Best Campgrounds near Mount Judea, AR

The Buffalo River corridor near Mount Judea, Arkansas features several dispersed and established camping areas with different amenities and access types. Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers free primitive camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. Sites are separated by trees, providing privacy for tent and RV campers. The nearby Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area provides limited designated camping, while Buffalo National River sites like Carver, Ozark, and Kyles Landing campgrounds offer additional options with varying facilities across the region.

Road conditions in the Mount Judea area can be challenging, particularly after rain or during seasonal transitions. Many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles to access, especially those along the Buffalo River. Cell service is patchy throughout the region, with limited coverage at most sites. Wildlife Management Areas require specific camping permits purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for $5, while Buffalo National River campgrounds have their own regulations. "The road is kinda sketchy on the way up but the bluffs are fantastic!" noted one Sam's Throne visitor.

Scenic bluffs and rock formations draw many visitors to the area, particularly climbers visiting Sam's Throne. Trails connect most campgrounds to viewpoints overlooking the Ozark mountains and Buffalo River valley. Several campers mention the excellent stargazing opportunities from the higher elevation sites, with minimal light pollution on clear nights. Privacy varies by location, with some campgrounds offering more separation between sites than others. The region experiences significant seasonal visitation patterns, with weekends typically busier throughout the year. A camper described Sam's Throne as "one of the most peaceful campgrounds I have ever been in! Short hiking trail will lead you to the most gorgeous views!"

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Judea, Arkansas (192)

    1. Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    30 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    11 miles
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "There’s lots of campground near by but across a bridge is hidden off road that will take you to Carwash Falls. It has a great scenic off road trail and backroad highway."

    "The Buffalo River is a must see Arkansas attraction."

    2. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby"

    "Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's."

    3. Richland Creek Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Witts Springs, AR
    11 miles
    Website

    "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

    "I had found information online that Arkansas campgrounds were reopened, so it was a surprise to see it closed."

    4. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "During that time try and get a site away from the launch/takeout spots. "

    "A real bob Ross of a campground, however the drive down the Arkansas hill to this serene location is a tense frustrating and should not be attempted with a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle."

    5. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "Pros: Great location on the river and close to plenty of hiking trails! Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is drinking water available."

    6. Dogwood Springs Campground

    10 Reviews
    Jasper, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-2163

    "Camping at Dogwood Springs Campground in Arkansas was amazing! The owner was so full of hospitality and worked around our schedule!"

    "It is a ”resort” style campground meaning your parked very close to each other. Considering it’s one of the few, if not only full hook up site in the Jasper area we figured we would give it a shot."

    7. Erbie Campground — Buffalo National River

    14 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Located within a few miles of the horse camp , this site is Aimed more at group camping, there is not as much shade as I’d like to see."

    "I explored each in detail and took a day to enjoy the trails around them.   "

    8. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    7 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    11 miles
    Website

    "So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology."

    "This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming."

    9. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas"

    "Lovely area but you can hear the vehicles that drive by on the highway plenty of hiking nearby"

    10. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    5 miles

    "Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Judea, AR

831 Reviews of 192 Mount Judea Campgrounds


  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    White Buffalo Resort

    Can’t beat this view!

    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. I will say I like site 11, but if you are not camping and pears, you will be camping directly next to site 10. They are pull through sites that are connected basically. We had another couple with us and it a great set up. But if it had just been us it would have been weird.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Gunner Pool Recreation Area

    Beautiful National Forest Recreation Area

    Camped at site #3 for 3 nights in early October 2025. This site was really good for my camper van; just about level. The site backs up to a beautiful forest. The campground in this recreation area has  27 sites in 3 separate sections. There are some sites at the "pool" which are appropriate for car and tent camping. There is a section down a dirt road along the creek bottom that has a handful of sites; these sites are also good for car and tent camping. I camped in a wooded loop; the sites here can accomodate car, van and tent camping. A few towables may fit in this section. This is a beautiful wooded campground; clean and very well maintained. Most sites are level. Hammock camping is possible in some sites. Most sites have a table, tent pad, lantern pole, metal fire ring and a grill. Some sites are open, some shaded. No hookups. Potable water is located in a central area of the sections; the water was turned on during my visit. There are 4 vault toilets - clean and supplied with tp. Parts of the campground is prone to flash flooding. Very peaceful; the campground wasn't too busy midweek. The campground has access to the beautiful North Sylamore Creek trail. Access to campground on the gravel Gunner Pool Road from Highway 14 was very good during my visit. This forest road goes through the recreation area; it is busier than you would see on typical forest roads. Love this recreation area. One of the best that the Arkansas Ozarks has to offer for outdoor recreation.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Barkshed Recreation Area

