Looking for the best campgrounds near Ponca, AR? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ponca, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Ponca camping trip.
Ozark Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Jasper, AR. Ozark has 31 drive in and tent sites with no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from March 15 through November 14.
Steel Creek Campground is situated along the Buffalo River under the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff. One section of the campground offers 26 walk-in tent sites and another section of the campground offers 14 sites for those camping with horses. Half of the sites in the campground are available for reservations. Steel Creek is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca, just off Highway 74.
Floating conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current floating conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page.
The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.
The Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek and offers great day hiking or overnight backcountry opportunities. Boxley Valley is nearby and is home to Lost Valley, an easy to moderate trail that leads hikers past geologic and water formations. Call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570 or visit the park's Hiking Trails web page for more information..
$20 / night
$12 / night
Nestled cozily in Arkansas’ slice of the Ozark Mountains, Withrow Springs State Park is named after Richard Withrow who established the area’s first grist mill. The reason people flock to visit this park each year, however, is to hike the many trails that lead you to local natural attractions, such as the enormous limestone bluffs that surround the area, mystical bat caves, and the freshwater springs of course!
What makes Withrow Springs State Park a consistently popular destination? The variety of recreational activities that can be found within. Visitors can choose from options such as diving into the seasonal swimming pool, shopping in one of the multiple pavilions, the enticing snack bars, tennis, and basketball courts. Fishing and boating are among the most common activities, and if you and a group want to try floating down the water, the park even offers a shuttle and canoe renting service for you!
Camping at this park is relaxing and pleasant, as most of the campsites are located in more wooded, shaded areas. Primitive sites are first come, first serve, but the park does offer campsites you can reserve, which come fully equipped with hookups and a modern bathhouse.
The trails in this park are a notoriously great experience, and among those is the popular War Eagle Trail. Along this trail visitors will come across one of the only caves in Arkansas open for public viewing. However, this popular cave is temporarily closed. Reach out to park officials for more details.
Erbie Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Erbie has 14 drive in camp sites, 2 walk in tent only sites, and 5 group sites. There are no electrical amenities, flush restrooms, or water available.
Table Rock State Park has two campgrounds and offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience. Get everything you need for your stay at the park store.
$12 - $42 / night
As of Oct 2021 - Haw Creek Falls—Located on Hwy 123, this newly designated Point of Interest will be accessible year-round. Removal of the gate across the low-water bridge and suspension of fees will be immediately implemented, and camping will still be allowed in designated campsites. A slow transition of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts will be removed over time as they become unusable or unsafe. Trash services will be managed by the user as “pack it in, pack it out.” Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of current amenities, excluding trash services. Several volunteer workdays have been hosted at this site in the last several months, which have proven to be immensely beneficial to keeping this primitive area operational. Please note, this area is subject to flash flooding and visitors are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures. Removal of the gate does not indicate the area is always safe during changing weather conditions. Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, this campground is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff. Big Piney Wild and Scenic River are nearby. There is an accessible trail to the Haw Creek Falls. Camping - 9 family units. Camping trailers are allowed but no special facilities are available. Access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March. Please note that the campground is closed when heavy rain is forecast. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules
$5 - $245 / night
Tucked away on 13 acres but close to town. One mile east on 206 from the scenic 7S. Our beautiful campground has tent sites, water/electric sites, full service 30 and 50 amp rv sites which can handle the biggest of rigs, and beautiful camping and full service cabins. In addition, we have multiple restrooms and showers located throughout the campground which are immaculate. We have added a propane fill station and just finishing a splash pad for all to enjoy during the warmer months. Please visit our website to find out more.
Guide
We had a break in the winter weather this week and took three days to explore the trails around Lake Ft. Smith. As only one of four campers, we had the place to ourselves save the park keepers making their rounds to ensure our safety and the cleanliness of the park.
If you need sewer service, I would recommend site #11 as the most level pull-through site, although there's not a bad site in the park.
Guide
January 31-Feb 3 2025. White Rock is a great little campground. With only 8 tent camp sites it is very quaint. The cabins were packed and there were many people visiting the overlook but my partner and I were the only tent campers. We arrived late, after sunset, and the host recommended tent site #1. From the pictures we really wanted to set up in #5 but he insisted on #1 and recommended looking around in the morning if we wanted to move. I'm thankful for his knowledge because sites 5-8 were juicy from the previous days rains. All of the sites are well maintained and within a short walk to the water spigot and vault toilet. Sites 1-4 are well spaced and have large tent pads. Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING! Just know that with the view comes the wind and less space to stretch out. We ended up staying in site #1 so our old hound dog could saunter around.
