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Best Campgrounds near St. Joe, AR

782 Reviews

Camping options around St. Joe, Arkansas center on the scenic Buffalo National River, with multiple access points and camping styles along its course. Tyler Bend Campground offers developed sites suitable for tents and RVs, while Woolum Dispersed Area provides more primitive camping directly on the riverbank. Buffalo Point adds cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. Most established campgrounds in the area feature designated tent pads and parking areas, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations.

Road conditions to several campgrounds require consideration, particularly after rainfall when dirt access roads can become challenging. Mt. Hersey Primitive Campground exemplifies this concern, with steep grades and rugged terrain limiting access. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Buffalo Point and Tyler Bend typically open from mid-March through mid-November. Summer weekends see the highest visitation, while spring brings variable water levels that can affect river access points. A recent review noted: "The ride in is a long one with steep grades and rugged terrain. Definitely don't bring a camper down here. Amazing views, very quiet and the river is absolutely breathtaking."

The Buffalo River corridor provides exceptional water-based recreation opportunities alongside camping. Several gravel bars allow riverside camping with direct water access, particularly popular during warmer months. Noise levels vary considerably across the region, with Tyler Bend Campground experiencing highway sounds due to its proximity to US 65. As described in feedback on The Dyrt: "The close proximity to US 65 Highway detracts from what is otherwise a beautiful campground. Truckers seem to favor Jake brakes when descending into the river Valley...especially at 4:00 am." More remote sites like Woolum offer greater solitude, with visitors praising the stargazing opportunities and peaceful atmosphere. Most dispersed camping areas provide vault toilets but limited additional amenities, requiring visitors to pack in supplies and pack out waste.

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Best Camping Sites Near St. Joe, Arkansas (212)

    1. Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River

    34 Reviews
    Cozahome, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 449-4311

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Some sites you may not be long enough for your entire rig and you would park your tow vehicle next to your camper. Shade was plentiful. There are five different loops."

    "Paved roads to all the way to your camp site, showers, and a fantastic dinner 5 minutes away may not sound like luxury but Arkansas hllls usually make you work hard to enjoy their beauty."

    2. Woolum Dispersed Area — Buffalo National River

    7 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    6 miles
    Website

    "So many options to make your home away from home! Grassy meadows or river side oasis, you choose! This is definitely the place to go to enjoy magnificent scenery and not be distracted by technology."

    "This was a beautiful park with a campground that we really enjoyed riding around and exploring. We were there in April and the dogwoods were blooming."

    3. Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    30 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    20 miles
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "There’s lots of campground near by but across a bridge is hidden off road that will take you to Carwash Falls. It has a great scenic off road trail and backroad highway."

    "The Buffalo River is a must see Arkansas attraction."

    4. Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    St. Joe, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The pictures of the river are from a different buffalo river access point Easy access to bathroom, drinking water and river from this spot."

    "Quiet and close to the river."

    5. Richland Creek Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Witts Springs, AR
    18 miles
    Website

    "Be prepared for limited or no cell service and miles of gravel roads - download or print your driving and hiking maps (including how to find the falls) ahead of time."

    "I had found information online that Arkansas campgrounds were reopened, so it was a surprise to see it closed."

    6. Sam's Throne Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Mount Judea, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 446-5122

    "Nice campground sites mostly tucked up in the treeline. Hiking nearby"

    "Near the entrance to the facility right off of the highway there is a large gravel parking lot. This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's."

    7. South Maumee Camping Area — Buffalo National River

    6 Reviews
    Buffalo National River, AR
    9 miles
    Website

    8. Mt. Hersey Primative Campground — Buffalo National River

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Was able to comfortably pull my 4runner in and car camp comfortably for a night right next to the Buffalo river and between 2 fresh water streams feeding into it. Well worth the stop. Beautiful area!"

    9. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    12 miles

    "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."

    "Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites. Well designated, my post is on the further east site from Carver."

    10. Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Marble Falls, AR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 743-2343

    "They make you feel like you're family and they will even walk your dog for you if you need them to. Campground is very shady, quiet. Plenty of room between sites. Cabins are beautiful."

    "If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it."

