If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Springdale, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Arkansas tent camping excursion.
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.______
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
After visiting Natural Falls State Park, break out the swimsuits and make a splash at Flint Creek Waterpark. This family-friendly swimming hole offers plenty of cold water to share with a variety of visitors. Guests are welcome to pitch a tent for a few nights or simply pack a picnic lunch at this summer hotspot. Whether swimming all day or dipping your toes in to cool off, please keep in mind that Flint Creek Waterpark has no lifeguards on duty.
$30 - $100 / night
Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls trailhead and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia.
We have picnic tables and fire rings at each site. If you have a large group, please contact us before booking to ensure that we are able to accommodate your group. This 7-acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn.
If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground.
Lose yourself in a fairy-tale land. With endless places to explore and amazing natural features at every turn this experience will not disappoint.
Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions).
Please be aware that cell phone service is spotty to virtually non-existent. Also, it's a good idea to bring waterproof hiking shoes or water shoes since our camping spots may require walking across a low water creek. This campground also requires travel down miles of county-maintained dirt roads. Expect your car to get dusty. We are unable to accommodate travel trailers and RVs at this time. Parking at your campsite requires a drive across a low water creek, otherwise you will need to park and walk across. Lastly, bring tick defense for yourself and your pets.
$27 - $30 / night
Quite wooded campsites.
Tent cabins and tent camping only.
Canoe trips available from several local outfitters.
Close to historic Eureka Springs.
$35 - $55 / night
These 5 sites, each with one to four tent pads, a fire ring/grill and a lantern hook, are accessed by hiking approximately 4 miles and are set in a heavily wooded area.
The sites closest to water access are sites 3, 4, and 5.
Campsite 1: One 8x8 tent pad, 4 campers max., the closest site to Beaver Lake, which is visible when leaves are off the trees
Campsite 2: Three 8x8 tent pads, 8 campers max., furthest site from the lake and other campsites
Campsite 3: One 8x8 pad and one 8x12 pad, 8 campers max., the second closest site to Beaver Lake, which is visible when leaves are off the trees
Campsite 4: One 8x8 pad and two 8x10 pads, 8 campers max., close to site 5
Campsite 5: Two 8x8 pads and two 8x10 pads, 8 campers max., close to site 4
Shower facilities are not available at the campsites or anywhere in the park.
We have been outfitting the Upper Buffalo River for over 33 years. We are a small, family owned business proud of our commitment to environmental stewardship of the Beautiful Buffalo River. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging offers canoes, kayaks, and rafting on the Buffalo National River. We provide vehicle shuttles for floaters and hikers. Come stay in one of our three unique cabins with hot tubs, the treehouse yurt, the bunkhouse, or primitive campsites. We recycle and use green cleaning supplies. We offer quarter-operated shower available for campground guests and the public. Our Historic General Store has gas & groceries, along with a whole line of organic & local foods, arts, crafts, and souvenirs. We also have gear and accessories for camping, river, and hiking. Free Wifi available at the store/office.
$15 - $150 / night
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.
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
Absolutely beautiful from the Senic Overlook!! The trails are easy to traverse, and the nature here is breathtaking!!
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.
Guide
Easy to get to from I-40. Arrived late on a Thursday night and was the only person there. A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out.
Guide
This RV Park is amazing! The view of Black Mountain at sunset is amazing! We love the well-kept grounds and spacious back in RV sites. They also have tent camping that you can book online. The location is convenient a quarter of mile off the Highway 23/The Pig Trail that motorcycle riders love. All the sites are generously space out with plenty of room for parking. The Turner Bend Camp Store is half mile down the road for gasoline, camping supplies, ice, fresh deli sandwiches and wraps, t-shirts, pins and patches.
We love the new bathroom and shower house. Don't miss this gem of a place. The owners are super nice
Ranger
The campground is a hidden gem. The RV and primitive camping are clean and well-maintained. The bathroom/shower requires a passcode to enter and is always clean to use. It's a great escape for off-roading and overloading. Be sure to stop by the Oark Cafe in Oark, Arkansas, which is a 25-minute drive from the campground. They serve one of the best burgers in Arkansas (Wednesday-Sunday).
RangerVery nice campground, mostly flat land for RV and primitive campground. The bathroom/shower house is very clean to use. This area is great for getaways, off-roading, or overloading.