It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other. My AWD Mazda made the trip just fine and I saw a Toyota Camry at the overlook. Whenever you feel comfortable going over 15 MPH there will be a heavily rutted 180° hairpin turn. If you forgot to bring something you'll probably find it or a substitute in the Office/General Store.
Overall I loved this campground. I will definitely be back in the spring or fall.
Guide
I went there in mid January when it was super cold and the leaves were all fallen. I was the only one there. The river is beautiful and is accessible from all six campsites, which are all in a row on the left side of the road. There is no running water, but you can get your water from the river - there are a couple of places you can access the shallow parts of the river from. Just make sure to filter or boil it. A couple of vault toilets, one with toilet paper and neither of their doors lock. I didn't see any wildlife. Oh and you can drive to your campsite of course. The ground was either muddy or gravel-y. Not much privacy between sites in winter.
Traveler
Nice very scenic campground. Hilly with staggered rv slots, so it seems like everyone would have a great view of the lake. Bathrooms were locked for the season, I presume. Starlink worked well on our site (13)
Traveler
We ended up staying our full two weeks here we liked it so much. The access to the river was fantastic. Quiet except for the dam siren for water level warnings before dawn and in the evening. Bathrooms were locked for the season, I presume. Starlink worked well at our site (9), but it wouldn’t at most of the sites.
Legend
Coordinates: 35.58695,-93.20723. Camped here Dec 29, 2024. Set well off of Meadows Knob Rd. Expect pinstriping along the access track to this secluded dispersed campsite. FR1802A toward the site has some erosion; low clearance vehicles may high center in one or two spots. The main forest road into this part of the Ozark National Forest is okay. The campsite is in open area, located in an old clear cut area. There is a partial view of the distant mountains. The site is a level, dirt surface. Not a large site; okay for one rig. Tent camping possible. No nearby mature trees for hammock camping. The site is overgrown with grass and weeds; a weed whacker is needed to clear the rock fire ring. There is a spot on the ground where a previous campfire was made. Good AT&T and T-Mobile 5G service. No shade; access to Starlink is possible. No hiking trails, although there is a 2-track for hiking that leads down into Graves Creek Canyon and some unnamed waterfalls. The hike along this trck is nice. This is not a pretty dispersed site, but it is well off of the main forest road; very private. Access to the site may be difficult for some vehicles. High clearance 4x4 vehicles should have no problems.
Guide
The campground in nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs. There are several river access spots throughout the campground.
There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground.
The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but the showers were clean.
Traveler
We stayed here over Thanksgiving. The campground was about 1/3 full . The people working here are very nice! I think the campground would get a 5 if there were more pull-thru sites and the bath houses were a little more updated. We will definitely stay here again when in Branson.
Scout
Approach from Cavern Mountain Rd 5, not Madison/404. The final half mile of Madison/404 was too steep and rough to proceed. Cavern Mountain Rd 5 was good. Additionally, Google routed us a bunch of dirt roads to get here. I’d recommend driving around on the highways.
Traveler
Quiet in December. Good shower and laundry facilities.
GuideNice, quiet place. Great hiking! Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked.
Legend
Coordinates: 35.69300,-93.76803. Large dispersed site with a view, especially in the winter, of the mountains to the west. Located along Morgan Mountain Road, Forest Road 1504, a little over a mile north of AR Hwy 215. The trailhead to Spy Rock is about a mile north of this site. Altough eroded in spots due to recent heavy rains, Morgan Mountain Road was in good condition - no obstacles. A 2wd passenger car can carefully make it over the eroded areas. Except for one small spot, the site is not level - slopes downhill a little toward the ridge. Camping rigs may need leveling depending on the parking spot. Access into the site from the forest road is easy. There is a clean rock fire ring. Tenting camping is possible. Hammock camping may be possible using nearby trees. The site is mostly shaded. The forest surrounding this campsite is beautiful. I received no T-Mobile service during my visit. I decided not to camp here during my visit due to a brisk, cold north-northwest wind blowing through the campsite.
Legend
Camped in site #6 on Nov 20, 2024. The Mulberry River had some serious flooding a few weeks ago which caused this campground to close. The campground is now open, and work is being done to restore the campground and its campsites back to its previous clean state. During my stay, grading was being done on the campground loop road. Some of the campsites were flooded leaving behind some debris and eroded site driveways. The sites away from the river were in good condition. The tent pads look level. Water was available; toilets and showers were functional. The restoom/shower house can use some cleaning, but not too bad. Trash service was available. Despite the flood damage, this is a good campground in a pretty area. I look forward to returning.
