The Buffalo River region near Pettigrew, Arkansas, sits in the heart of the Ozarks between 1,000 and 2,000 feet elevation with limestone bluffs and dense forest. The area receives around 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal water levels that affect camping experiences. Tent campsites near Pettigrew, Arkansas typically offer primitive experiences with varying terrain from rocky river beds to open grassy fields.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area features multiple waterfalls to discover within walking distance of the campground. A camper noted, "We only saw one other couple there the whole time we were there, it was clean, taken care of, had restrooms, tables, and firepits at several sites. It was beautiful! Secluded, need bug spray, worth the ride out but no cell service at all!"
Rock climbing access: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides direct access to hundreds of climbing routes on sandstone formations. According to one visitor, "Horseshoe canyon is one of the biggest climbing and bouldering locations in the southeast area. Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit, you won't be disappointed to check it out!"
River floating: Kyles Landing Campground offers Buffalo River access for paddling adventures. A camper shared, "Little did my husband and I know how tough this canoe trip was for people from the south who do not have rapids but it was the most memorable trip we have had by far. We never flipped but the water was high when we went."
What campers like
Star visibility: The open field layout at tent sites near Pettigrew provides exceptional night sky viewing. At Riverfield Acreage, one camper reported, "Saw more stars than I have seen, ever. No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!"
Wildlife encounters: Early mornings at Buffalo River camping areas often feature deer sightings. A visitor to Steel Creek Campground mentioned, "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over. Overall a great place though!"
Swimming opportunities: Black Raspberry Campsite offers water access for cooling off during summer months. Haw Creek Falls campers appreciate the swimming options, with one noting, "Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking! Something really important to note though is that there is NO WATER!! Bring your own water in to avoid making a half an hour trip to the nearest gas station!!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many tent sites requires navigating steep, unpaved roads. About Kyles Landing, one camper warned, "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."
Water availability: Many campgrounds have seasonal or limited drinking water. At Haw Creek Falls, "Fun campground, not exactly remote but private enough. $10/night, which is more than fair considering the size of most of the sites."
Flooding risks: Spring rains can cause campground closures due to high water. One reviewer at Hasty Takeout observed, "Great location unless there is a deluge, and you might get flooded out or stranded until the water goes down."
Campsite spacing: Most tent camping areas feature open layouts with limited privacy. A Steel Creek visitor noted, "Only drawback was the fact that all the sites are in a large open field with picnic tables denoting specific sites, so just not a ton of privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming hole selection: Choose campsites with shallow water access for younger children. A Riverfield Acreage camper mentioned, "Kids loved having the rock bed and river right beside us. Perfect float trip back to our camp ground (free of charge to have them drop us off at a put in location."
Toilet facilities: Some campgrounds offer flush toilets while others only have vault toilets. Regarding Lost Valley, a visitor shared, "Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging has a yurt, campsites, cabins with hot tubs on the deck, bunkhouse, showers, allows pets, and is family owned. Loyal customers return year after year."
Arrival timing: For tent camping sites near Pettigrew during peak season, arrive by mid-morning Thursday or early Friday. A Kyle's Landing camper advised, "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!"
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Pettigrew cannot accommodate large RVs due to steep access roads. For Steel Creek, one visitor suggested, "It has running water, and even a pretty nice public bathroom. Fees are not outrageous, and there is even a site for campers with horses. One thing to consider, however, is to make sure your car has pretty good handling and brakes— as the drive up to the entrance and down to the campsite is steep and curvy."
Seasonal considerations: Spring access to primitive campsites can be challenging after rainfall. As one camper noted about Haw Creek Falls, "Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."
Limited hook-ups: Come prepared for self-contained camping as electricity is rare at tent campsites near Pettigrew. A Steel Creek visitor advised, "They may not have showers but they do have bathrooms and running water. Right next to the Buffalo River along the gorgeous towering bluff."