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Recent Camping Photos near St. Joe, AR

200 Photos of 212 St. Joe Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. Joe, AR

782 Reviews of 212 St. Joe Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    COE Table Rock Lake Old Highway 86 Park

    Perfect !

    First time at Old Hwy 86 campground. It is so clean, other campers are friendly and respectful! Took the kayaks out on the lake! Perfect day!

  • MIKE J.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Clinton RV Park

    SHITHOLE

    MIKE JONES 1/5 7 minutes ago on Google NO STARS Poor maintained ,reviews are years old like there humor.Don't walk at night and go to friends ...you will be video recorded and thrown out for walking at night knocking on doors. Can't play Bob Sieger during the day ..that gets cops called faster than threatening to kill your dog if not chained up.. Yea when u don't even have foot off brake getting in spot a neighbor walked up to my lady friends who were helping me park and threatened to shoot my dog if not on chain.and still is there today....and that kept on happening to other guest as well, butt it's acceptable behavior it's the Clinton RV Par Camper of the year. rude as possible ,Slande people often , ohh and evict the ones that do pay and stand up for wts jacked up with that place so grab yourself a cold coke out of the broken coke machine and sit back and wait rent will go up even more due to high electric rates but that coke machine sitting there for I know 6 months plugged in helps fight the cost of it.Ohh Todd ..we're is part for washing machine your mom said you had and was fixing it? 5 months ago ? It's the waterpump.....1 hr fix..butt some folks are slow I get that ..And last butt not forgotten...our Man David the owner poor man has no clue what's going on with his RV Park ..it just needs more Rock in driveway..people will tell you all about it some may actually back you up ...hope it won't be to late for the CLINTON RV PARK CIRCLE OF LIES...wifi is free...if you get a signal tho..

  • Teresa S.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Edgewater Beach Resort- Lakefront RV Sites 16 Miles from Branson!

    Beautiful view of lake

    We had camping site A, which is right on Lake Taneycomo.  Sites are very large with full hookups.  The resort has a nice pool and laundry facilities you can use.  We stayed for 21 nights in July of this year.  You are about a 20 minute drive to Branson and 5 minutes to Forsyth.   We were in a 33 foot motorhome with a boat trailer and a truck also on the site and there was plenty of room.   Laura was very good to deal with.  She gets back to you promptly.

  • Patricia
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Into the Woods RV Park

    Tiny home enclave in the making

    We have recently moved our tiny home to this lovely quiet family-owned park. They are open to more fulltime residents and are tiny home friendly. There are no resort-type features. But, there is bath house with laundry and gorgeous tree shaded lots on gravel drives with full utilities. Outside of Yellville, AR there no restrictions against tiny home living. A fourth generation country grocery store is about two miles away and includes a real butcher shop and fresh produce. A Walmart, full service hardware store and the fishing paradise of Bull Shoals Lake(with the only remaining operational ferry in Arkansas) make this a great location to retire. No highway noise but close to Branson with the Ozark mountains all around you make it the spot for us.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Misty Mornings Arkansas Cabins & RV Sites

    Misty Mornings

    Great stopover. Hosts are very accommodating. I am the only camper here tonight. Very quiet. PJ'S restaurant was wonderful.

  • Dawn G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Haw Creek Falls Camping

    Nice place!

    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!

  • Brian L.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Gamaliel

    New paved areas

    Good concrete pad. Abit short for our 36' camper. Parking available on road or grass.

  • G
    Jul. 13, 2025

    JB Trading Co.

    Awesome Campground

    This place is great! We stayed in one of the platform huts and it was extremely clean. We stayed in the middle of July and the AC was turned off when we arrived but within a few hours the hut was completely cooled down which was awesome. Kids loved running around in the well-kept open areas and playing frisbee golf. The bathrooms were EXTREMELY clean..like spotless which isn’t always expected at a camp ground. The store is also a plus and has just about everything you might need if you forgot anything. Overall an A+ experience for relatively new campers with small children. We will definitely be back.

  • B
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Branson Musicland Kampground

    Great location!

