Tent camping sites near St. Paul, Arkansas sit within the rugged Boston Mountain segment of the Ozark Mountains. This region features elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet with numerous creeks feeding the Buffalo and White Rivers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Visit Haw Creek Falls Camping for easy access to several cascades. "Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking! Something really important to note though is that there is NO WATER!! Bring your own water in to avoid making a half an hour trip to the nearest gas station!!" Many campers use this location as a base for visiting nearby Pam's Grotto waterfall.
Rock climbing: The sandstone cliffs near Jasper provide numerous 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!" Routes range from beginner-friendly 5.5s to challenging 5.13s.
Float trips: The White River offers calmer waters than the Buffalo for beginning paddlers. "Amazing secluded location. Kids loved having the rock bed and river right beside us. Perfect float trip back to our camp ground (free of charge to have them drop us off at a put in location." Many outfitters near St. Paul rent canoes and kayaks from April through October, with rates starting at $45 per day.
What campers like
River access: Kings River Falls Campground provides direct access to swimming holes. "We had campsite #5 and loved how much room we had! You are close enough to see your neighbor campers but we couldn't hear them at all. We had 2 dogs that loved the space too." Sites sit approximately 1-minute walk from river access points.
Night sky views: The remote nature of many sites creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Saw more stars than I have seen, ever. No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!" Light pollution remains minimal throughout the area, especially at sites like Riverfield Acreage.
Wildlife sightings: Steel Creek Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "Great Campground with restrooms and running water. Campground sits next to the Buffalo River and Roark Bluff background. Lots of wildlife such as deer, elk and if you are lucky black bears." Morning and evening hours provide best viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several sites requires high-clearance vehicles. "This campground is quite and beautiful. A real bob Ross of a campground, however the drive down the Arkansas hill to this serene location is a tense frustrating and should not be attempted with real wheel drive or low profile vehicle." Most access roads remain unpaved and become difficult after rain.
Water availability: Many tent camping areas in St. Paul lack reliable water sources. "They may not have showers but they do have bathrooms and running water. Right next to the Buffalo River along the gorgeous towering bluff." Water spigots at Steel Creek typically operate until November closure.
Cell service limitations: Riverfield Acreage and most sites near St. Paul have no cellular coverage. "No WiFi or service so we got to completely relax and enjoy nature!" Nearest reliable cell service found in Jasper, approximately 20 minutes from most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Look for roomier tent locations to accommodate gear. "We had campsite #5 and loved how much room we had! You are close enough to see your neighbor campers but we couldn't hear them at all. We had 2 dogs that loved the space too." Kings River Falls Campground offers five designated tent sites with ample space.
Swimming options: Black Raspberry Campsite provides safer water access for children. "Can't beat the view from the entire campsite." Most sites feature gradual water entries rather than steep drop-offs.
Winter caution: Cold temperatures require additional preparation for family tent camping. "It was quite chilly in the morning and evening/night, so pack warm clothes!" Overnight temperatures from November through March commonly drop below freezing.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Kyles Landing Campground accommodates smaller RVs but presents access challenges. "The drive down the Arkansas hill to this serene location is a tense frustrating and should not be attempted with a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle." Most sites limit RV length to under 30 feet.
Limited hookups: Tent camping near St. Paul offers few amenities for RVers. "This campground is awesome. It's a few miles down a dirt road but worth it. The camp sites have tables and fire pits and are all next to the river." Electric hookups remain unavailable at most locations, with generator restrictions common.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. "Really beautiful views of the bluffs and easy access to the river for swimming. Only drawback was the fact that all the sites are in a large open field with picnic tables denoting specific sites." Bring leveling blocks as most sites feature natural, ungraded surfaces.