    Mostly walkin tent sites

    Visited here on Oct 7, 2025. Did not camp here. There are a handful of first-come, first-serve primitive sites. I only saw one drive-in site down near the creek. There are about 4 walk-in tent sites up a driveway into a parking area. The walk-in sites are close to the parking area. One site, which is not quite level, has a picnic table. The walk-in sites have metal fire rings. There are 2 clean vault toilets with tp at the campground. No potable water. The tent sites have a dirt and grass surface. There are a few shade trees. Starlink connectivity is possible. No AT&T and T-Mobile service. Nice swimming hole down by the creek. Access to the North Sylamore Creek Trail is at this recreation area. Note that the unpaved forest road approaching the recreation area from highway 14 is sketchy in spots due to Spring storm damage. Sections were being regraded during my visit. Low clearance, 2wd passenger vehicles can make it, but should tread carefully. Also note that, due to storm damage, Tie Ridge Road between Barkshed and Gunner Pool Road was only open to 4x4 vehicles at the time of my visit.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Back to our fav campground

    We love this state park. We have been regularly going there for a long weekend annually

  • Brian L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wild Oaks Campground

    Close corner

    It was quiet,peaceful and nice. The entrance wasn't well marked and I had a hard time navigating the entrance with my bumper pull 36'

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Great spot!

    We had the perfect little spot for our tent camping weekend. It is a campground so you do have neighbors but the sites were spread out and didn’t feel cramped. There was ample room for our tent, the fire ring, our hammock set up and the picnic table. Restrooms were the cleanest i’ve ever seen. I will definitely be back!

  • Amanda F.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Mount Nebo State Park Campground

    Great place

    One of the best places I have camped in a while. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice trails and panoramic views.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    Lovely spot

    Clean, tree covered spots with larger gravel. I love that you don’t get that fine grit in your rig. People are kind and fun. I will return. Great for visiting Gettysburg

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Gilbert RV Park

    Owner treated us like family !!!

    When we pulled into the campground we were met with friendly smiles ! Jim and his wife are super nice and very helpful!! We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally. Probably just a little over a quarter mile walk to the river or drive down to gravel bed where you can park. Take all your stuff and play in the river all day. There is a float service in Gilbert. Restrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's. They also have chickens so you might hear that Rooster every morning !! We had a super nice time here !!! Very simple place to stay. Just respect the camp rules and don't get too loud !! Please don't show up super late ! Jim and his wife are elderly !!! ( Just my opinion )


Guide to Mount Judea

Camping near Mount Judea, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Buffalo River is perfect for paddling. One camper mentioned, "If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here," highlighting the river's appeal for water sports enthusiasts at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore. A visitor shared, "We hiked along the winding trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and panoramic views," which showcases the area's natural beauty at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River.
  • Fishing: The rivers and streams are great for fishing. One camper simply stated, "I got to fish," which sums up the experience at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A review noted, "You can get great spots with amazing views of the Ozark Mountains and/or the Buffalo River," emphasizing the picturesque surroundings at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and campgrounds. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were clean," which is a plus at Long Pool Recreation Area.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A visitor said, "The other campers we met were friendly," which adds to the charm of Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack modern conveniences. A camper noted, "The campground is smaller which I like but always busy," indicating that while it’s cozy, it may not have all the amenities at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper warned, "Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night," which is something to keep in mind at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River.
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor advised, "The road down from Falling Water had been washed out," which is important to consider when heading to Richland Creek Recreation Area.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. One family shared, "Large playground, short nature trails," which made their stay enjoyable at Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park.
  • Plan for Quiet Nights: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. A visitor mentioned, "It was very quiet and peaceful," which is ideal for families at Sam's Throne Recreation Area.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained. One camper suggested, "Bring plenty of groceries and other needs since all stores are 45’/60’ away!" which is a smart tip for families at Long Pool Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Mount Judea, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just be prepared for some rustic experiences and enjoy the adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mount Judea, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Judea, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 192 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Judea, AR and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Judea, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Judea, AR is Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Judea, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Judea, AR.

What parks are near Mount Judea, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Mount Judea, AR that allow camping, notably Buffalo National River and Lake Dardanelle.