224 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I met a backpacker who just came off of the Ozark Highland Trail across the river and was camping on the rocky river bank."
"Lots of trails, great place to trail ride on horses. 25 minute drive to dollar general so don’t forget your lighter lmao."
"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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!"
"We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally."
"The campground is small and a bit sparse, but the location to the river is unbeatable. The camp owner and store manager “Jim” is a delight…as is “homer” the camp dog."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
GuideWe recently stayed in site number seven and had a great time. This campground is conveniently located for all of the things that you can do in the Buffalo river area. The sites were level and have clean gravel. They are full hook up. The campground has easy in and out entrance to Highway 14. Would definitely stay there again!
TravelerNo amenities at all that we noticed. No bathroom, showers, or washateria. We didn't hook to water so unsure if it worked. Only one outlet in the power box worked. Everyone we met was really friendly. Lots of dogs (we had one too). Very cramped spaces, so close to other campers. $25 for the night. Cool cemetery in the front and just a short walk to a cute park by the water.
TravelerThis location was our maiden voyage with our new fifth wheel RV. White buffalo resort is a beautiful place to stay with very friendly and helpful staff. Met some friendly, long-term RV’ers. The only drawback is they don’t have a bike trail except for around the campground (4stars). They offer free Wi-Fi, has a nice clean pool, adequate playground and pavilion. Scenery is fantastic.
LegendThere is a ton to do in this area. The lake offers so many water sports. There are great trails to walk and bike. There is a restaurant at the boat dock and a store. Top notch state park. Highly recommend.
TravelerIt was awesome, the campsites were nice and so many beautiful sights to see and so much exploring to do. If you have a sedan or a smaller car it is very difficult and risky getting to the campsite, so I would recommend bringing a very capable offroad vehicle. Going around May the weather is perfect!
ScoutExcellent little campground! Peaceful, clean but no showers or toilets! There is electrical hook up and water with a fire ring and picnic table. Friendly fast, service
ScoutElectric hook up and level spots with shade cover. Just off the highway so some traffic noise. We were tired and it was handy to get to. Not disappointed.
TravelerNightly rate & monthly rate available. Have your own solar? Spot 50 is cheaper because it has no working electricity. Water and sewer hookup are available at this site. Dogs welcome.
GuideSo, I never been here so it took me a little bit to find a camp spot. I found a spot where my medium clearance compact suv could drive up to. ...it was a all wheel drive, but I think a 2- wheel drive could get to where I camped. It was very nice where I was at. Covered with trees and a rock fire ring there.
Dispersed camping spots near St. Joe, Arkansas center around the Buffalo National River, a waterway that flows through elevations ranging from 400 to 2,200 feet. The region features limestone bluffs, gravel bars, and hardwood forests typical of the Ozark Plateau. During spring months, water levels can fluctuate rapidly due to rainfall, making some river access points temporarily inaccessible.
River floating season: April to June. The Buffalo River offers prime floating conditions, especially from spring through early summer. Buffalo Point Campground serves as a convenient base for water activities. "We stayed 4 nights (Thu-Mon) in June and went on a canoe trip on Saturday... Our float trip was amazing and we were on our way back to our vehicle on the 3 pm bus (trip was Dillard's Ferry to Rush)," reports Susan R.
Hiking network: 5+ connected trails. The area features multiple interconnected hiking paths that traverse bluffs and river valleys. At Sam's Throne Recreation Area, visitors can access both established and unofficial routes. "There are a number of trails outside the main established trails. Our second day there we spent eight hours skirting along the bluffs and exploring what looked like beautiful fairy lands," notes Ashley F.
Rock climbing access: 100+ routes. The sandstone and limestone formations provide numerous climbing opportunities for various skill levels. Sam's Throne Recreation Area is particularly popular among climbers. "This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's," explains Miranda M.
Stargazing conditions: minimal light pollution. The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban centers. Woolum Dispersed Area campers frequently mention star visibility. "Right on the river with both a rock and sand beach currently. Fire rings. Only one other camper that's at the other end of the campground on memorial weekend," William M. reports.
Wildlife viewing: deer, raccoons, and armadillos. Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings, especially during dawn and dusk hours. "Deer were everywhere and the Indian Rockhouse hike was really great. I will def be back in warmer weather to float the river which it was low for the winter," says Heath L. about Buffalo Point.
Swimming holes: natural pools throughout. The river forms numerous swimming areas with varying depths and currents. "Great place to chill out and cool off!" describes Heather L. from Buffalo Point, while Jason W. notes about South Maumee Camping Area: "Great gravel bar, plenty of room to launch, picnic, camp."
Road conditions: challenging after rain. Many access roads become difficult to navigate following precipitation. Mt. Hersey Primitive Campground requires particular caution. "Great primitive camping. I've been there a few times it can get soft if we've had a lot of rain," advises Matthew T.
Cell service: varies by location. Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas offering no service. "There is no service in the camp site at all," notes Heath L. about Buffalo Point, while Larry from Richland Creek Recreation Area shares: "If you travel the north road from the campground for about 3.5 miles you will get decent service from AT&T."
Water availability: limited facilities. Most sites require visitors to bring their own water supply. "No water access, so bring your own," Alexandra advises about Sam's Throne Recreation Area. Similarly, sites like Woolum Dispersed Area offer no drinking water facilities.
Child-friendly sites: designated areas. Several campgrounds offer specific features suitable for children. Shady Oaks Campground & RV Park provides dedicated facilities for younger campers. "Large playground, short nature trails, clean showers, nice folks that run the place," shares Matt G. after visiting with his three children.
Swimming safety: monitor water levels. River conditions can change rapidly, requiring vigilance with children. "The water was absolutely beautiful Thursday-Saturday, but the area got a lot of rain Saturday starting around 2 am... By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT," reports Susan R. from Buffalo Point.
Activity planning: morning outings. Schedule water activities earlier in the day when temperatures are moderate and visibility is best. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night with out cell service!" recommends Kaylee W. about Buffalo Point.
Site selection: limited large rig access. Most campgrounds near St. Joe accommodate smaller RVs only. "Pretty basic campground, kind of just a bunch of spots in a field. About half are first come first serve... Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small," explains Lucy P. about Tyler Bend Campground.
Hookup availability: mostly primitive. Full-service sites are limited in the immediate area. "We've tent camped and trailered here for more than 15 years. The camp grounds are well maintained by the NPS. The showers and restrooms are a bit, um, rustic," notes Wayne J. about Buffalo Point.
Generator restrictions: verify before arrival. Most public campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. "Sites can be hit and miss depending on the time of the year. Be sure and view the campsite online and consider the direction of the site," advises Wayne J. from Buffalo Point.
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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