Guide
Flat Sites, Clean, Nice Amenities, Nice Staff, Little Exposed in heat to Sun. Best shades sites rented in advance. (Site 24-27)
Guide
Camping Review: A Slice of Paradise
If you're looking for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I can't recommend this camping spot highly enough. Nestled in a remote area, far from the chaos of civilization, this campsite offers a rejuvenating experience that feels like a breath of fresh air.
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the serene sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of the Buffalo River nearby. With no cell service, it was liberating to disconnect from the digital world and immerse myself in the beauty around me.
The campsite itself was impeccably maintained, with spacious sites that allowed for privacy and a true sense of seclusion. Each morning, I awoke to breathtaking sunrises that painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a perfect start to a day filled with adventure.
During my stay, I hiked along the winding trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and panoramic views that took my breath away. The evenings were spent gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars that seemed to shine brighter than ever.
The lack of modern distractions was refreshing, allowing me to fully appreciate the simple pleasures of life—like the crackling fire and the warmth of good company. Whether you're an experienced camper or a beginner, this remote getaway is perfect for anyone looking to recharge and reconnect with nature.
In summary, if you're seeking a peaceful retreat where you can truly escape the world, this camping spot is the best of the best. Pack your gear, leave your worries behind, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in nature's embrace!
ScoutThe scenery here is really beautiful, Geometry Dash Breeze but it is so deserted that it is a bit scary at night.
Legend
All spots are large. Most water sites are amazing. Wild life all around. Easy in and out boating.
ScoutThe host meet us show where to park. And later came and check on us. And I would stay there again
Scout
So first of all, we reserved spot 27. We have a 24’ Hideout. The loop that spot is on, if there was someone in spot 28, I would have had to back all the way out. That’s a hair pin turn. FWIW.
Spot 5: just down from the hosts spot, but you can’t really see it and you don’t hear a thing. Secluded and very quiet. 3 min walk to some nice shores and great fishing spots from shore. Though the sunfish are smart here. lol.
The bad. It’s a pull through spot on a hill. It’s hard(er) to keep your camper on the pavement. I had to use 3” on the outside to level the camper. I had to get the camper just right for the extension. Your steps from your camper go right into a rock slope that’s slick when wet.
All in all not a big deal! This is a great quiet campground. The day use area wasn’t even used while we were here.
The sites weren’t as clean as other campsites we’ve been too, Like Rocky Branch or Echo Bluff in Missouri.
Spot 9 is primo if you can get it.
Scout
Very nice and spacious sites with lots of trees and shade. Good hiking and views of the falls. Unless you’re a fan of oval dirt track racing, most Friday and Saturday nights in the summer and fall are pretty loud until after 11:00 at night.
Traveler
Only 1 other camper the night I stayed, but some people used the river access during the day. Access to Spy Rock trail, but the vast amount of cobwebs made it seem like it’s not used much. Actually wish it hadn’t been so empty, since I was a bit sketched out to camp alone with only 1 other person around. Clean bathroom. Hot in July, but cooler than it was on I-40 due to higher elevations.
Scout
I am extremely disappointed with our recent stay at Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park in Ponca, Arkansas. After a 7.5-hour drive, we arrived on June 29, 2024, eager to enjoy a week-long stay. Unfortunately, our visit turned into a nightmare within just one hour of our arrival. While setting up our 5th wheel trailer, there was a loud pop followed by smoke pouring out of our TV. Thankfully, my husband was able to unplug it before our trailer caught fire. To our dismay, none of the outlets on one side of our trailer were working, and our TV, microwave, and fan were all fried and non-functional. We immediately contacted an employee who came to our site, inspected the outside meter post by looking at it, not testing it, and nonchalantly stated that since there was no smoke coming from it, the problem must be on our end. When my husband asked for immediate assistance, the employee told us we would have to wait two days, until Monday, and go to a nearby town to find someone to help us. This response was unacceptable and showed a complete lack of concern for our safety. Moreover, the employee had the audacity to shame us by asking if we had a GFI power surge protector plugged into the meter. None of the other RV sites had this, and in our 23+ years of camping, we have never encountered such an issue. Feeling unsafe and unsupported, we decided to pack up and drive the 7.5 hours back home, after being at the site for just one hour. The lack of assistance and options provided by the Buffalo Outdoor Center was disheartening, especially considering we were in a completely different state with no information on what we could do. Upon arriving home, we hooked up our camper at our local campground, and everything worked fine. We also went on another camping trip to a local RV campground, and again, everything worked perfectly. This clearly indicated that the surge was on Buffalo Outdoor Center's end. When we requested a refund, they refunded all but one day. This is unacceptable considering the distress, inconvenience, and financial loss we endured, including having to purchase a new TV, microwave, and fan. Our experience at Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park was nothing short of a disaster. The lack of customer service, concern for our safety, and willingness to provide immediate assistance was appalling. We will not be returning and cannot recommend this RV park to anyone.
