The best camping in Buffalo National River, AR

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98% (115)

Discover the free-flowing Buffalo National River in the scenic Ozarks.  

The best camping in Buffalo National River, AR

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
98% (115)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Buffalo National River adventure.

Camper favorites near Buffalo National River

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp

99%
(169)
37mi from Buffalo National River · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Jasper, AR
Enchanted Ozark Fairytale Camp is far more than your ordinary campground! Hipcamp’s Best in State 2025 🙂 This 104-acre Ozark Mountain wonderland’s biggest draw would be hard to pin down. We are offering off-the-beaten-path serenity, with huge areas for each rental space, and unmatched hospitality. Sip morning coffee while you lose your cares in the vast mountain views, enjoy the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you in the deer meadow. Hike trails that meander to the seasonal creeks and waterfalls, past ancient walnut and hickory trees, to rest on large rock formations thick with moss, or take the high trails to the top of our bluff where views and natural oddities reward you at every bend, or just lay in the hammocks by the frog pond with a good book. Wildlife abounds on this property, including fox, black bear, deer, chipmunks, groundhogs, bobcat, and tons more. We offer fantastic add-ons like creation stations where tables of art supplies can be laid out for either self-initiated projects or sample projects with instruction by hostess, Mizzy (a working artist with pieces in every continent, save Antarctica). Forage hikes, where you learn about the immense variety of edible plants, guided photo op hikes, cut and make your own walking stick (and make it your own by wood burning, adding leather and feathers), are just a few of the options we have daily to add to your stay. Close to the Little Buffalo River and the quaint little town of Jasper, where you can shop, eat at the famous Ozark Cafe, or rent a kayak. One-of-a-kind stays include a fully off-grid container tiny house, boondock RV space, 2 themed RVs (one a cool Silk Road inspired and the other a romantic vibe), the grooviest authentic hippy van glamper, plus super large tent spaces. We may be farther off the beaten track than those roadside places, but we are so very worth it. Come be Enchanted.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

Spoke 'N Tru

98%
(31)
50mi from Buffalo National River · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Jasper, AR
This remote primitive campground is between Kingston and Compton, Arkansas. in the Ozark Mountains of the Boston plateau. The wooded 15 acres is nestled just above a scenic bluff looking south. You can set your tent on our grassy knoll or find a random spot anywhere under our hardwoods or pines. There is one designated gravel site pad for a mid size trailer. The only roads to Spoken N’ Tru are gravel. I highly recommend taking the gravel route from Kingston. This particular gravel road is 5 miles. If you are pulling a camper this is definitely the best. There is another longer 8 mile option from 412 - south from Dryfork in between Marble and Ozark. The shortest route if from 103 but it has a deep creek crossing and don't recommended unless you have a good 4 wheel vehicle. The best road to Ponca is County Road 1300 which takes you to Highway 43. Please keep in mind that Spoke N’ Tru is a cozy but primitive camping site with no amenities so be ready to check your electronics before heading down our gravel roads. Lastly, please read amenity notes, especially regarding waste.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

OZK Cabins

100%
(1)
46mi from Buffalo National River · 8 sites · Lodging · Compton, AR
Hello, my name is Hansen and I am honored to have the opportunity to share my mission with you. There are few greater experiences than being in a position to introduce the incredible beauty and story of Arkansas to you, my fellow travellers. If you had told me just a couple years ago that I would be fully committed to a hospitality company, I wouldn't have believed it. However, it is a perfect fit. To be able to have a positive impact in people's lives, while also preserving and celebrating such a wonderful corner of our world, is more than I could have ever hoped for. As the company has grown, I have been able to add some incredible people to share the vision and deliver on my promises to you. Additionally, these partners have freed me to expand my commitment to our community through various awesome organizations. Together, I believe that we have the chance to leave a far reaching positive impact on our world. Thank you, truly, for the opportunity to serve you and your family. You enable me to live in my favorite part of the world. Come let me show you why! -Hansen
Pets
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from 
$221
 / night

