3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping options around Pelsor, Arkansas include several established campgrounds within the Ozark National Forest and along the Buffalo National River. Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area offers primitive tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables near a scenic waterfall, while Bayou Bluff Point of Interest provides unique stone shelters overlooking the Illinois Bayou. Both locations are free, first-come-first-served tent campgrounds that serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with vault toilets but no showers or running water. Campers should bring all necessary drinking water, as potable sources are limited or nonexistent at primitive sites. The gravel roads accessing many campgrounds can become challenging after rain, particularly at locations like Kyle's Landing where steep descents require careful driving. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, though dispersed camping areas like Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area require campers to obtain a $5 permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and use only designated camping zones.
Tent campers enjoy exceptional privacy and natural settings throughout the region. "This recreation area is as close to off-grid as you can get with so many great options right off the pavement," noted one visitor about Bayou Bluff. The stone shelters at this location provide unique protection from weather while maintaining the primitive camping experience. Sites along the Buffalo River offer excellent water access for swimming and paddling, with many campgrounds serving as put-in or take-out points for canoe trips. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent at most locations, creating a true disconnect from urban life. Fall camping is particularly rewarding with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage displays on the surrounding bluffs and hillsides.
"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."
"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."
"The stone buildings are so nice to set up somewhat out of the weather and have functional fireplaces. The walk to the river is very easy. "
"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."
Available this weekend
from $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."
from $20 / 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."
from $5 - $245 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $100 - $125 / 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."
from $15 - $150 / night
GuideBeautiful, clean park with huge sites and a friendly host who obviously takes pride in her work. I only booked for 2 days for a break while traveling through the area and I wish I had a week or more. It's so peaceful and my dog loved being here.
TravelerNice little spot. Very easy to get in with plenty of room, level ground, and multiple fire rings. No spectacular view or anything, you're just in the woods with a couple ATV trails. Quiet.
TravelerBeautiful spot on the river. Vault toilets available and very clean. Road is not terrible going in, didn't have to use 4wd. Spots on the river and spots in the meadow.
TravelerWas always a few groups around but still plenty of space! Road was a little rough and some steeper hills for a bigger camper but still doable!
GuideA slightly below average quality camping spot. It's not a state park which probably explains it. It is managed by the Forest Service. All the expected amenities available.
GuideClean pit toilets with camps right above the crystal clear river. The spots when you first pull in have the best solar due to shading further down. Watch for snakes. We have already seen a copperhead.
GuideThis camping spot is about 9 miles off of I40 and no traffic noise. Right on a lake with great views. I have a pop up tent on my truck and they allowed me to stay at one of the 5 now service tent spots and open my tent on the parking spot reserved for A4 tent site. You cannot drive right into your site. If you want to do as I did try for site A4 it’s table in closest to your vehicle. View of the lake. Camp host was very helpful.
ScoutTotal impressed with everything about this RV Park. The cabins are incredible. Probably one of the cleanest we’ve seen, and we’ve been East to West. Thanks for the stay, we’ll be back.
TravelerThere is a boat ramp here and plenty of shade, or sun, if needed. There is a bathroom and picnic tables with level pads.
Tent camping near Pelsor, Arkansas offers significant primitive camping options throughout the Ozark National Forest, with campsites situated at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,200 feet. Most sites experience seasonal temperature variations from 40°F nighttime lows in spring and fall to daytime highs reaching the mid-90s in summer. Rainfall averages 45 inches annually, with spring typically bringing the wettest conditions and potential flash flooding in some river-adjacent camping areas.
Waterfall exploration: 15-minute hike from Haw Creek Falls Camping leads to swimming opportunities. "The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas," notes camper Layla B. The area features multiple smaller cascades within short hiking distance.
Cave access: Short drive to geological features near Hasty Takeout. "We went to the tour of the caves nearby," mentions Donna M. Cobb Cave and several smaller limestone formations provide cool exploration options during hot summer months.
Trail connections: Several trailheads link to longer routes. "The Ozark highlands trail runs thru it," explains Tricia E. about camping options. The trails offer various difficulty levels, from flat riverside paths to more challenging bluff climbs with elevation changes of 400+ feet.
Stone shelters: Unique camping option at Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) provides extra weather protection. "Stone pavilions with fireplaces for cold weather camping. Best kept secret," says Rachel P. The shelters include built-in fireplaces that function well during cooler months.
Swimming holes: Natural pools form throughout the area. "Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!" reports Samantha W. Most swimming areas feature clear water with rocky or pebble bottoms rather than muddy shores.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to spot native species. "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over," mentions a camper at Steel Creek Campground. The Buffalo River corridor supports diverse wildlife including over 60 mammal species.
Camping permits: Required at some locations like Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased through Arkansas Game and Fish," warns Poopy B. The WMA camping permit costs $5 and must be obtained before arrival.
Road conditions: Steep access roads can become challenging. "The road is steep, has sharp, blind curves and is very narrow. But SOOO worth it!" explains Leah H. Many campground access roads require slow speeds under 15 mph, particularly after rainfall.
Cell service limitations: Nearly nonexistent in most camping areas. "Worth the ride out but no cell service at all!" reports Dawn G. about Haw Creek Falls. Campers should download offline maps and bring physical area guides.
Beginner-friendly sites: Steel Creek offers accessible camping with amenities. "This is a great site for families, though I was just passing through by myself. The location is very pretty, but be warned - the area is closed during times of intense rain, due to frequent flooding," advises David S.
Water safety precautions: River depths vary seasonally and after rainfall. "When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground," cautions Lacee G. Parents should check water levels before allowing children near riverbanks.
Enclosed camping options: Consider shelters for protection from elements. "Could hear the river - right near the campsite. Close to Trail heads - had an awesome covered, but open walls, rock building with a really cool fireplace," shares Kristina K. about Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging, which offers more contained camping experiences.
Length restrictions: Most campgrounds limit vehicle size. "Not for Car Camping or RVing. Strictly a FCFS use area so come early," says Brian about Kyle's Landing. The majority of tent camping near Pelsor cannot accommodate RVs longer than 18 feet due to narrow, winding access roads.
Gravel road considerations: Access roads require careful navigation. "Go slow in a lower gear," advises a reviewer about steep descents. Most campgrounds with RV access still require traversing at least 1-2 miles of unpaved road, which can become rutted after rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pelsor, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pelsor, AR is Haw Creek Falls Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pelsor, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Pelsor, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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