Buffalo National River campgrounds near St. Joe, Arkansas provide varying levels of seclusion and amenities for tent campers. The area sits at elevations between 600-1,200 feet within the Ozark Mountains, creating distinct microclimates between river valleys and ridgetops. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures often exceed 90°F with humidity levels above 70%.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: 25+ miles accessible from campsites. At Steel Creek Campground, horse camping facilities allow riders to access backcountry trails along the Buffalo River corridor. A camper noted that "there is even a site for campers with horses" making this area particularly accessible for equestrians.
Fishing for smallmouth bass: Best in spring and fall. The Buffalo River contains numerous fishing spots accessible from campgrounds like Carver. One visitor reported "caught 18 inch small mouth bass! Biggest small mouth I have ever seen!" demonstrating the quality fishing opportunities available.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities. Steel Creek provides habitat for various Ozark wildlife species. A camper reported, "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over" while another mentioned the area has "lots of wildlife such as deer, elk and if you are lucky black bears."
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Clear water with pebble bottoms. Hasty Takeout offers excellent swimming opportunities. A camper reported "the water was clear with a small pebble beach" providing safe access for water activities during summer months.
Dark sky stargazing: Minimal light pollution in most areas. The open field layout at Steel Creek allows for unobstructed night sky viewing. One camper specifically chose "site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."
Weather drainage features: Sandy sites dry faster after storms. Steel Creek's terrain helps manage rainfall effectively. A camper observed that "the sandy sites drain away rain water faster than the grassy sites that had standing water for a couple days after a big storm."
What you should know
Road conditions: High clearance vehicles recommended. Kyles Landing access requires navigating steep terrain. A camper advised "its a steep road down into the campground. Other reviewers will probably say you need a truck/suv to get into it. I got my compact car down just fine. Go slow in a lower gear."
Permit requirements: WMA camping needs specific authorization. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires proper documentation. A visitor explained "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish."
Site availability: First-come basis at most locations. Most Buffalo River campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Kyles Landing, campers advise to "arrive early as they are first come, first serve" and note that sites "fills up fast on fridays!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose riverside sites: Direct water access for activities. Rush Campground offers family-friendly tent sites. A visitor reported it's "a beautiful campground for the entire family. Fairly quiet at night after 11pm. Very busy during the day and evening time."
Pack weather-appropriate clothing: Temperature fluctuations common. Steel Creek experiences significant temperature changes. One camper advised "it was quite chilly in the morning and evening/night, so pack warm clothes" despite warm daytime temperatures.
Select sites away from busy areas: Some locations experience noise. While most campgrounds maintain quiet hours, some experience evening disruption. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor warned about "other people listening to rave style music late into the night" though this appears to be an isolated incident.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV facilities: Most sites best for small trailers or vans. The best tent camping near St. Joe, Arkansas typically offers minimal RV accommodation. Gilbert Gravel Bar serves mainly as "a good place to start a canoe trip" rather than an RV destination.
Consider vehicle length restrictions: Many access roads have tight turns. Most access roads to primitive campgrounds near St. Joe involve narrow, winding routes. One RVer commented that "while 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way. The road is steeply inclined and bumpy."
Park strategically: Limited turnaround space at most sites. For those bringing camper vans, positioning matters. A visitor at Gilbert noted you can "drop part of our crew, camping gear, and canoes and then park most of our vehicles" at designated locations to avoid congestion.
