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Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers free primitive camping with pet-friendly sites just outside Vendor, Arkansas. Most campsites provide fire rings and access to vault toilets, though no running water is available. The campground features established sites separated by trees for privacy, allowing dogs to enjoy the natural surroundings without crowding nearby campers. Dogwood Springs Campground provides full hookup options for RV campers with pets, including electric, water, and sewer connections, along with showers and restrooms. Kyle's Landing and Steel Creek campgrounds within Buffalo National River also welcome pets on leashes, providing picnic tables and access to water. Pets must remain leashed in all campgrounds, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Vendor, Arkansas.
The hiking trails connected to Sam's Throne Recreation Area provide excellent opportunities for dogs to explore alongside their owners, with stunning sunset views from the bluffs overlooking the Ozark valley. The nearby Buffalo National River area offers additional pet-friendly trail options, though water conditions vary seasonally. Visitors should pack all water needed for pets as Sam's Throne has no drinking water available on site. Wildlife encounters are common, including deer frequently spotted around the campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed is essential for their safety and the protection of local wildlife. Most campgrounds maintain a pack-in, pack-out policy for trash, including pet waste. The peaceful setting at Sam's Throne makes it ideal for pets that need quiet surroundings, with sites tucked into the treeline providing natural shade during warmer months.
"Located on the beautiful Buffalo River, the views are incredible. It’s Dog friendly too and there are many hiking trails close by, some of which even connect to the campground."
"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"I think I'm the only one here who has my dog tethered to a tree with a long rope, everyone else allows the dog to be off leash and that almost created a dog fight so just be cautious of that."
"Many groups out there taking advantage of the beautiful March weather to hit the rock and explore all the many jaw-dropping routes on and around Sam's rocky Throne."
"During that time try and get a site away from the launch/takeout spots. "
"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 a real wheel drive or low profile vehicle."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."
"Pros: Great location on the river and close to plenty of hiking trails! Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms were well maintained and there is drinking water available."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Camping at Dogwood Springs Campground in Arkansas was amazing! The owner was so full of hospitality and worked around our schedule!"
"My Drive to the campsite was beautiful. The new owners are extremely kind & accommodating. My cabin was perfect for my dog & I. I’m excited to see the updates to visit again."
"Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms."
"They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature."
"campers in the area but during the day LOTS of people coming to swim ( and leaving trash 🤮 ) The water was beautiful, eating dinner by the falls has become one of my new favorite camping memories in arkansas"
"Lovely area but you can hear the vehicles that drive by on the highway plenty of hiking nearby"
"Short hiking trail will lead you to the most gorgeous views! You can even do a little rock climbing here. Please keep pets on a leash. Pit toilets are available at each end of the campgrounds."
"Not much firewood to collect, I bought wood from the nearby Red Oak store. Prices were very reasonable. Hiking is awesome here."
"Upon arrival we were asked if we’d prefer a slot next to the bathrooms or away from the road. The road does seem a bit noisy so I enjoyed the option to be away from it."
"sites are a little tight but they have it setup that you park opposite of each other. close to the highway but there isn't alot of noise."
from $44 - $58 / night
Check Availability"It is so close to the Buffalo River, Jasper, and Erbie Horse camp. We had such a great weekend with our family! Loved being away from all of the crowds in this secluded area."
"Location had a nice setup for the bath house and a great setup for the camp sites."
from $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutLocation is easy to find. Love being next to the water! Heard there is a dog park coming this summer. Great place to go if u want to vacation with someone that doesn't have a camper because of the cabins on property. we will be back.
TravelerThe owners are very friendly and have events to include all campers. Dog park and small laundry room on site. Three bathrooms one with showers. Dog wash station at two bathrooms.
GuideGreat atmosphere and sooo close to the Branson landing for dinner/shopping but also right on the river for a great day on the boat. Just a bit down river from Lily’s Landing (bait shop and a fun stop in for the kids to grab a snack). Walking distance to a park with play ground and two separate dog park areas (one fenced one open). Definitely an “RV PARK” nothing secluded about it if that’s what you’re looking for... very close to neighboring site and even in off season it was packed full the weekend we went. The sites along the river side had great big fire pits too.
TravelerRARE FIND Such a BEAUTIFUL place! I love all the oak trees and the sounds of nature are so relaxing. They offer a spacious dog park, which the dogs are currently playing at while I relax and take in nature. If you are looking for a small piece of nature where you can get way from it all but still be close to town, this place is it. Everyone here is friendly and the shared spaces are always very clean.
They offer great rates and a Military Discount too!!
Enjoy your stay!
ScoutSpent three nights. Called for reservations, very receptive owners no problems getting in. I was running late due to the distance. They called to check on us and left instructions in a box at the office with site number, WiFi, bath codes. Again very nice owners. Went in the next morning to settle bill. Office is stocked with a nice assortment of things that an RV owner might need for minor repairs. Camp site was pretty level, spacing is typical for a campsite built some years ago, but we had a site on the end so we didn’t feel too close to anyone. Owners have only had the campground for two years. Was told the water connections were their next priority. Connections are a little inconvenient due to being under ground level, but no problem connecting my water filter for my 5th wheel. Dog park was a short walk away, was clean. Campground was clean, dumpsters accessible for trash and area clean around them. We would be happy to stay there again.
