1 campground with availability this weekend
Buffalo National River provides numerous primitive tent camping opportunities near Leslie, Arkansas. Several tent-friendly campgrounds like Spring Creek, Carver, and Rush Campground offer basic sites along the scenic Buffalo River corridor, making the area one of the best tent camping destinations in the Arkansas Ozarks. Many sites feature direct river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling, with minimal development to preserve the natural setting. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area also offers designated tent camping areas for those willing to purchase the required $5 camping permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Tent sites throughout the region typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Most campgrounds offer vault toilets but lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. A review mentioned, "This is primitive camping at its best. They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot. Right on the beautiful buffalo river." Road access can be challenging, particularly after rain, with some sites requiring travel on steep gravel or dirt roads. Many locations remain open year-round, though visitor numbers increase dramatically during summer paddling season.
The tent camping experience near Leslie emphasizes connection with nature rather than modern conveniences. Sites are often spaced to provide reasonable privacy, with shade from surrounding forest. Campers frequently note the excellent river access, making these locations ideal for multi-day paddling trips. Areas farther from highways offer deeper seclusion and better stargazing opportunities. A camper wrote, "Private sites with ample room but not much privacy. Kind of an open area with some shade trees so you could see and hear all of the other campers in the area." While not offering luxury, these primitive tent sites deliver authentic outdoor experiences with scenic river views, swimming opportunities, and access to hiking trails throughout the Ozark Mountains.
"This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog. We stayed three nights in October 2020."
"There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."
"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."
"This is primitive camping at its best. They have one vault toilet, 12 tent sites, and a water spigot. Right on the beautiful buffalo river. The sites were patrolled by rangers on a regular basis."
"Plenty of shade options. Restrooms are pit-style, so dont expect anything fancy. Did not see shower facilities where we were at."
"Whether you're into hang gliding, kayaking or just relaxing at camp, the hillbilly hideaway is here to provide a great basecamp for your Arkansas adventures. "
from $15 / night
"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."
"The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces. The walk to the river is very easy. "
"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
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.
ScoutTotal impressed with everything about this RV Park. The cabins are incredible. Probably one of the cleanest we’ve seen, and we’ve been East to West. Thanks for the stay, we’ll be back.
Tent camping near Leslie, Arkansas offers primitive accommodations within the diverse Ozark Mountain landscape. This region features elevations ranging from 800-2,300 feet, creating microclimates that influence camping conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity, making waterfront camping sites particularly valuable during peak season. Spring and fall camping provide more moderate temperatures with colorful forest scenery.
Creek exploration: Bayou Bluff Point of Interest offers direct creek access for wading and swimming. As one camper notes, "The walk to the river is very easy. There are no hookups (water or electricity) so it is primitive camping." This site features unique stone structures with functional fireplaces for cold weather camping.
Waterfall viewing: Haw Creek Falls Camping provides access to multiple cascades. "Eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in Arkansas," shares a visitor. The Ozark Highlands Trail runs through the campground, connecting to additional waterfall hikes like Pam's Grotto.
Canoe trips: Gilbert Gravel Bar serves as an excellent starting point for Buffalo River paddling adventures. "You can find Gilbert Gravel Bar off 65 just south of the city of St Joe's... You can tent here in preparation for a canoe trip or as a stop over along the Buffalo River," explains a reviewer. Multi-day trips can continue downstream to camping areas like Rush or Buffalo Point.
Privacy at primitive sites: Spring Creek Campground offers well-spaced tent sites. A camper describes, "This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog... The campsites are a good distance apart, they have plenty of room and have fire rings and picnic tables." Sites feature natural buffers that maintain seclusion despite their proximity.
Swimming holes: Shine Eye Gravel Bar provides direct river access without designated sites. "This is just a gravel bar along The Buffalo National River but it is beautiful! There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot," shares a visitor. During summer, the clear water provides natural cooling.
Convenient paddling access: Rush Campground serves as a strategic stopping point for river adventures. "This is the last stop before you enter the wilderness area of the Buffalo River," explains one camper. Another notes it's "a beautiful campground for the entire family. Fairly quiet at night after 11pm. Very busy during the day and evening time."
Permit requirements: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires specific authorization for camping. "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish," explains a reviewer. These permits cost $5 and can be purchased online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.
Road conditions: Spring Creek Campground has challenging access routes. A camper reports, "Campsite had a rather janky gravel and dirt road leading to it. In the rain, the road would be extremely difficult. Very steep." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during wet weather.
Flood potential: Haw Creek Falls can experience sudden water level changes. "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. Check weather forecasts before visiting, especially during spring storms.
Quiet times: Rush Campground maintains evening quiet hours. A visitor notes, "Fairly quiet at night after 11pm. Very busy during the day and evening time. Water gets crowded with canoers and people with kayaks." This schedule helps families with younger children balance recreation and rest.
Swimming safety: Haw Creek Falls offers natural water features appropriate for families. "The swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!" shares a camper. However, water levels and current strength vary seasonally, requiring adult supervision.
Campsite selection: Bayou Bluff Point of Interest has limited capacity but unique features. "There are only 4 campsites, including a group site. Also, these sites are free, first come, first serve," explains a visitor. The stone pavilions provide shelter during unexpected weather, making them ideal for family camping.
Size limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Leslie have tight access roads and small sites. At Bayou Bluff, a camper notes, "It's not really well suited for big RV's but wouldn't be impossible." Small trailers and pop-ups fare better than large motorhomes in most locations.
Water access: No hookups are available at most sites. One Haw Creek Falls visitor warns, "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!!" Plan to arrive with full water tanks and conserve usage during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Leslie, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Leslie, AR is Spring Creek Campground — Buffalo National River with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Leslie, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Leslie, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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