Is Erbie Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Erbie Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Erbie Campground before I book?

Yes! Erbie Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

Are there showers at Erbie Campground?

Erbie Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Erbie Campground have?

Erbie Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Erbie Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Erbie Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Erbie Campground?

Erbie Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Erbie Campground

4.15

49 reviews

Erbie Campground

Top 5% in ARSpring

This campground is currently closed

It's marked closed by the operator right now, so it isn't taking reservations. We keep the page up so you can still read reviews, photos, and details and plan for when it reopens.

Quick Facts

850 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

850 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Erbie Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(870) 439-2502buff_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Erbie Campground

36.0713, -93.2149

Weather at Erbie Campground

Best Time to Camp at Erbie Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best mix of comfortable weather, active river flows, and wildflower displays—daytime highs typically 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights around 40–50°F (4–10°C). Trails and bluffs are at their most inviting for hiking, birding, and early-season paddling (river can run higher and faster after rains), while crowds are lighter than peak summer and fall leaf-peeper weekends. Facilities (flush restrooms and water spigots) come online March 15, making late March through May especially Peak months: April, May, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in AR

Overview: "Best season: spring" for wildflowers, comfortable temps and active river flows.

Planning Tips

About Erbie Campground

Erbie Campground sits along the Buffalo National River near St. Joe, Arkansas, managed by the National Park Service. This small, low-elevation site offers primitive and group camping with flush and vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the quiet riverside setting, spring wildflowers, and access to hiking and paddling on one of the nation's few remaining undammed rivers.

Erbie Campground accommodates various camping styles, including primitive, tent, and group camping. "There are 14 drive-in sites, 2 walk-in tent-only sites, and 5 group sites."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best mix of comfortable weather, active river flows, and wildflower displays—daytime highs typically 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights around 40–50°F (4–10°C). Trails and bluffs are at their most inviting for hiking, birding, and early-season paddling (river can run higher and faster after rains), while crowds are lighter than peak summer and fall leaf-peeper weekends. Facilities (flush restrooms and water spigots) come online March 15, making late March through May especially Peak months: April, May, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation850 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 850 feet elevation in the Buffalo River corridor, where limestone and sandstone bluffs line the waterway. Clear, spring-fed water flows past forested banks thick with hardwoods. The river has carved caves and hollows into the surrounding Ozark highlands over thousands of years, exposing layered rock that tells the story of ancient seas and slow erosion. Sites are surrounded by woods with grassy clearings, some nicely shaded. Trails lead to swimming holes and overlooks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Five group sites are available, accommodating larger parties. However, there are no specific details about the maximum number of guests or vehicles allowed per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for group sites can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeCampsites include 14 drive-in sites, 2 walk-in tent-only sites, and 5 group sites, with some described as "nicely shaded" and "large enough for a tent trailer.

PrivacyCampsites are "surrounded by woods but with grass," according to one review. However, some sites are "close to other campers.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #5 is recommended for its shade, proximity to the restroom, and suitability for a tent trailer, according to one user review.

Amenities available

Erbie Campground is a first-come, first-serve camping area with minimal facilities. "There are no electrical amenities or water hookups," although flush restrooms and water spigots are available seasonally from March 15 through November 14. Outside of these dates, there is no water availability. The campground offers vault toilets, but user reviews have highlighted concerns about their cleanliness and availability, especially during peak times. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at campsites. "Be prepared to pack in your water and pack out your trash," as there are no trash disposal facilities on-site.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Erbie Campground

Erbie Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and water-based recreation such as kayaking and floating. "Trails lead to various places in the area, including the Buffalo River and an old homestead." It is an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection to nature.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Reports of badger, beaver, heron, armadillo, snakes and lizards; wooded riverside habitat.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Limestone bluffs, clear river, wildflowers and wildlife provide varied photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

49 reviews

Satisfactory

Erbie Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's serene and remote nature, but also its lack of amenities. Many visitors appreciate the free camping and the proximity to the Buffalo River.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently mention the beauty of the surrounding area, the quiet and relaxing environment, and the opportunity to connect with nature. "Perfect for the family, not crowded at all," one...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints are about the rough and narrow access road, lack of water and electricity, and limited restroom facilities. "The stench was unbearable" at one vault toilet during a busy...

Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #5 was highlighted as "nicely shaded, large enough for a tent trailer, and close to the restroom." However, some sites close to the river were described as "overgrown and not easily...

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out all your trash. Avoid bringing RVs due to the rough, narrow road. One user advised, "Do your best not to (unintentionally) feed the wildlife," as raccoons can be...

Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that spring and summer are the best times to visit, with lush scenery and better weather. However, holiday weekends can lead to overcrowded facilities.

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The trails lead to the Buffalo River and various other places. The scenery is beautiful." 2. "There are no glass containers allowed on the river, and the rangers are strict about this." 3....

Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available, but the rough roads and lack of modern amenities may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies, but general references to wildlife suggest the need to keep pets under control.

Based on 49 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Erbie Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(870) 439-2502buff_information@nps.gov

Go if

You want a tranquil, uncrowded National Park Service site with river access and don't need full hookups or running water.

Skip if

You require paved access roads, running water at sites, or extensive restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Steel Creek Campground

386 NC 2104, Jasper, AR 72641

Steel Creek Campground sits along the Buffalo National River near Jasper, Arkansas, operated by the National Park Service in the Ozark foothills. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, vault toilets, and potable water, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, and swimming in the river. The setting provides access to limestone bluffs and trails, with fall foliage drawing visitors in late October.

Richland Creek Campground

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Richland Creek Campground sits in the Ozark foothills within Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites along a creek, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking trails, creek swimming, and the privacy of a lightly used forest setting.

Campgrounds

Buffalo National River

Erbie Campground

About Buffalo National River

Context for the broader area surrounding Erbie Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.

Directions

Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Highways 7, 43, and 62/65 are the main roads out of Harrison, Arkansas that will take you to the Buffalo River, depending on which part of the park you wish to visit. GPS systems are not reliable in this area so please call ahead for directions or pick up a map of the area beforehand.