The Buffalo Outdoor Center and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provide upscale glamping accommodations near the Buffalo National River, offering visitors a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. The glamping options include climate-controlled spaces with electricity, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor areas for relaxing after a day of adventure. "Beautiful views and definitely wasn't crowded. Convenient location to nearby activities and very economical," noted one visitor about the Buffalo Outdoor Center. These eco-friendly accommodations range from rustic-chic yurts to premium canvas structures, all strategically positioned to maximize scenic Ozark Mountain views while providing essential modern amenities like hot showers and clean restroom facilities.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch's glamping sites sit amid roaming horses and goats, creating a unique farm-stay atmosphere that enhances the outdoor experience. The property features world-class rock climbing opportunities with hundreds of routes suitable for beginners to advanced climbers. A recent visitor mentioned, "This place is not your run of the mill rest stop. Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property." Beyond the glamping accommodations, visitors can access hiking trails leading to spectacular waterfalls, canoe or kayak the Buffalo National River, or join guided horseback rides through the scenic countryside. Most glamping sites remain open year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant landscapes for outdoor exploration.
$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."
$50 / night
"Easy to find, park and setup. Very large concrete pads to set up RV. Very clean bathhouse/restroom. We did not utilize their amenities because we were only there one night. "
"Full hookups, gorgeous views on top of mtn…just a short drive to Buffalo access points, food, supplies, outfitters, etc… Staff is super friendly too!!!!"
"It is a ”resort” style campground meaning your parked very close to each other. Considering it’s one of the few, if not only full hook up site in the Jasper area we figured we would give it a shot."
"He went over the trails in the area & marked the ones I wanted to go to on a map - which was extremely helpful since I kept losing cell service/gps while driving."
$20 - $40 / night
"We have stayed here multiple times and have taken advantage of the platform tents, the huts as well as primitive camping. The facilities are always super clean and in great condition."
"We stayed in one of the platform huts and it was extremely clean."
$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."
$16 - $159 / night
"I tend to stay off on the rim of the loop, which is a bit further to walk to the restrooms, but is valuable in that no one walks around your site to get to another location."
"I instead went out on faith and drove to the campsite arriving around dusk on a busy Saturday. "
$10 - $22 / night
"The employees are ALWAYS friendly and helpful, campsites are well put together, a bathroom and showers are on site. This is one of the best campgrounds in Arkansas. Dog friendly"
"There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all."
$15 - $215 / night
"Nice fire pit/ pit toilet/ water pump access. There is a house where the campsite host family lives. They were amazing and helped up navigate the area and plan our adventures."
"I was impressed from the moment we arrived. The drive up was slow going with a narrow rutted out road but overall not bad. The staff was great and they deliver your wood to your campsite."
$16 - $75 / night
"Some sites have electric and water some just electric. Great for walking, riding bikes. And walking the dog."
"Found this gem tucked away in Northwest Arkansas. Corps of Engineers Campground. Very well-maintained. Gorgeous lake with lots of lakefront sites. Several bathhouses."
"It was pouring down rain when I first arrived, and she suggested I move to a different site that was less flooded, and I’m so glad I did!"
"The campground was closed to tent camping but open for RV’s when I was there(Covid-19 precautions), but I was able to check out the tent area."
TravelerDefinitely one of the most peaceful and tranquil campsites I ever stayed. Great place for families too. Access to Table Rock, Game Room, Pool and Jacuzzi. Small cabins and A-frames to rent. They have it all. This is my getaway!
TravelerDogwood Springs in Jasper AR is definitely rustic and unpolished with regard to its setting. RV sites do have full hook-ups although we had an issue with the sewer draining properly on site 31. With only one bath room each for men and women and one shower each as well, they do provide the basics. We had an opportunity to peek into a cabin and we were very impressed with the set up, having a full bath and mini-kitchen. It was well appointed and inviting.
The lay-out of the campground is a bit odd in that some sites are only accessible by driving through another.