Scout
#1. We paid $135 in advance for 3 days and nights for 3 adult and 7 kids. On day two our kids was accused of throwing trash on the ground at creekbank ( lie ) we didn't allow our kids out of camp with food or drinks.
#2. Was accused of being neglectful parents for not being at waters edge anytime our kids was in the water even tho our kids had floaties or life jackets on and in site the entire time.
#3. We adults Was accused of vandalizing park table because we had placed extinguished cigarettes on the table keeping them off the ground.
#4. Wasn't told any park rules when paying or after until into the second evening.
When being griped at for using the provided electric and water we was told the camp sites was equipped with. ( No mention of extra charge at the time of reservation for using it).
#5. Was going to charge us for being there Thursday -sun when we arrived on Friday morning at approximately 8:30am.
#6.Griped about two visitors showing up. One of witch was just there a few minutes to pick up a member of our paid group who had to leave early.
#7.Their website says they understand things happen and people need to cancel their reservations so they give rainchecks in regards to refunds.
On the second evening when we needed to adjust our agreed reservations and was told ( ABSOLUTELY NO ! ).
Note: At no time was we asked to or told to leave but because of all above mentioned we chose to leave that second evening of our 3 nights.
Scout
Campground was nice and maintained. Showers in campground 2 were dirty.
ScoutThis was my first camping experience since I was a kid and I loved it!! Everyone was so nice, but also gave us our space and didn’t try and start conversation. It did seem to be kind of a lawless land- no markings or signs to mark campsites, check in, or anything. To this day I have not been asked my name or my confirmation number!😂 Our spot backed right up to the river, and he said we could trim up some branches to make it our own if we wanted. But there was a big opening to the river just a 30 second walk away:) It’s a suuuuper clean river that doesn’t go above your knees, so perfect for walking around and cooling off. One downfall is there is only one bathhouse that has only one shower/toilet/sink combo, so there might be a good wait. However, when we went it was mostly RV’s there who have their own showers and toilets, so the waits were never more than say 10 minutes!
Traveler
This campground was a great spot for our first family camping trip. We went with a group of 6 adults (my kid still played with bugs). The view from our site was pretty and we had great trees for hanging hammocks. The bathrooms were close and clean. The fishing wasn’t amazing on this trip but we caught our limit on our last day trip. Our only complaint was the closeness of neighboring sites and foot traffic on the road.
Legend
Camped here on Sept 1, 2023. $10 camping fee ($5 with federal pass); pay station. Site sizes are okay; more than enough room for a single rig. The 6 sites are close to the unpaved campground road. Each site has a metal fire ring; most sites have grills. No tables. Campground road end at a loop. Some road noise from highway 215. Access to the Mulberry River for swimming & fishing. No water. Trash dispensers. Vault toilets were pretty dirty during our stay, so we set up our own toilet system at our campsite.
Guide
Stayed here while we went to Strawberry Festival in Stilwell. Very convenient to highway 412 and Siloam Springs. Hosts very friendly and helpful. New park, nothing fancy but a work in progress reasonably priced. Met our needs. Great location next to Illinois River if you want to kayak. Lots of open area to tent camp. Very secluded. Loved watching fireflies over the hayfield.
Guide
Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere. Site A2 had fire pit, grill, picnic table was pretty level even with gravel. Fishing pond, dog walk area, propane station all on property for reasonable rates. Bathouse was clean and stocked. Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs. I believe this is an old KOA under private ownership. They have done a great job updating the place. Jules at the office was also very pleasant and helpful.
TravelerI have been here a few times and I have to say it’s amazing. I can camp, buggy ride, swim and fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Springdale, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Springdale, AR is Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Springdale, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Springdale, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
