If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent in Arkansas, look no further. Find the best information on tent campgrounds in Arkansas, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a full-service RV resort near attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Steel Creek Campground is situated along the Buffalo River under the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff. One section of the campground offers 26 walk-in tent sites and another section of the campground offers 14 sites for those camping with horses. Half of the sites in the campground are available for reservations. Steel Creek is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca, just off Highway 74.
Floating conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current floating conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page.______
Floating conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current floating conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page.______
The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.
The Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek and offers great day hiking or overnight backcountry opportunities.__ Boxley Valley is nearby and is home to Lost Valley, an easy to moderate trail that leads hikers past geologic and water formations. Call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570 or visit the park's Hiking Trails web page for more information..
$20 / night
As of Oct 2021 - Haw Creek Falls—Located on Hwy 123, this newly designated Point of Interest will be accessible year-round. Removal of the gate across the low-water bridge and suspension of fees will be immediately implemented, and camping will still be allowed in designated campsites. A slow transition of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts will be removed over time as they become unusable or unsafe. Trash services will be managed by the user as “pack it in, pack it out.” Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of current amenities, excluding trash services. Several volunteer workdays have been hosted at this site in the last several months, which have proven to be immensely beneficial to keeping this primitive area operational. Please note, this area is subject to flash flooding and visitors are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures. Removal of the gate does not indicate the area is always safe during changing weather conditions. Surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, this campground is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff. Big Piney Wild and Scenic River are nearby. There is an accessible trail to the Haw Creek Falls. Camping - 9 family units. Camping trailers are allowed but no special facilities are available. Access to the Ozark Highlands Trail. The recreation area is closed following the 3rd week of December and reopens the 3rd week of March. Please note that the campground is closed when heavy rain is forecast. Campground and Day-Use Area Rules
Cossatot Falls Campsites in Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area is a gem for those who love a bit of rugged adventure. This spot is all about getting back to basics, so don't expect luxury. There are six large campsites, each with enough room for three tents, a grill, fire pit, picnic table, and a bear pole. It's first come, first served, so plan accordingly.
The river is the star of the show here. Crystal clear waters, natural jacuzzi spots between the falls, and plenty of rock climbing make it a paradise for those who don't mind a bit of physical activity. The hiking trails are a hit, offering stunning views and access to some fantastic swimming holes.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just be prepared for the lack of running water and electricity. The vault toilets are clean but basic, and you'll need to bring your own drinking water. Fires are allowed, so you can still enjoy a good old-fashioned campfire under the stars.
Located near Umpire, Arkansas, this campground is a bit off the beaten path, but that's part of its charm. The park rangers are friendly and helpful, always ready to share a bit of local knowledge or lend a hand. Whether you're kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in the natural beauty, Cossatot Falls Campsites offer a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle.
Hickory Nut Mountain Campground, nestled in the Ouachita National Forest near Mount Ida, AR, offers a peaceful retreat with some stunning views. This spot is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of solitude and don't mind roughing it a bit. The campground is free to use and provides basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. However, don't expect luxury—there are no electric hookups, showers, or trash services, so you'll need to pack out what you pack in.
The views here are a real highlight, with some campsites offering glimpses of Lake Ouachita through the trees. The area is also great for off-roading and hiking, with trails like Pollard Creek Trail nearby. If you're into primitive camping, you might find some hidden spots along the creek bed that are perfect for setting up a tent and cooling off in the spring water.
Visitors have mentioned that the campground is generally quiet, though you might hear some road noise and see a few cars passing through to access the main trail. The restroom facilities are basic, essentially a portapotty, so come prepared. Despite the occasional traffic, many campers have found themselves alone at the site, making it a great place for some weekend solitude.
One thing to watch out for is broken glass and trash left by previous visitors. It's a good idea to do a quick cleanup around your site to ensure a safe and pleasant stay. And remember, always leave the campsite cleaner than you found it.
Overall, Hickory Nut Mountain Campground is a fantastic spot for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ouachita National Forest. Just be ready for a bit of a rugged experience.
Effective October 2021, Bayou Bluff became a Point of Interest. The fees are suspended for camping and day use and is now open all year. Upper loop is closed to camping and will be eliminated completely. Use of the vault toilet, large pavilion, three shelters, and a small pavilion will remain. The pavilions are managed on a first-come, first-service basis. Trash services are managed by visitors as "pack-it-in, pack-it-out," and Leave No Trace ethics are posted on information kiosks.
Active partner groups and volunteers are helping extend the life of the current amenities, excluding trash services.
$5 - $245 / night
There are 38 primitive campsites maintained by area personnel.
There are approximately 270 acres of old beaver ponds that provide valuable habitat for furbearers and waterfowl. There are 2024 acres of old fields managed on a rotational basis by control burning, bush hogging, disking and planting. There is 14,419 acres of timber, primarily oak and hickory; 96 acres in streams and 113 acres in ponds and lakes. The main streams include; Wattensaw Bayou, Hurricane Creek, Miller Creek, Clark Creek, Barkley Branch and Bell Branch. There are numerous small ponds, 9 ponds created by removing dirt for I-40 construction and Webb and Mooreês lake which are oxbow lakes off the White River on the east side of the area
Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or experience the excitement of a canoe trip on the Little Missouri River.
Day use/swimming only.
Less than a minute from the Kings River Falls trailhead and nestled alongside the headwaters of the Kings River in Venus Arkansas. This is a remote and rugged campground with caves, bluffs, swimming holes and river a plenty. This campground has a grand exhibition of the same sandstone formation that is responsible for the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) formation. Clovis like points have been found here, and so one might assume the bluffs and crags here have been inhabited for millennia.
We have picnic tables and fire rings at each site. If you have a large group, please contact us before booking to ensure that we are able to accommodate your group. This 7-acre property is completely surrounded by Arkansas Natural Heritage-Natural Area. There are miles of trails and cooling waters at every turn.
If you like Kings River Falls, get ready to fall in love with this Red Fern Campground.
Lose yourself in a fairy-tale land. With endless places to explore and amazing natural features at every turn this experience will not disappoint.
Most of our campsites are just yards away from a public swimming area, which is shared between our property and the Arkansas Natural Area. You should expect local traffic at the main swimming area during your stay. We have a private swimming area on our property which is just a short hike from the developed campsites (Please ask the camphost for directions).
Please be aware that cell phone service is spotty to virtually non-existent. Also, it's a good idea to bring waterproof hiking shoes or water shoes since our camping spots may require walking across a low water creek. This campground also requires travel down miles of county-maintained dirt roads. Expect your car to get dusty. We are unable to accommodate travel trailers and RVs at this time. Parking at your campsite requires a drive across a low water creek, otherwise you will need to park and walk across. Lastly, bring tick defense for yourself and your pets.
$27 - $30 / night
Rush Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the lower district of the park. Rush has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Drinking water is available when fees are collected March 15 - November 14. It is free to camp at Rush in the winter. All sites are limited to 6 people per site and each site is $16 per night. This is a pack in/pack out facility, trash collection is not available.
