Buffalo River tent camping near Yellville, Arkansas offers primitive sites with fewer facilities in exchange for greater immersion in the Ozark Mountains environment. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,700 feet with limestone bluffs surrounding numerous gravel bars and established campsites. Seasonal rainfall affects water levels, with spring typically bringing higher flows and occasional flooding on primitive sites near the river.
What to do
Paddle from Rush Campground: This campground serves as a crucial access point for multi-day canoe trips. "This is the last stop before you enter the wilderness area of the Buffalo River. It was amazing. The only complaint is that at times the river can run somewhat low. This is a great place to go if you are a beginner level for canoeing," notes Matt S. from Rush Campground.
Swim at Shine Eye Gravel Bar: This gravel bar offers a simple swimming spot without designated campsites. "This is just a gravel bar along The Buffalo National River but it is beautiful! There are no designated campsites, just park in the parking lot, walk down to the river and find a spot," reports Lindsey P. from Shine Eye Gravel Bar.
Hike to waterfall views: Carver Campground provides access to nearby trails with bluffs and valleys. A camper notes, "Each morning after waking up and cooking breakfast we explored the beautiful bluffs, swam in the river, hiked the trails, and peered out into the majestic valleys from the mountain tops (especially Mt. Judea which is a good distance South of the campground)."
What campers like
Sandy sites that drain well: Steel Creek's sandy campsites offer practical advantages. "The sand may be a pain, but the sandy sites drain away rain water faster than the grassy sites that had standing water for a couple days after a big storm," explains Leah H. from Steel Creek Campground.
Private camping at Spring Creek: This campground offers more seclusion than others in the area. "This primitive campground was perfect for me and my dog. We stayed three nights in October 2020. The campsites are a good distance apart, they have plenty of room and have fire rings and picnic tables," shares Lisa B.
Off-grid experience at wildlife areas: Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area requires specific permits but offers secluded camping. "Stayed the night in Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area. Must purchase camping license from Game and Fishing Commission. Can be done online at www.agfc.com, for $5," explains Robert B. from Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area.
What you should know
Wildlife Management Area rules: Gene Rush requires specific permits unlike other camping areas. "100% of Wildlife Management Areas in the state of Arkansas require a Hunting license or WMA camping permit purchased though Arkansas Game and Fish. There is only a handful of sites spread throughout the WMA and you can only camp in those designated by the game and fish."
Road conditions vary significantly: Kyles Landing access requires caution. "Speaking of the 'hill', 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," advises Suzsan M. from Kyles Landing Campground.
Cell service limitations: Spring Creek Campground has no connectivity. "Be aware that there is no drinking water and I didn't get phone service (yay!). There is a vault toilet that wasn't too bad," shares Lisa B. from Spring Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Open field camping: Steel Creek offers family-friendly open sites. "We loved camping at Steel Creek! You can see beautiful bluff from the campground. The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole! There are flush toilets and vault toilets in the campground."
Canoe trip staging: Gilbert Gravel Bar makes a good starting point for family float trips. "You can find Gilbert Gravel Bar off 65 just south of the city of St Joe's. Go through the city of Gilbert and you will find parking at the end of the road leading to a fairly large beach/gravel area. You can tent hear in preparation for a canoe trip or as a stop over along the Buffalo River."
Kid-friendly amenities: Carver Campground offers basic facilities for families. "The sites has fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of room to spread out and relax. Each morning after waking up and cooking breakfast we explored the beautiful bluffs, swam in the river, hiked the trails."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: RV access at many sites requires planning and proper vehicles. "This is a tent camping site so did not see electricity or dump stations should you have an RV. Very well maintained vault restrooms for such a small campground," notes a visitor to Carver Campground.
RV size limitations: Steel Creek can accommodate some RVs despite limited amenities. "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."
Minimal services: Few campgrounds offer hookups or dump stations in this area. RVers at Kyles Landing note, "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site."