The view from site 31 included that of Round top mountain but also vacant, declining commercial buildings near the campground.
Proximity to stores and restaurants in Jasper was handy.
LegendAny stay at Table Rock State Park is a treat. This park is one I have been staying at off and on since I was young so it has been great to see the park continue to grow and upgrade since that time.
Camping as a tent camper in the primitive areas I have noticed that the spacing has always been just enough along the outer loops. In the more open middle areas it tends to get a bit more chaotic especially during weekends or holidays. I tend to stay off on the rim of the loop, which is a bit further to walk to the restrooms, but is valuable in that no one walks around your site to get to another location.
All sites primitive and improved have common features with picnic tables and fire rings. The improved sites have both 30 and 50 amp connections to choose from. This is handy when your rig can run off the smaller voltage because you will save a few dollars by selecting the smaller connection site.
Bathrooms have come a long way since the older days. What once was a daddy long leg haven with open showers only divided by shower curtains and cavernous and non climate controlled restrooms, is now evolving to a more individual shower and restroom area with door closures and better climate control and venting. It no longer smells like mildew because the moisture is not stuck inside.
A path runs along the backside of the campground which you can travel along to access the water. This path will allow you to walk from the marina to the Branson Belle and all the way to the Dewey Short Visitor Center to learn a bit more about the lake and its creation. Along the opposite side of the highway you will find more than a few trailheads which are great for a little departure from the typical Branson experience.
When I visited this time the waters were very high on the main side of the lake making it impossible to enjoy the shoreline which had been swallowed by the overflowing banks. Instead, I traveled to the side which is less traveled and enjoyed some quiet retreat alongside some bass fishermen on the spillway side of the water.
Quite a difference in crowds as this area with access to hiking and relaxing was mellow. To access this area I suggest taking the last turn off across the road from the Dewey Short parking into a large parking lot with a view point of the dam. From this point take the small side road which departs the parking lot and follow it down til it dead ends and there you will find a hiking access point and a wonderful trail to the water.
ScoutNo pets in yurts. Yes to Cats ❣️. My cats travel campgrounds and usually are outdoors but here I kept them in cabin because they would not like it outdoors. Cabins had AC but smelled like dust polish. Gorgeous forest views in the shower house. HOT water when shower is on Cold setting. Cold at hot. Cool affordable camp store. Nice people. Too much cinnamon spray in all indoor areas but not cabins. 24 hour rec room w AC and a wall of movies and games and books and cozy couch. Hurricane machine and fresh yummy donuts are not to be missed. My son is Big and found the camp cabin too crowded small and didn't like the leather beds even with our bedding on them. I found it cozy except the polish but couldn't open it up because we wanted the cats indoors here. Great porch swing, nice condition. Microwave and fridge. Friendly staff.
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! Roaring River has a spot for everyone, from tents & RVs to luxurious glamping tents, you have to check them out. Make sure to share some pics of your stay on the Dyrt!
LegendYou have your choice of accommodations here: RV sites, cabins, and, of course, tree houses! Since it was the beginning of March and we didn’t know what the weather would be like, we chose a treehouse (plus I’ve always wanted to stay in a tree house!)
It’s difficult to properly review this place outside of our specific experience since it was off-season and much of the facility was not yet operational. I imagine that in the summer, this place would be hopping with many families. As far as activities offered, there is a pool (in season), a nice and creative playground and a pirate ship, a basketball net, tether ball, and two hiking trails. You should wear hiking boots if setting off on these trails (while not long, they are hilly). They were also not always clearly marked, and I went off trail once or twice. Each of the treehouses has different features – some are good for couples while some are designed for families. We stayed in the Belle Arbes (beautiful trees) treehouse, mainly because it had a fireplace, and we didn’t know how cold it would be (we woke to snow our second morning!). It also has a deck, fire pit, swinging bridge leading to another smaller deck, outdoor shower, and a small fully stocked kitchenette. It is a bit of a splurge to stay in the treehouses, but it was a nice change of pace from camping for us.
