Best Tent Camping near Marble Falls, AR

Tent camping opportunities near Marble Falls in the Arkansas Ozarks center primarily around the Buffalo National River corridor, with several established tent campgrounds including Kyles Landing and Steel Creek. The Buffalo River area offers walk-in tent sites with primitive facilities, set against limestone bluffs and clear waters. Both campgrounds provide access to hiking trails and river activities, with Kyles Landing particularly noted for its proximity to the Indian Creek Trail and Twin Falls. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area also offers dispersed tent camping options for those seeking more solitude.

The road conditions to tent campgrounds vary considerably, with several requiring high clearance vehicles. Kyles Landing, while offering beautiful tent sites, requires navigation down a steep, rough gravel road that becomes challenging after rain. A review mentioned, "The road to and from is about two miles of dirt road, but all pretty steep. TWD vehicles can make it back up, but it is a lot easier in a 4WD/AWD." Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with potable water available at designated spigots. Vault toilets are present at most developed sites, but showers are rarely available. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with self-pay stations.

Walk-in tent locations at Kyles Landing and Steel Creek provide the most authentic primitive camping experience. The tent pads are set on mixed terrain, often with trees suitable for hammocks and natural shade. In early fall, these walk-in tent sites offer particularly pleasant conditions with reduced crowds. "It's a valley with beautiful bluffs and easy access to the river as well as access to several hiking trails," noted one camper about Kyles Landing. The campground's setting parallel to the river creates opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling directly from your tent site. Most primitive tent camping areas become busy during summer floating season, so arriving early on weekends is recommended for securing the best walk-in sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Marble Falls, Arkansas (32)

    1. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    8 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
    11 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
    10 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
    7 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
    11 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
    9 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
    13 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. Black Raspberry Campsite

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

    $100 - $125 / night

    9. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    29 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."

    10. Barn on the Buffalo

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

    $50 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Marble Falls, AR

962 Reviews of 32 Marble Falls 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 Marble Falls

Tent campsites near Marble Falls, Arkansas cluster primarily along the southeastern edges of the Ozark National Forest where elevation ranges between 500-2,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Flash flooding presents seasonal risks for riverside campsites, with spring and early summer bringing the highest precipitation levels.

What to do

Cave exploration: 1-mile hike from Horseshoe Canyon Ranch to nearby limestone formations with beginner-friendly options. "This ranch is beautiful and great for hiking and climbing. The environment is awesome and the place is well-managed," notes Alex M.

Waterfall swimming: Access multiple cascades at Haw Creek Falls Camping where clear pools create natural swimming areas during summer months. "Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking," reports Samantha W., though she cautions, "there is NO WATER!! Bring your own water in to avoid making a half an hour trip to the nearest gas station!"

Wildlife observation: Dawn/dusk optimal for viewing at Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. "Looks like they might be busy during hunting season. Not bad for secluded camping, but not likely remote during hunting seasons," explains Robert B., highlighting the site's primary conservation purpose.

What campers like

Primitive sites with river views: Steel Creek Campground offers direct Buffalo River access and picturesque bluff backdrops. "Right from the Steel Creek campground we took the Old River Trail (abbreviated as ORT on trail posts) up to the Centerpoint trailhead," reports Ashley F., describing interconnected hiking options.

Secluded campsites with natural features: Campers prefer the quieter, less developed areas. "Each site had a fire pit and picnic tables. There was a common use water faucet that made refilling water containers and clean up easy," describes Tommie J. about Carver Campground.

Off-grid disconnection: Cell service is virtually non-existent at many campgrounds. At Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, visitors appreciate the digital detox environment where "roaming goats and horses around the property" create a unique camping atmosphere according to Drea R.

What you should know

Permits required for WMA camping: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires special permits purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. "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 Poopy B.

Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to most tent campsites requires preparation for rough terrain. "The road is steeply inclined and bumpy... While 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way," warns Ashley & Derek V.

Seasonal flooding risks: Many Buffalo River sites experience flash flooding during heavy rains. At Haw Creek Falls, "the area is closed during times of intense rain, due to frequent flooding," advises David S. This factor significantly impacts site availability during spring and early summer.

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly sites: Black Raspberry Campsite offers designated family areas with room for games and activities. "Can't beat the view from the entire campsite," notes Nathanyal C. about the panoramic setting.

River safety precautions: Keep children closely supervised along Buffalo River access points where currents can change rapidly. At Carver Campground, Kelly T. shares, "Little did my husband and I know how tough this canoe trip was for people from the south who do not have rapids," highlighting the importance of water safety knowledge.

Hammock camping options: Many sites accommodate hammocks for kids who enjoy alternative sleeping arrangements. "Loved camping by the river! Had great trees to hammock on!" mentions Kaitlin R., identifying this popular option for families with older children.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused sites near Marble Falls lack RV infrastructure. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging represents an exception, offering some water hookups. "Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging has a yurt, campsites, cabins with hot tubs on the deck, bunkhouse, showers, allows pets, and is family owned," notes their official listing.

Road clearance requirements: RV access to many Buffalo River sites requires high clearance vehicles. "The campground is located in a valley with beautiful bluffs and easy access to the river as well as access to several hiking trails," reports a camper about the area, emphasizing the scenic rewards for those willing to navigate challenging roads.

Seasonal site limitations: Spring moisture can make many access roads impassable for larger vehicles. Josh B. advises selecting sites carefully: "I'm glad I found this campground. Quiet and clean. Several waterfalls in the area to explore. Drive-up, fire-ring, hook, bench, pit toilet."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marble Falls, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marble Falls, 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 Marble Falls, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Marble Falls, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.