13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Buffalo Point Campground along the Buffalo National River permits pets in all camping areas including cabins, with several riverside access points for dogs to cool off. Gilbert RV Park also accommodates pets with sites located a short walk from the river. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Leslie require pets to remain leashed when outside vehicles or tents, with leash regulations generally limited to 6 feet. South Maumee Camping Area offers tent sites with direct river access for pets needing a swim after hiking. Tyler Bend Campground provides designated pet-friendly tent and RV sites, though bathroom facilities are limited with only one bathhouse serving the car camping section.
Trails throughout Buffalo National River provide excellent hiking opportunities with dogs, especially during weekday visits when fewer people use the river access points. The gravel bars at Gilbert, Grinders Ferry, and Shine Eye offer natural spots for dogs to play near water with minimal crowds during off-peak times. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer temperatures require ample shade and water access. Several campers note raccoons frequently visit riverside sites at Buffalo Point during evening hours, requiring secure food storage to avoid unwanted wildlife encounters. Dogs may bark at unfamiliar nighttime sounds, so campers should consider bringing a fan to mask noise for undisturbed sleep.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $50 / 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. "
from $3 - $60 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $50 / 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."
from $38 / night
"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."
"There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."
"I think I'm the only one here who has my dog tethered to a tree with a long rope, everyone else allows the dog to be off leash and that almost created a dog fight so just be cautious of that."
"Many groups out there taking advantage of the beautiful March weather to hit the rock and explore all the many jaw-dropping routes on and around Sam's rocky Throne."
"There are 18 back-in RV/camper sites, a playground for the kids, dog park, community fire pit, pavilion, group tent sites, star gazing area, tent sites, bath house and small camp store."
"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."
TravelerNice little spot. Very easy to get in with plenty of room, level ground, and multiple fire rings. No spectacular view or anything, you're just in the woods with a couple ATV trails. Quiet.
TravelerBeautiful spot on the river. Vault toilets available and very clean. Road is not terrible going in, didn't have to use 4wd. Spots on the river and spots in the meadow.
TravelerWas always a few groups around but still plenty of space! Road was a little rough and some steeper hills for a bigger camper but still doable!
ScoutCampground was clean, shaded and right on the White River! The amenities were nice including fire pits, pavilion, shower house and laundry. Easy access and parking. Cabins looked nice! Only reason for not giving a 5 is highway noise. Nice location to other attractions.
GuideClean pit toilets with camps right above the crystal clear river. The spots when you first pull in have the best solar due to shading further down. Watch for snakes. We have already seen a copperhead.
RangerSites are very spacious mostly level
LegendSuch a beautiful place, friendly staff and clean bathrooms.
TravelerI spent two days here very early in the season during intermittent rain, so only two other sites were occupied. The twisty road leading to the campground was no problem for my SUV, but long vehicles might not find it so easy and low limbs might be an issue for tall campers. Facilities were clean and the entire area was incredibly scenic.
TravelerI came here because the state park looked like a 5th wheel camper auction and my little homemade rig is out of place in that scenario. $58 for 3 nights with 30A and water is the reason I stayed. There's at least 30 rv spots on September 24th and a total of 3 campers plus the beautiful host. It's as close to everything as the the State Park which is twice the price. Facilities are neat and clean and well kept.
Buffalo National River area campgrounds near Leslie, Arkansas sit within the rugged Ozark Mountains where elevations range from 800 to 2,200 feet. Most riverside campsites are positioned on gravel bars or terraces along the Buffalo River's winding 135-mile course. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while humidity levels average 70-80% during peak camping season from May through September.
Hiking Indian Rockhouse: Take the moderate 3.2-mile round trip trail from Buffalo Point Campground to explore limestone caves and bluffs. "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," notes camper Heath L.
Cave exploration: Visit Blanchard Springs Caverns near Blanchard Springs Recreation Area for guided underground tours. "The standard cave tour is great, plus there is a more extreme tour where you can crawl and squeeze through trails in the caves! Also lots of folk music festivals so check the calendar," shares Lynn G.
Swimming at natural beaches: Access clear water swimming areas at Gilbert Gravel Bar where the Buffalo River maintains a consistent 68°F temperature during summer months. "You can find Gilbert Gravel Bar off 65 just south of the city of St Joe's...with a fairly large beach/gravel area," explains Arkansas F.
Spacious campsites: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers large, well-spaced sites for privacy. "I love the nice big, spread out campsites," says Jess K., while another camper notes "it's certainly a family campground with more tents than RV's."
Wildlife viewing: Deer frequent many dog friendly campgrounds near Leslie, particularly during morning and evening hours. At Sam's Throne, "Bambi and her mom also seem to live here," according to camper Bri, making this area ideal for nature photographers.
Stargazing opportunities: Sam's Throne Recreation Area provides exceptional dark sky viewing without light pollution. "On the right dark night you can see every star in the sky," remarks Bri, making this free campground popular among astronomy enthusiasts.
Water level variations: The Buffalo River can rise rapidly after rainfall, significantly changing camping conditions. "We got on the river about 10:45 am...By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT," reports Susan R. at Buffalo Point Campground.
Limited cell service: Most riverside campgrounds have minimal or no mobile reception. Heath L. notes Buffalo Point has "no service in the camp site at all," which requires advance planning for emergencies.
Bathroom facilities: Expect basic amenities at most locations. "Bathrooms and showers are clean and functional, all sites are dry camping," explains Steve M. about Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, while Tyler Bend has "only one bathhouse serving the car camping section."
Best dog-friendly swimming spots: Dillards Ferry offers calm water access ideal for families with pets. "We were the only people there and it was very beautiful & peaceful. Water was clear & right beside the camp...it is my favorite swim spot," reports Kristen G.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience sound issues from nearby roads or other campers. Lucy P. notes at Tyler Bend Campground, "our only issues were lack of hookups, bad weather, and some people who decided to crowd us and run a loud generator despite the campground being mostly empty."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer junior ranger programs or nature walks during summer months. "The campground is nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs," explains Cody S., making these experiences ideal for children.
Site selection strategy: Gilbert RV Park provides full hookups within walking distance to the river. "When they advertise a stones throw from the Buffalo river, they mean it," confirms Kala V., noting the campground is "small and a bit sparse, but the location to the river is unbeatable."
Accessibility challenges: Many Buffalo River access points have steep approaches or limited turning radius for larger vehicles. "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small," cautions Lucy P. about Tyler Bend Campground.
Water and power limitations: Most campgrounds offer minimal hookups. David G. emphasizes, "Please read description before coming or don't whine when you get here. No electricity, hot showers and water available close," referencing the limitations at dog friendly campgrounds near Leslie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Leslie, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Leslie, 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 Leslie, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 144 dog-friendly camping locations near Leslie, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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