campsite next to the lake. We had a lot of fun with some great views.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2024

    Wolf Pen Recreation Area Campground

    Primitive Camping - Mulberry River, AR Ozarks

    Camped here on Sept 1, 2023. $10 camping fee ($5 with federal pass); pay station. Site sizes are okay; more than enough room for a single rig. The 6 sites are close to the unpaved campground road. Each site has a metal fire ring; most sites have grills. No tables. Campground road end at a loop. Some road noise from highway 215. Access to the Mulberry River for swimming & fishing. No water. Trash dispensers. Vault toilets were pretty dirty during our stay, so we set up our own toilet system at our campsite.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Gem in Missouri

    Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers. There’s about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/ RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table. 2-3 bars of LTE with AT&T. Little bit of road noise but no issues sleeping in my van. Everyone we came across was kind. No electric or water so come prepared. Closest town for supplies is around 25 minutes. Would definitely stay here again!

  • M
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Lost Bridge North

    Off Season Perfection

    Visited here in early spring and were spoiled with amazing lake views and not many neighbors. When the trees leaf out I’m guessing you still would have good privacy. No water hook ups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable. Large concrete picnic tables and fire rings (some also have grills) at each site. Close enough to Bentonville to spend a day in town or exploring Crystal Bridges!

  • S
    May. 28, 2019

    Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    Nice Campground!

    We enjoyed camping here. We came for Memorial Day weekend and the campground was very busy, but quiet hours seemed to be honored. Some of the campsites are walk-in while some are drive-in. Picnic tables and lantern hooks at every site, nice clean working bathrooms, dumpster, and even a volleyball net. The campsite encircles a large field in the center which some people used to play ball, frisbee etc. many of the sites are not very secluded; you could easily be sleeping right next to another tent. RVs are allowed. There is a quick trail leading to the river - if you camp near this, be aware that people will be going up and down it all day and loading/unloading canoes and kayaks. Fees are $20/night and the campground is patrolled frequently by a park ranger (he was very nice). Lots of dogs!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Great Deal, Needs some Tender Loving Care

    FREE

    FCFS 

    Sites: 13 

    This is a dispersed campground with picnic table, fire ring and sitting on the top of the mountain giving a great view. NO WATER but there are two pit toilets. When it comes to the toilets I guess you could say

    "any port in the storm" but they could use some TLC. There is also a trash dumpster but trash."  Come on people there is a trash dumpster USE IT. Pads are grass and the road is gravel. The site is situated along side the highway. 

    LNT  

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Eric G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    Beautiful with an amazing river and bluffs to home a stone throw away.

    Great escape! It runs parallel to the Buffalo National River. Beautiful campground with well maintained grounds. It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me. The only negative is there are no showers. Only restrooms and an outside water supply. That's why I gave it a 4 star. If you are ok with not showing or doing a sponge bath then 5 stars.

    https://youtu.be/2yF1A2QlTxw


Guide to Jasper

Jasper, Arkansas camping options sit within the Ozark Mountains at elevations between 800-2,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Spring brings frequent rainfall with occasional flash flooding on lower-elevation sites near water bodies. The Buffalo National River watershed supports over 300 documented camping locations ranging from primitive backcountry sites to established grounds with basic facilities.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging offers access to multiple waterfall hikes in the area. "Waterfall was awesome!" reports one visitor who enjoyed exploring the cascades near this family-owned operation.

Rock climbing: At Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, climbers find "world class rock climbing" with hundreds of routes for various skill levels. A visitor notes, "This place is beautiful and great for hiking and climbing. The environment is awesome and the place is well-managed. The sport climbing here in particular is really well maintained and the sandstone rock is grippy and clean."

Smallmouth bass fishing: Carver Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities on the Buffalo River. One angler reports, "Caught 18 inch small mouth bass! Biggest small mouth I have ever seen!" The river's clear water and rocky substrate create ideal smallmouth habitat.

Swimming in creek pools: Haw Creek Falls Camping offers natural swimming areas with small waterfalls. "Fun campground, not exactly remote but private enough. $10/night, which is more than fair considering the size of most of the sites. Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!"

What campers like

Riverside camping: Campers appreciate tent sites adjacent to the Buffalo River. At Steel Creek Campground, one visitor notes, "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."

Primitive isolation: The remoteness and basic facilities appeal to those seeking quieter camping experiences. "This is the best disconnect from the world campground," writes one Kyles Landing camper. "Absolutely no cell service. No one in our group with varying cell service providers had service."

Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe Ozark wildlife. "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," reports a Steel Creek visitor, while Horseshoe Canyon Ranch campers mention seeing "roaming goats and horses around the property."

Geological features: Tent camping near Jasper provides access to distinctive rock formations. "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!" warns one visitor to Kyles Landing Campground, where limestone bluffs create a dramatic backdrop.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on steep gravel roads. "The road is steeply inclined and bumpy," warns one Kyles Landing visitor. "While 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way."

Water availability: Water sources vary widely between campgrounds. "Something really important to note though is that there is NO WATER!! Bring your own water in to avoid making a half an hour trip to the nearest gas station!!" cautions a Haw Creek Falls camper.

Seasonal considerations: Fall brings temperature swings that require extra preparation. "We were here last fall and the colors were simply gorgeous. It was quite chilly in the morning and evening/night, so pack warm clothes!" shares a visitor camping in the Buffalo National River area.

Flood risks: Several camping areas face closure during heavy rain. "Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground," warns a visitor to Haw Creek Falls.

Tips for camping with families

Shallow water access: Carver Campground provides family-friendly river access. "The sandbar was small river rock and provided a very clean and easy way to end the water portion of the trip," notes one visitor who found the gentle shoreline perfect for children.

Spacious campsites: Families need room to spread out, and several campgrounds deliver. "The sites are primitive. There is a decent amount of space between the sites. Most have fire rings and a great view," reports a visitor to Haw Creek Falls.

Amenity considerations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of facilities for families. "Beautiful campground! Loved camping by the river! Had great trees to hammock on! I was happy to have a table and a fire pit. I was happy to have the bathrooms close to our camp site," explains a camper with children.

Arrive early strategies: Securing family-sized sites requires planning. "During peak Buffalo float season, arrive early as they are first come, first serve," advises a Kyles Landing visitor who found the area fills quickly on weekends.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most Buffalo River campgrounds restrict larger RVs. At Hasty Takeout, the limited turning radius and compact sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "Well maintained. Beautiful surrounding areas," notes one RV camper who successfully navigated the tighter spaces.

Leveling challenges: The terrain throughout tent camping areas near Jasper presents leveling difficulties for camper trailers. "The sites along the treeline were just a minute's walk down to the river," observes one Steel Creek visitor, noting that these more level spots fill first.

Water and power considerations: Most campgrounds have minimal hookups. "There is a private outfitter at the top of the hill that offers pay showers," explains a Kyles Landing visitor, highlighting the need for RVers to arrive with full tanks and charged batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jasper, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jasper, AR is Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jasper, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Jasper, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.