The office is open from 8 am-5 pm and we received a call around 3:30 on the day of our arrival letting us know the office would be closed when we arrived but giving us instructions on how to check in after hours.
Branson Treehouse Adventures is close enough to the hubbub of Branson but even though it is located on a busy road, once you enter, it is quiet and peaceful (at least in the off-season!). We enjoyed our stay here, especially in the quiet off-season.
TravelerThe campsites are clean and level. Camped with a few disabled campers, and the sites were very accessible. You can camp right on the water and the views are beautiful.
Showers and bathrooms on site. A swim beach with drive up access. Picnic tables, water, and fire pits at each campsite. Lots of shade to keep you cool in the summer.
Bonus: The camp hosts are friendly and super cool. They lead some amazing lives, ask them about digging up dinosaur bones.
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to have this property on our platform. This bell tent is only 200 feet from the river. Book your stay today and come back here to leave them some love.
GuideOver 100 sites at this campground, weren’t many people there when we were there. Stayed in site 97 which had great views over the lake. Vault toilets. Our site had electric but no water. They didn’t bother telling us until we arrived that the water had tested positive for E. coli and the swimming areas were closed. They have a sand volleyball pit near the marina and some kids playground equipment. Also have some large pavilions for large groups. Tons of deer everywhere also raccoons at night, so keep trash put away. There was only one trash area at the front of park. They could have more trash receptacles around the park. Our area was heavily wooded which provided nice shade. Our site has a picnic bench, fire pit and pad for a tent.
Camping near Ponca, Arkansas centers on the rugged limestone terrain of the Ozarks, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences moderate temperatures from April through October, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many campgrounds sit within close proximity to the Buffalo National River, designated as America's first National River in 1972.
Rock climbing opportunities: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch offers world-class sandstone climbing routes for all skill levels. "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!" notes Luke O. The property features specifically developed climbing areas with routes appropriate for beginners through advanced climbers.
Kayaking the Buffalo River: Buffalo Outdoor Center provides river equipment and shuttle service for paddlers. "The canoe rates and shuttle rates were very fair and the food in the kitchen was delicious. Try the Sasquatch BLT!" recommends Stephen R. The Buffalo River offers Class I-II rapids depending on water levels, with peak floating season typically running March through June.
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple trails lead to cascades within a 20-minute drive of Ponca. JP Trading Co serves as a central base for exploring these trails. "There are tons of nearby activities from hiking, fishing and kayaking and much more. We typically make a day trip out to Eureka springs as it's only an hour away and cool downtown area," shares Collin D. Eden Falls, Falling Water Falls, and Richland Falls offer relatively short hikes suitable for most ability levels.
Mountain-top camping views: Camping atop ridges provides panoramic Ozark vistas. "The view is amazing and it is quite literally on top of a mountain. Very clean restrooms and surprisingly good service for how remote it was," explains Lizabeth T. about Buffalo Outdoor Center. Autumn offers especially vibrant views when hardwood forests display red, orange, and yellow foliage from mid-October through early November.
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts numerous opportunities for observing native animals. "We make this trip every year and are so happy to have found the BOC RV park. Of course the wild Elk are a magnificent set to behold. We have a small motor home and there were areas along the road with plenty of room for us to pull-over and watch the Elk Bull and cows as they came off the mountain," shares Shiela R. The Boxley Valley elk herd can typically be spotted early mornings and evenings along Highway 43.
Lake recreation: Several campgrounds offer water-based activities beyond river experiences. Lake Leatherwood City Park provides calm waters for paddling. "After camping in COE campgrounds and state parks, this is a nice quiet campground. The lake is nice and quiet, allowing kayak, canoe, and SUP," notes Jess C. The 85-acre spring-fed lake features a swimming area and boat rentals from May through September.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ponca, AR is Horseshoe Canyon Ranch with a 5-star rating from 9 reviews.
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