    Loved the location as we had tickets to the clay cooper theatre and could actually walk to the show each night! The sites were gravel and mostly level. Some sites had shade and each had a picnic table. There was a couple of fenced dog areas. One was in full sun most of the day and was small, but a nice area to allow them off lead to smell and do business. Lots of poop bag stations all over the park. The park was a little difficult to just walk as it has some steep hills. But my dog and I decided to take early morning strolls on the Main Street since we were so close. At 6:30 am there was very little traffic and the weather was nice for a good walk. We loved it. The bath house was clean although small. The pool was very nice and never crowded. The laundry facility was very clean and had several machines. $1.25 to wash and $2 to dry. Everyone was extremely nice and helpful in the office. We plan to be back to Branson and this is our go to campground now!

Guide to St. Joe

Camping near St. Joe, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the river, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Buffalo River is perfect for paddling. One camper shared, "If you like canoeing and kayaking… it’s here," highlighting the river's appeal for water sports at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore. A visitor noted, "There are hiking trails and access to the river right at the campsite," making it easy to enjoy the outdoors at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
  • Fishing: The area is known for great fishing spots. One reviewer mentioned, "Husband loves the trout fishing," which shows the appeal for anglers at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Gunner Pool Recreation Area said, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds," emphasizing the picturesque surroundings.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and campsites. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were clean," after a stay at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River.
  • Wildlife: The chance to see wildlife adds to the experience. A camper noted, "Sites on the river side are frequented by raccoons at night," which adds a fun element to camping at Buffalo Point — Buffalo National River.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack modern conveniences. A visitor at Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River mentioned, "NO electric hookups, NO showers," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. One camper at Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River said, "The campground was packed but I didn’t care one bit," indicating that even when busy, the experience can still be enjoyable.
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper warned about the "gravel road leading to the campsite has deep potholes," when visiting Richland Creek Recreation Area.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with activities for kids. One parent said, "It’s a good place for families that want to get into the river," about Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Since some campgrounds lack stores, bring plenty of food. A visitor at Haw Creek Falls Camping noted, "You need to pack in and pack out," emphasizing the need to be self-sufficient.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A camper mentioned, "We had a great time and can’t wait to go back," after a fun-filled trip at Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. One reviewer at Bull Shoals-White River State Park said, "Most sites are small, feels crowded," so check dimensions before booking.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, choose campgrounds that offer it. A camper noted, "The RV sites have paved drives & offer views of the river," at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Gunner Pool Recreation Area mentioned, "There are no stores in the camp," so stock up before you arrive.

Camping near St. Joe, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots near St. Joe, Arkansas?

The Buffalo National River offers excellent camping near St. Joe, with Gilbert Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River being a convenient option just south of town. This gravel bar provides tent camping ideal for canoe trips or overnight stays along the river. For more developed facilities, Tyler Bend Campground — Buffalo National River offers drive-in sites with amenities like water and toilets. Other notable options include South Maumee Camping Area for river access, Woolum Dispersed Area for primitive camping, and Gilbert RV Park for those needing hookups. Most Buffalo River campgrounds provide a true Ozark Mountains experience with scenic views and access to hiking trails.

What outdoor activities can you do while camping in St. Joe, Arkansas?

St. Joe's location in the Ozarks offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Canoeing and fishing on the Buffalo River are premier activities, with Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River providing river access and proximity to Carwash Falls via scenic Jeep trails. Hiking enthusiasts should explore Richland Creek Recreation Area, which offers peaceful trails through pristine wilderness. Cave exploration at Blanchard Springs Caverns is another must-do activity. The area also features opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, swimming at gravel bars, stargazing, and mountain biking. Be prepared for limited cell service in many areas, making it perfect for truly disconnecting while enjoying nature.

When is the best time of year to camp in St. Joe, Arkansas?

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping conditions in St. Joe, Arkansas. April through early June provides moderate temperatures, wildflower blooms, and ideal river conditions for paddling at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area — Ozark St. Francis National Forests. September through October brings spectacular fall foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer camping at Hill Creek - Greers Ferry Lake is popular but expect high temperatures and humidity, with some campgrounds like Hill Creek operating seasonally from mid-May to mid-September. Winter camping is possible at year-round sites, though facilities may be limited. Always check ahead for seasonal closures and weather conditions, particularly if planning water activities on the Buffalo River.

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