Best Campgrounds near Marshall, AR
The Buffalo National River region near Marshall, Arkansas contains multiple campgrounds with varying levels of development and amenities. Established options include Buffalo Point, which offers cabin accommodations alongside tent and RV sites with electric hookups, and Tyler Bend Campground, which provides more primitive camping with tent sites and limited RV facilities. Several dispersed camping areas exist along the river, including Woolum Dispersed Area and gravel bars such as Gilbert, Shine Eye, and Grinder's Ferry, where visitors can camp with minimal facilities.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Buffalo Point open from March 15 to November 14, while other sites like South Maumee and Richland Creek Recreation Area remain accessible year-round. Roads to remote sites can become difficult in wet conditions, particularly at locations like Spring Creek Campground where steep, janky gravel roads may require high-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with stronger coverage at developed sites and limited or no service at more remote locations. According to one visitor at Spring Creek Campground, "There is no drinking water and I didn't get phone service, but for the most part it was very quiet."
Waterfront camping represents a major draw throughout the Buffalo River corridor, with numerous sites providing direct river access. Campers particularly value the clear waters and scenic bluffs visible from many riverside locations. Gilbert RV Park receives consistent praise for its proximity to the Buffalo River, with one reviewer noting it's "a stones throw from the Buffalo river" and that "the location to the river is unbeatable." Primitive sites at gravel bars like Shine Eye and Grinder's Ferry attract visitors seeking a more rustic experience, offering opportunities to camp directly beside the water with minimal facilities. Tyler Bend Campground reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding noise levels, with some visitors noting highway sounds from nearby US 65, particularly from trucks using Jake brakes during early morning hours.