Best Tent Camping near Ozark, AR
The Ozark National Forest surrounds Ozark, Arkansas with numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive sites. Steel Creek Campground along the Buffalo National River offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area provides a more primitive experience with tent pads situated near a scenic waterfall. Both locations are within 30 miles of Ozark and provide direct access to hiking trails and water features characteristic of the Ozarks region.
Most tent sites in the area feature dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal leveling. Campgrounds like Kyles Landing have vault toilets but no showers, while dispersed sites such as Buzzards Rock in the Mount Magazine Wildlife Management Area lack all amenities. A recent review noted, "The road in is something you have to be thoughtful about. It was a very rough gravel road, so this is definitely more of a tent camping spot." Campers should bring all necessary water, as many locations have no potable water sources. During summer months, sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly those with river access.
Tent campers at Steel Creek enjoy proximity to the Buffalo River with easy access for swimming and wading. The surrounding bluffs create dramatic backdrops for campsites, though privacy between sites can be limited. A visitor commented, "When you first get there it's a little unnerving because it's so quiet. There's no road noise at all. Just nature and the occasional chopping of firewood." Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, making September through early November an ideal time for tent camping in the region. Many sites serve as excellent basecamps for day hikes on the Buffalo River Trail or exploring nearby waterfalls such as Pam's Grotto. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, allowing for a true disconnect from technology.
