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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 campgrounds in the area 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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
TravelerThe 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.
TravelerRARE 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!
ScoutSpent three nights. Called for reservations, very receptive owners no problems getting in. I was running late due to the distance. They called to check on us and left instructions in a box at the office with site number, WiFi, bath codes. Again very nice owners. Went in the next morning to settle bill. Office is stocked with a nice assortment of things that an RV owner might need for minor repairs. Camp site was pretty level, spacing is typical for a campsite built some years ago, but we had a site on the end so we didn’t feel too close to anyone. Owners have only had the campground for two years. Was told the water connections were their next priority. Connections are a little inconvenient due to being under ground level, but no problem connecting my water filter for my 5th wheel. Dog park was a short walk away, was clean. Campground was clean, dumpsters accessible for trash and area clean around them. We would be happy to stay there again.
RangerTent 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerQuick lake access, spacious, shady space, pet friendly, amazing bathhouses.
LegendWe drove through looking for a place to stay. It was a very nice park with full hook-ups.cabins, Very clean and well kept. It's pet friendly and accommodates larger RVs. It pretty much has everything. Looked really great except it is right next to I40. LOTS of noise so we decided to move on.
ScoutMy 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.
ScoutIt 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.
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 136 dog-friendly camping locations near Leslie, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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