Buffalo River Glamping

98%
(33)
49mi from Buffalo National River · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Compton, AR
Escape to the heart of Arkansas's natural beauty with Buffalo River Glamping, where luxury meets wilderness. Nestled in the beauty of the rugged Ozark mountains, our glamping sites offer an unparalleled retreat for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those searching for a tranquil getaway. You can embark on nature walks through the surrounding wilderness such as nearby Lost Valley, Hemmed In Hollow and Whitaker Point. You certainly will not want to miss a visit to local waterfalls and trailheads, spend the day kayaking, rafting or canoeing on the Buffalo River or take a dip in one of the local swimming holes along the river. Tucked far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Buffalo River Glamping was meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable retreat. You will be captivated by the harmonious blend of nature and tranquility. As you meander through the trails on the property, you'll be surrounded with vibrant lush greenery. You’ll experience a sense of seclusion, while the distant sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves create a soothing performance that serenades you into a state of relaxation. As the sun sets after a day of fun and adventure, it’s time to relax and unwind at your campsite. As you fire up the grill for a steak, burger or hotdogs, don’t forget to save room for a gooey batch of s'mores toasted over a cozy campfire. After dinner you might want to play a game of cornhole or horseshoes, or just relax by the community firepit and stargaze into the dark night sky. When you are ready to retire for the evening, you will certainly want to enjoy a warm shower in our climate controlled shower house. A comfy bed in your tent awaits you for a quiet relaxing night of rest, but be sure to listen out for the sounds of the whippoorwills, or an occasional owl before drifting off to sleep. While you are awakened by the melodious sound of the birds chirping and singing, and you catch a glimpse of the radiant morning sun, a well stocked coffee bar awaits you for your first cup of coffee for the day. There’s nothing more calming than relaxing on the deck while enjoying your first warm cup of perk me up while breathing in the fresh morning mountain air, and planning your fun and adventure for the day. When your vacation at Buffalo River Glamping comes to an end, and as you venture back home, the memories and adventures that you experienced will give you a profound sense of peace and contentment. We are located in the upper Buffalo River area where within minutes you can venture out to the many astonishing natural attractions in the area. Reserve your tent today and start planning your unforgettable escape to the Arkansas wilderness. We can't wait to welcome you and look forward to having you as our guest! A stay at Buffalo River Glamping is not just a vacation – it's an escape into a truly unforgettable experience that nourishes the soul and rejuvenates the spirit.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

Flatwoods Mountain RV Park

100%
(11)
34mi from Buffalo National River · 11 sites · RVs · Jasper, AR
Our 11-site campground is situated on Arkansas Hwy 74E, approximately three miles east of Jasper and three miles west of the Hasty Cutoff for quick access to the Buffalo River! This is not a residential campground like so many in the area - it is exclusively for camping enthusiasts! Being former camping enthusiasts ourselves, we built our RV park to accommodate rigs anywhere from a small popup to campers and motorhomes in excess of 40'. We also created each campsite to provide LOTS of personal space, with campsites being anywhere from 30 feet to 50 feet apart. Each site features a firepit, with small bundles of firewood available for purchase. Picnic tables are also available for your stay. We offer five campsites that are pull-through with full hookups, and six back-in sites that have water and electric only (a dump station is available for your convenience). Also featured is a BEAUTIFUL shower building; one side for the women, and one side for the men. Once you step inside and shut the door, you will have the beautifully tiled shower, toilet and lavatory to yourself until you are finished! Laundry facilities are also available on site - rather than charging exorbitant rates for using the washer and dryer like other RV parks or laundromats, we opted to make it available to our guests for a simple monetary donation. A lockbox is conveniently located in the laundry room for you to drop your donation into. Come stay with us and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks and Buffalo River country! Be sure to head into Jasper to enjoy great food, too!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

Grassy Road Cabins and RV Camping

98%
(86)
7.4mi from Buffalo National River · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · Marshall, AR
Welcome to Grassy Road Cabins and Camping. Here you will find 23 acres of rolling pasture accented by patches of forest and at the center a large recreational fishing pond. Placed perfectly in between two popular Buffalo National River Access Points: South Maumee and Spring Creek. Grassy Road currently offers: three tiny house cabins, 3 tent sites with 20 amp electric, 3 more primitive tent sites, and 9 RV sites that are full water/sewer hookups with 20/30/50 amp service. Two of these pull through RV sites are Big Rig friendly designed for a class A motorhomes. There is a private two unit bathhouse with hot showers! This campground is designed to operate remotely through partners like Hipcamp without owners or managers always on site. All check-ins and check-outs will be done self service. The owners have kayaks and life jackets that are available to borrow they ask that you message them before and be sure to return them in good condition. There is firewood for sale provided by a neighboring friend. There are several trails that criss-cross the property, and we encourage everyone to explore just be safe and try to give other vacationers their privacy. Our close proximity to the Buffalo National gives you easy access for an awesome experience! South Maumee and Spring Creek access points are less than 10 miles away, and Dillard's Ferry is less than 14 miles. For hiking, the Buffalo River Trail passes right over South Maumee Rd, and leads to several seasonal waterfalls! Fishing is allowed on site, and in the Buffalo River with an Arkansas fishing license. The towns of Marshall and Leslie are close by with good restaurant options such as: Skylark Cafe, and the Red River Cafe. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a must-see, and at 30 miles in distance makes a great option for a day trip.
Pets
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from 
$22
 / night

