Best Tent Camping near West Fork, AR

The Buffalo National River region near West Fork, Arkansas offers several tent-only campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Steel Creek Campground, located approximately 45 minutes northeast of West Fork, provides tent campsites with stunning views of Roark Bluff and direct access to the Buffalo River. Kings River Falls Campground, situated closer to West Fork, features five tent sites with more spacious layouts and natural surroundings. Natural Dam, a free primitive tent camping area southwest of West Fork, offers a quieter experience with basic facilities near a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Steel Creek provides water spigots that operate until November, with vault toilets available year-round. Sites are typically set on either sandy or grassy surfaces, with the sandy sites draining better after rainfall. Campers should prepare for limited or no cell service throughout the area, particularly at Steel Creek where the nearest connectivity requires a 10-minute drive to Ponca. Four-wheel drive is recommended for accessing some campgrounds, especially Steel Creek, where the road features steep grades and sharp curves that can be challenging for vehicles with low clearance.

Fall and winter visitors experience exceptional solitude at many tent campsites. One camper noted that Steel Creek becomes "a little unnerving because it's so quiet. There's no road noise at all. Just nature and the occasional chopping of firewood." Weekday camping typically offers more privacy, while summer weekends can become crowded. According to reviews, the tent camping area at Steel Creek is arranged in an open field format with sites relatively close together, which limits privacy but creates a community atmosphere. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, elk, and occasionally black bears. The proximity to hiking trails makes these tent campgrounds ideal bases for day hikes, with many trails accessible directly from the campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near West Fork, Arkansas (20)

    1. Natural Dam

    5 Reviews
    Natural Dam, AR
    23 miles
    Website

    "We found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road"

    "A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."

    2. Riverfield Acreage- White River

    2 Reviews
    Combs, AR
    21 miles
    +1 (417) 291-3200

    $30 - $100 / night

    "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."

    3. Miracle Mountain Homestead

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    Winslow, AR
    9 miles
    +1 (479) 435-5900

    $50 - $60 / night

    4. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    47 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."

    5. Kings River Falls Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pettigrew, AR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 789-0415

    $27 - $30 / night

    "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. Not much water right now on the river but will be back in the spring!"

    "Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls Trail-head, and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas."

    6. Flint Creek

    3 Reviews
    Colcord, OK
    34 miles
    Website

    "I stay at a camp right off of flint creek every summer , it is open to the public for the most part for fishing or swimming , there is a gorgeous little natural waterfall right under the highway so you"

    7. Highwater Camp

    1 Review
    Watts, OK
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 226-1308

    $35 - $50 / night

    "You will enjoy the privacy compared to other campgrounds in the area that have large crowds.  Book early as it fill up fast and they do not offer more than one or two spaces per day. "

    8. Camping Kings

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    Combs, AR
    23 miles

    $20 / night

    9. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    50 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."

    10. COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barling, AR
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 452-4598

    "The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."

    "Sites are large with flat paved parking pad. I saw a variety of all sizes of rigs and some tents. There are lots of trees, it’s close to the river and very peaceful."

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Tent Camping Reviews near West Fork, AR

901 Reviews of 20 West Fork Campgrounds



Guide to West Fork

Nestled in the scenic Ozark National Forest, West Fork, Arkansas, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.

Tent campers should check out Natural Dam

  • The Natural Dam features a small waterfall that provides a soothing backdrop, making it a peaceful spot for tent camping.
  • With no reservations required, this campground allows for spontaneous getaways, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • The gravel lot offers semi-level parking, ideal for setting up your tent close to nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails around Riverfield Acreage- White River, where families can float down the river and soak in the stunning views.
  • Experience the beauty of the Ozarks at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area, where fishing and kayaking are popular activities along the Illinois River.
  • For those who appreciate a more secluded experience, Camping Kings offers a gorgeous setting perfect for relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Fork, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Fork, AR is Natural Dam with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near West Fork, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.