RangerTent campers have the better camping loop at this campground, closer to the water, nicer sites, most with plenty of trees for shade. You can drive up to the less attractive and less conveniently located RV loop to use the showers, if you need them. Some campsites are just a football-field distance from the rocky swim beach, while others sit either nestled in the woods or overlooking the creek from above on a small bluff. The big draw is the charming swimming area with its imposing trio of rocks that swimmers love to jump off of. Pets are not permitted around or in the water, so we prefer to leave our dog at home when visiting here. Hiking from the campground is terrific, too, particularly when the water is flowing to make waterfalls. Long Pool is a must-visit camping destination for Arkansas residents.
ScoutWe can here in October stayed until April and got to some great people very friendly .pet friendly nice dog run.under new manger . under new owners the place is looking better .we really enjoyed the stay here will be back in October close to town .I can just say this is the only campgrounds we would stay at .if you want to meet friendly people and have a great time come to hide a way campground.
TravelerThis is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
ScoutOne of the worst parks in Branson. Area is completely overgrown, none of the sites are anywhere near level, and the facilities are in terrible shape. The manager is extremely rude, confrontational, and is almost never on the property. Our first day there I witnessed her in a yelling match with someone, she flicked them off as they left then proceeded to tell me to call the police if I see them again. She also warned us of a homeless camp only a few hundred feet behind the park, so I wouldn’t leave anything out you don’t want stolen. It’s not close to anything other than the touristy things, and it’s absolutely filled with ticks. The trails behind the park are filled with trash and debris, dog park is the smallest one I’ve ever seen. Work Campers beware. I originally came to the park to work, I received absolutely no training, and was told to come in and“play” with their booking software to learn. The manager spoke to me incredibly rudely and as if she was scolding a child. She was incapable of even giving me a time to come in and show me how the system worked. I was given a written list of job responsibilities, and was immediately bombarded with a plethora of things I have no experience doing that were not listed in the job description. I was subsequently fired before my official start date and the only reason given was I was not a good fit. My partner was also fired as he was there working Maintenence for the same exact reason. By far the most incompetent, rude, and confrontational manager I have ever worked for.
Sam's Throne Recreation Area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by rugged terrain and dense forest. Primitive camping in this region varies seasonally with typically mild spring and fall temperatures between 50-70°F, while summer days can reach into the 90s. Nearby campgrounds range from basic dispersed sites with no amenities to established facilities with full hookups, all within driving distance of several scenic waterways.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails near Haw Creek Falls Camping connect to impressive waterfalls. "Road is kinda sketchy on the way up but the bluffs are fantastic!" notes Clayton R. about the Sam's Throne area, where hiking trails lead to elevated viewpoints.
Rock climbing: The bluffs surrounding Sam's Throne are popular climbing destinations. "Day-use for rock climbing" is available at multiple sites near Vendor, as Miranda M. points out, making it a destination for climbers of various skill levels.
River activities: The Buffalo National River offers seasonal paddling opportunities near Kyles Landing Campground. "Great spot to camp, fills up fast on fridays!" advises Ace R., suggesting midweek visits for more solitude on the water.
Stargazing opportunities: Open field sites at Steel Creek Campground provide ideal stargazing conditions. "I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky," reports one visitor, highlighting the minimal light pollution in the area.
Natural swimming holes: Cool off during summer months at natural water features. "Swimming area is fantastic, a much needed relief after a hot day of hiking!" shares a Samantha W. about the water access at Haw Creek Falls, though water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Wildlife encounters: The region offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Bambi and her mom also seem to live here," mentions a camper named Bri about regularly spotting deer at Sam's Throne Campground, while other visitors report armadillo sightings after dark.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating challenging roads. "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," warns Ashley & Derek V. about Kyles Landing.
Water availability: Most primitive sites have no potable water. "No water access, so bring your own," states Alexandra in her review of Sam's Throne, making advance water planning essential for your stay.
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying campgrounds may experience flooding after heavy rainfall. "The area is closed during times of intense rain, due to frequent flooding," cautions David S. about Haw Creek Falls, recommending checking weather forecasts before visiting.
Child-friendly campsites: Some areas offer better setups for children. At Shady Oaks Campground, "Large playground, short nature trails, clean showers, nice folks that run the place," notes Matt G. about his experience camping with three children.
Swimming safety: Supervise children at all natural swimming areas. One visitor to Steel Creek notes, "Easy access to the river for swimming," but cautions that river currents can change quickly with rainfall.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can become a learning experience. "We started a five day camping trip on a Saturday and sure enough, as we had already heard about this place's weekend popularity, the sites were packed," reports Ashley F., who recommends weekday visits for more personal space and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
Site accessibility: RV campers should research access roads before arrival. At Dogwood Springs Campground, "RV sites do have full hook-ups although we had an issue with the sewer draining properly on site 31," notes Tom C., suggesting checking with management about specific site conditions.
Alternative options: RV campers seeking more amenities might consider staying at developed campgrounds. "We stayed 5 nights the owners were extremely friendly and helpful everything was very clean we had a very enjoyable stay and loved the area!" shares Melanie S. about Harrison RV Park, which offers full hookups when primitive camping isn't suitable.
Hookup limitations: Most primitive sites near Sam's Throne lack RV amenities. "There aren't any specific spots for RV's but there are a few cleared areas with room to park an RV or trailer," explains Miranda M., recommending self-contained units for those wanting to experience the more remote camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vendor, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vendor, AR is Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vendor, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 160 dog-friendly camping locations near Vendor, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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