Carver Ridge Camp Buffalo River

98%
(33)
28mi from Buffalo National River · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Hasty, AR
We are excited to welcome you to Carver Ridge Campground by the Buffalo National River! Rv's and Tents are welcome. We have a picturesque site less than 1/4 mile to the Buffalo National River. You can spend the day swimming with the locals at the Blue Hole or floating the Buffalo from several different access points. To finish the evenings, you can grill hamburgers, build a big campfire, and roast marshmallows. Open skies allow for plenty of star gazing and listening to the native wildlife in the area. We have a big, covered pavilion with picnic tables that is perfect for hosting family members and friends alike. Every site is complete with a large charcoal grill and a big fire ring. We offer full hook ups (water, electric and sewer) for both 30 and 50 am service. We also offer a full-service Bathhouse (4 Restrooms and 2 showers on site). Did I mention we also have top of the of the line WIFI? Come spend the night with us and let us show you what country living is all about here in the Ozarks.
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night

Harper Bluff & Numu Coffee Roastery

100%
(28)
27mi from Buffalo National River · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Fox, AR
Discover a secluded Ozark Bluff campsite offering four sites with 30 amp power and water, along with eight primitive sites featuring a latrine and hydrant. Each site is equipped with fire rings, and while some are suitable for tents, others have an adjustable slope for trailers. Embrace the charm of our common area housed in a renovated 1956 Spartan trailer, providing amenities like a toilet, kitchenette, shower, and WiFi for all guests. Due to the hilly terrain, our campsite is best suited for off-road vehicles, sprinters, overlanders, trailers under 20', and small toy haulers. Ideal for ATV enthusiasts, the area boasts miles of trails, including both gravel and dirt paths. Revel in the beauty of the dark sky with a stunning view, and take advantage of our location within 45 minutes of Blanchard Springs Caverns, Ozark Folk Center, Sylamore National Forest, and more. As a unique feature, our property hosts a Coffee Roastery where you can indulge in fresh exotic coffee and lattes. An onsite Airbnb, known as the "Coffee Cabin" in Fox, AR, adds to the variety of accommodations. These sites were prepared for the April 2024 eclipse and will continue to improve and mature as the landscape grows into its setting.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

Jasper Hideaway

100%
(6)
37mi from Buffalo National River · 2 sites · Lodging · Jasper, AR
Get cozy in this rustic space. With a woodburning hot tub, this is a perfect spot to rest and recover after a day of hiking, canoeing, climbing. Kitchen, shower, composting toilet, deck, comfy linens and firepits bring you back to yourself! This tiny home is on 4 acres that is close to town but secluded by woods and nature. The house utilizes a composting toilet and greywater systems, emphasizing sustainability. We designed this as a place to unplug, so don't have WiFi, a microwave or a TV. The water is set to HOT, and we have it set there because the hot water heater is a travel trailer size, so it only puts out a small amount of hot water. Please don't burn your hands washing them! Also feel free to turn it down if you need to, it is right under the kitchen sink. We recommend expecting a quick shower or turning the water off and on to soak your hair if you need to wash it and then lathering up. If the house is smelling bad in the bathroom, that is not normal and we will come and fix it.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night

Other options near Buffalo National River

The best camping in Buffalo National River, AR guide

Overview

About

If you have a chance to spend time at America’s first national river, and one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48, w recommend going for it. Those accolades are not to be taken for granted! Buffalo National River is a splendid spot to float, splash, fish, and play. The surrounding park has hundreds of miles of trails, so you can enjoy the Ozark Mountains, river views, and wild lands. Whether you want to hop in a kayak, canoe, or tube and cruise down the water, or hop on a horse and explore the land above, you will be amazed by the beauty of this healthy river ecosystem. Backcountry camping, developed campsites, and picnic spots galore are there for you to settle into, and make the most of this sweet flowing water paradise.

Notable campgrounds

  • Pavilions - Ideal for group gatherings, offering shelter and a place to rest between adventures.
  • Group sites - Perfect for larger parties looking to experience the wilderness together.
  • Individual campsites - Secluded spots for a peaceful retreat into nature's embrace.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure your spot amid the natural beauty.
  • Consider weekday camping for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Have flexible dates ready in case your preferred time is already taken.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit Buffalo National River is during spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming, though it can be crowded. Winter can be serene but cold, with some facilities closed.

Know before you go

  • Check river levels before planning your float trip to ensure safe conditions.
  • Remember, pets are welcome in certain areas, so plan accordingly if bringing your furry friend.
  • Prepare for limited cell service; download maps and guides beforehand.
  • No entry fee is required, but camping fees apply; plan your budget accordingly.
98%
115 ratings · 45 reviews