Best Tent Camping near Mount Judea, AR

Buffalo National River lands surrounding Mount Judea, Arkansas offer several tent-only campgrounds with stunning Ozark Mountain views and river access. Kyles Landing Campground provides walk-in tent sites along the Buffalo River with picturesque bluff views, while Steel Creek Campground offers tent campsites with direct trail access to the Buffalo River Trail system. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area provides more secluded primitive tent camping options with designated sites requiring a $5 camping permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Black Raspberry Campsite features 30 tent-specific sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

Most tent campgrounds in the Mount Judea area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at most locations. Road access varies significantly, with several campgrounds requiring navigation down steep, gravel roads that can become challenging after rain. Kyles Landing has a particularly steep access road that some reviewers note requires careful driving, especially in smaller vehicles. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the region, with campers reporting no signal from any major carrier. Water availability is limited, with some campgrounds offering spigots while others require bringing all water supplies.

The tent camping experience near Mount Judea offers exceptional natural beauty and solitude. One camper described Steel Creek as "one of my all-time favorite places to camp" noting the complete absence of road noise creates an initially "unnerving" quiet broken only by "nature and the occasional chopping of firewood." Fall and winter visitors report significantly fewer crowds at most campgrounds. According to reviews, Kyles Landing provides excellent tent sites where "the Buffalo River Trail travels straight through" making it ideal for backpackers. Primitive tent camping in this region rewards visitors with spectacular night skies, wildlife viewing opportunities including deer and elk, and immediate access to hiking trails and river activities.

Best Tent Sites Near Mount Judea, Arkansas (31)

    1. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    15 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
    17 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. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    5 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."

    4. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    22 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    20 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."

    5. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    14 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."

    6. Carver Campground — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    4 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. Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    6 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."

    8. Black Raspberry Campsite

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

    $100 - $125 / night

    9. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    18 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."

    10. Shine Eye Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River

    1 Review
    St. Joe, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."

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Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Judea, AR

669 Reviews of 31 Mount Judea Campgrounds



Guide to Mount Judea

Tent camping near Mount Judea, Arkansas, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Ozarks. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

Local Attractions and Activities

Tips for Tent Camping Near Mount Judea

Prices for Tent Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Judea, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Judea, 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 Mount Judea, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Mount Judea, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.