Best Tent Camping near Pelsor, AR

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Pelsor, Arkansas (27)

    1. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    9 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."

    2. Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI)

    10 Reviews
    Hector, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 284-3150

    "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.  "

    3. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    25 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."

    4. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    25 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."

    5. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    22 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. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    18 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."

    7. Carver Campground — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    18 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."

    8. Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    20 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."

    9. Black Raspberry Campsite

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

    $100 - $125 / night

    10. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    26 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pelsor, AR

723 Reviews of 27 Pelsor Campgrounds



Guide to Pelsor

Tent camping near Pelsor, Arkansas offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Ozarks while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots available, campers can find the perfect setting for their next adventure.

Tips for tent camping near Pelsor

  • Haw Creek Falls Camping provides a picturesque backdrop with its beautiful waterfall, making it a favorite for those who enjoy scenic views while camping.
  • Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) is ideal for those seeking a primitive experience, as it features only basic amenities and encourages a "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy.
  • Carver Campground — Buffalo National River is a great choice for those looking to combine camping with water activities like swimming and kayaking.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Haw Creek Falls Camping is a free camping option, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors without any fees.
  • Bayou Bluff Point of Interest (POI) also offers free camping, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Moore Outdoors Piney Creek charges a fee for camping, but it provides amenities like drinking water and showers for a comfortable stay.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Horseshoe Canyon Ranch features a range of amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers, making it a well-equipped spot for tent campers.
  • Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River offers picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a more convenient camping experience.
  • Mt. Hersey Primitive Campground — Buffalo National River provides a secluded atmosphere, perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature.

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 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pelsor, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Pelsor, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.