Legend
Camped in site #10 in mid-November 2024. Site 10 is non-electric; paid $7.50/night with senior pass. Overall clean campground, well maintained and managed, in pretty hardwood forest. Not busy during my stay. Sites have picnic tables, tent pads and clean metal fire rings. Site 10 was level. The campground includes a clean restroom/shower house, one clean vault toilet at the far end of the campground, trash dumpsters and drinking water; all of these facilities and services were available during my stay in November. Campground can accommodate tents, camper vans, car camping and RVs. Some sites are electric. There are no water and sewer hookups. Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites. Shores Lake trailhead is located in a parking area in the campground. Day use area nearby with good fishing in Shores Lake. Campground hosts Donna and Eddie were wonderful. I really liked this campground.
Guide
Right in town but actually quite. Bathrooms very clean nice laundry area and cheap.
Scout
The good: Beautiful location. Limited access due to 11’ 6” bridge to enter location. Not near Passion Play as indicated on Apple Maps. Double check location before you book!
The Bad: $2 for 5 min shower?! Campsite price, $40, doesn’t include shower. No sewer hookups. Also serves as public boat ramp. Random people coming and going. Women’s toilet is a pit toilet, (outhouse)!
Guide
Mark Twain National Forest is always a great getaway. This location is tucked away from the main road and is easy to get to. Could easily get 4 rigs + in the sight. Established fire ring (be mindful of burn bans). Close to Roaring River and Table Rock lake.
Guide
We have stayed at this campground several times and Anna is there to answer all your questions and really take care of you. This is close to Roaring River and Table Rock Lake. You are also close to Cassville if you’ve forgotten anything or want to eat out!
Scout
This Was An Ok, basic Spot To Overnight; pretty expensive at $60/night, but they did give either Sr discount or veteran discount of 10%. This is certainly not a resort, and is at least a quarter mile from White River, feeding Beaver Lake. Pretty Large RV PK, With Many Permanent Residents. No sign at entrance, and we passed it by winding around a neighborhood of houses that was between the RV Park and the true water’s Edge.
Verizon signal was good at 3 jiggers; and stronger than their wifi. We were about 100 yds from nice new looking bathhouse which had wifi antenna with good reception at bathhouse but weak at our camper. Supposedly there are repeaters to amplify the WiFi signal, but they were not operational. We got by streaming YouTube TV through our Verizon Hotspot on our phones. We had to buy an extra sewer hose to connect to sewer, as it was placed so far toward entrance of the site, rather than toward rear of site where electric and water were appropriately placed. Nice courteous staff. We were on a level, narrow concrete pad; ~half of sites were gravel; no picnic table.
Guide
Crowded on family weekend, great service, clean, good views, convenient
Guide
Be sure to catch the sunset here. This has a beautiful setting even though it has been basically abandoned by the COE. The people who stay here must really care about the place because my site was very clean. Do not. I repeat DO NOT think you can use the pit toilets here. Be self contained and you’ll be fine. There seemed to be some long-timers camped there together and their dogs barked quite often during the day, but they must have taken them in at night or my van did well with blocking out the noise. My site wasn’t 100% flat but I just slept with my feet going on the downhill slope. Also, be aware if you use a flashlight, you WILL see eyeballs looking back at you from the other side of the water
Guide
Stayed 3 nights. Weekend had a few family gatherings near us, but the weekdays we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Campground is well maintained with beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. We were in upper section (electric only) - the lower section next to the marina has full hookups. There are a few pull-through, but most sites are back-in and long enough for al most any rig.
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Right on Highway good for campers
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
ScoutThis campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules. So unfortunately my partner and I had a group of probably 20 people camping next to us. They brought in a DJ car(open the trunk and it had huge speakers and running lights) to bump techno music during the day, and at night they set up a movie projector and large screen and watched horror movies late into the night. It's not serene when there are 8 tents, a crowd of people, and horror movie screaming right beside you all day and night. I even went and talked to the camp hosts but nothing was done. So, I don't recommend this place. Usually I camp to unwind and chill, but I left the weekend more frazzled and exhausted than I came.
Guide
Everything about this campground is fantastic. The lake surrounds the point, the sites are cleverly designed, the October crowd is quiet and friendly, it's near Branson, strong Verizon signal.
Camping near Ponca, Arkansas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Ponca, 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 spot worth exploring!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ponca, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ponca, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 261 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponca, AR and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ponca, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ponca, AR is Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponca, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Ponca, AR.
What parks are near Ponca, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Ponca, AR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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