Best Tent Camping near Vendor, AR

Buffalo National River offers exceptional tent camping opportunities near Vendor, Arkansas, with several established campgrounds nestled along scenic riverbanks and beneath limestone bluffs. Kyles Landing Campground provides walk-in tent sites with direct river access and is particularly suited for tent campers seeking natural surroundings. Steel Creek Campground offers tent-only areas with views of Roark Bluff, while Carver Campground provides a more intimate tent camping experience with only 8-10 sites. Black Raspberry Campsite, located within 30 minutes of Vendor, features 30 tent-specific sites with basic amenities for campers seeking a more structured experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though shower facilities are notably absent. Kyles Landing requires navigating a steep, rough gravel road that makes it particularly suited for tent camping rather than larger vehicles. Steel Creek provides water spigots that operate until November, with vault toilets available year-round. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires a $5 camping permit purchased from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and limits camping to designated sites only. During rainy periods, creek flooding can affect access to some campgrounds, particularly at lower elevations.

In fall and winter, tent campers experience remarkable solitude at many Buffalo River sites. According to one visitor, Steel Creek becomes "unnerving because it's so quiet" with "no road noise at all, just nature and the occasional chopping of firewood." Another camper noted that Kyles Landing is "the best disconnect from the world campground" with "absolutely no cell service" regardless of provider. Sites along the treeline at Steel Creek are just a minute's walk to the river, making them ideal for tent campers seeking water access. Most campgrounds are significantly less crowded midweek, with one visitor reporting that Steel Creek was "practically empty" despite the entrance sign reading "campground full." For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, primitive sites can be found along the Buffalo River Trail that passes through several established campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Vendor, Arkansas (29)

    1. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    2. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "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."

    3. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    13 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, showers, and a trash dumpster.

    The only downside to this campground is that it can be moderately expensive."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    4. Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    4 miles

    "Stayed the night in Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. Spoke with Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission Ranger. No despersal camping but you can camp in the 2 designated campsites."

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

    5. Carver Campground — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "Add to that that the road leading down to the waters edge from the campground was a dirt path that was wet and slick, it did make getting our crafts up a little rough."

    "The sites has fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of room to spread out and relax."

    6. Haw Creek Falls Camping

    23 Reviews
    Pelsor, AR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 964-7200

    "This is a pretty nice and quite camp site there is definitely traffic through here more than we’re use to but it’s a really nice spot, it’s all primitive camping, there is vault toilets on site we keep"

    "The campground is located in the Ozark National Forest. Beware of flooding during the rainy seasons. When it rains a lot, the creek floods and covers the road into the campground."

    7. Hasty Takeout — Buffalo National River

    3 Reviews
    Vendor, AR
    4 miles

    "Beautiful surrounding areas. Near Cobb Cave and Whitaker Point!"

    "It was nice but the people camping next to is where up all night. They were loud and drunk but besides that we had a wonderful time."

    8. Black Raspberry Campsite

    1 Review
    Jasper, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 715-2016

    $100 - $125 / night

    9. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-5522

    $15 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful area near the Buffalo National River. Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging has a yurt, campsites, cabins with hot tubs on the deck, bunkhouse, showers, allows pets, and is family owned."

    10. Shine Eye Gravel Bar — Buffalo National River

    1 Review
    St. Joe, AR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    "There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot."

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Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Vendor, AR

740 Reviews of 29 Vendor Campgrounds



Guide to Vendor

Tent camping near Vendor, Arkansas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out Haw Creek Falls

  • The beautiful Haw Creek Falls Camping site features easy access to the creek and waterfalls, making it ideal for a refreshing swim.
  • With only a few sites available, this campground provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Enjoy the stunning natural surroundings while hiking the nearby trails that showcase the area's unique geology.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Vendor, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vendor, AR is Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Vendor, AR?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Vendor, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.