Best Campgrounds near St. Joe, AR

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.

Best Camping Sites Near St. Joe, Arkansas (214)

    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."

    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. Gilbert RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Buffalo National River, AR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2111

    $38 / night

    "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."

    10. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    12 miles

    "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."

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

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Recent Reviews near St. Joe, AR

790 Reviews of 214 St. Joe Campgrounds


  • Brian L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Wild Oaks Campground

    Close corner

    It was quiet,peaceful and nice. The entrance wasn't well marked and I had a hard time navigating the entrance with my bumper pull 36'

  • R
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Fantastic and beautiful

    We stayed for 3 nights on sites 64 and 65. Absolutely beautiful views. Some damage from flooding but didn't really notice. Bathrooms and bath house were clean. Stay if you get a chance.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Great spot!

    We had the perfect little spot for our tent camping weekend. It is a campground so you do have neighbors but the sites were spread out and didn’t feel cramped. There was ample room for our tent, the fire ring, our hammock set up and the picnic table. Restrooms were the cleanest i’ve ever seen. I will definitely be back!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Branson Lakeside RV Park

    Nice campground close to everything

    This is a nice campground. Our site was a concrete pad that was perfectly level. The park is kept very clean, nice bathrooms, and helpful staff. They allowed us to check-in 3 hours early, and we were extremely grateful. Branson Landing is only 5 min away.

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2025

    cranfield park

    Everything you need plus beauty

    I don’t think there is a bad site in the large campground. Most sites have at least some lake view. Roads are paved and can accommodate large rigs. Most sites are pretty level. Usual tables and fire rings plus lamp poles and some sites have covers for the tables if there are no trees. The sites that don’t have a lake view and nestled in woods and are more private. Though we don’t find a hiking trail the road around the park offered plenty of mileage for us. There is also a marina and access to the shore line for fishing. We were here the first weekend in October and it was a third to half full.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Lakeview - Bull Shoals Lake

    Lovely spot

    Clean, tree covered spots with larger gravel. I love that you don’t get that fine grit in your rig. People are kind and fun. I will return. Great for visiting Gettysburg

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Gilbert RV Park

    Owner treated us like family !!!

    When we pulled into the campground we were met with friendly smiles ! Jim and his wife are super nice and very helpful!! We got all setup and enjoyed our time around Gilbert. The quiet little town with some live music occasionally. Probably just a little over a quarter mile walk to the river or drive down to gravel bed where you can park. Take all your stuff and play in the river all day. There is a float service in Gilbert. Restrooms are separate from the showers. Men's and women's. They also have chickens so you might hear that Rooster every morning !! We had a super nice time here !!! Very simple place to stay. Just respect the camp rules and don't get too loud !! Please don't show up super late ! Jim and his wife are elderly !!! ( Just my opinion )

  • Taylor E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Sam's Throne Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    Stayed here Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Everyone cleared out by Tuesday and I had Tuesday- Wednesday to myself. There are quite a few established sites. Not a good spot for solar or star link due to dense forest. No water or trash. Pit toilets. The sites are spread out. Not much firewood to collect, I bought wood from the nearby Red Oak store. Prices were very reasonable. Hiking is awesome here.

  • 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!


Guide to St. Joe

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.