Erbie Campground

4.28

49 reviews

Quick Facts

850 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Flush restrooms and ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

850 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Flush restrooms and ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Erbie Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free at Erbie Campground, according to multiple user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(870) 439-2502buff_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 49 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Erbie Campground

36.0713, -93.2149

Driving directionsTake Highway 7 north of Jasper for approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto County Road 79 and the Erbie Campground will be approximately 6 miles down a gravel road with one hairpin curve.

The gravel road leading to the campground is described as rough, with multiple switchbacks. User reviews support this assessment, with some describing it as 'long twisting, bumpy, narrow road' and saying it is not suitable for larger RVs or trailers.

Best Time to Camp at Erbie Campground

Each season paints Erbie Campground with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while summer invites lazy afternoons by the river and warm nights perfect for stargazing. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, creating ideal conditions for photographers and nature lovers. Winter brings a special kind of magic—though temperatures can dip quite low and occasional light snow may dust the landscape, the campground takes on a serene, almost mystical quality that rewards hardy souls with solitude and frost-kissed morning views.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer invites river swimming and floating; warm nights and river access praised.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal scenery and operating facilities through Nov 14 suggest fall is very pleasant.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in AR

Spring brings wildflowers and ideal hiking weather; reviewers praise spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Flush toilets and water closed mid-Nov to mid-Mar; winter visits are less comfortable.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Flush restrooms and water spigots are available seasonally, from March 15 through November 14.
Current Alerts: Multiple alerts are active in the Buffalo National River area, including road closures for Cave Mountain Road (Mondays-Thursdays) and Lower Tyler Bend River Access renovations.

About Erbie Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Erbie Campground beckons those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This peaceful retreat offers 14 drive-in sites for RV and car campers, plus 2 secluded walk-in spots perfect for tent enthusiasts who crave extra solitude. Families and groups can reserve one of 5 spacious group sites for memorable gatherings under the stars. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis (except for group sites), this primitive campground has earned glowing reviews from visitors who consistently praise its cleanliness, safety, and tranquil atmosphere. While amenities are purposefully minimal—featuring vault toilets and seasonal water access only—this simplicity is exactly what draws campers seeking to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature.

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."

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the historic trails radiating from Erbie Campground. These well-worn paths lead adventurous hikers to fascinating remnants of Arkansas's pioneer past, including weathered homesteads that whisper stories of the families who once carved out lives in these rugged hills. The crown jewel of local history is the old town of Erbie itself, where moss-covered foundations and forgotten orchards paint a poignant picture of a community that thrived here generations ago. Each hike becomes a journey through time, offering glimpses into the determination and dreams of early Ozark settlers.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Erbie Campground with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while summer invites lazy afternoons by the river and warm nights perfect for stargazing. Fall transforms the surrounding forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, creating ideal conditions for photographers and nature lovers. Winter brings a special kind of magic—though temperatures can dip quite low and occasional light snow may dust the landscape, the campground takes on a serene, almost mystical quality that rewards hardy souls with solitude and frost-kissed morning views.

Natural Features and SceneryEmbraced by towering hardwood forests, Erbie Campground serves as your gateway to some of the Buffalo River's most stunning landscapes. The crystal-clear waters of America's first national river flow nearby, creating a natural soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep each night. Morning mist rises from the water to mingle with the forest canopy, while afternoon light filters through the leaves, creating an ever-changing canvas of shadows and light. Well-maintained trails wind through the woods, leading to scenic overlooks, hidden swimming holes, and peaceful spots perfect for contemplation or picnicking. Whether you're floating the gentle currents or hiking the ridgelines, the natural beauty here feels both intimate and infinite.

Geological RegionErbie Campground sits within the remarkable Buffalo National River corridor, a geological wonderland carved over millennia by the persistent flow of one of America's last undammed rivers. This pristine waterway has sculpted dramatic bluffs, created countless caves and hollows, and continues to shape the landscape with its clear, spring-fed waters. The surrounding Ozark highlands showcase ancient limestone and sandstone formations, their layers telling the story of prehistoric seas and the slow, patient work of erosion. For geology enthusiasts and casual observers alike, the area offers a living textbook of natural history, where every bend in the river and every exposed cliff face reveals another chapter in Earth's grand narrative.

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

Site layoutThe campground includes 14 drive-in sites, 2 walk-in tent-only sites, and 5 group sites. Some sites near the river are overgrown.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityErbie Campground is primarily first-come, first-serve, with group sites being reservable 5 days to six months in advance.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since the campground is mostly first-come, first-serve, except for group sites. General recreation.gov cancellation policies apply to group site reservations.

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

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingNumerous trails are accessible from the campground, including ones that lead to the Buffalo River and an old homestead. "There weren’t very many people hiking on the trails," making it a good option for those seeking isolation.

SwimmingThe Buffalo River offers swimming opportunities. "We very much enjoyed the river," a user noted, with access points along trails and near the campground.

BikingBiking is possible along the Buffalo River. "This is a rare area along the Buffalo River where you can actually bike upriver," according to one user.

BoatingKayaking and floating are popular activities at Erbie Campground. "You can kayak upstream and float back to the campground for about a half-hour float or longer," a user shared.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include badgers, beavers, herons, armadillos, snakes, and lizards. "We saw a ton of butterflies and a variety of other animals," one family noted during their stay.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention rough roads, occasional overgrown campsites, and wildlife like raccoons and snakes.

Active AlertsMultiple alerts are active in the Buffalo National River area, including road closures for Cave Mountain Road (Mondays-Thursdays) and Lower Tyler Bend River Access renovations.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are generally allowed within the fire pits provided at each site.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must pack out all trash as there are no trash or recycling facilities. "It’s a bit of a drive from the main road, and there are not a lot of ready places to get rid of your trash even on the main road," a user noted.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the Buffalo River, with trails leading directly to the river and opportunities for floating and kayaking.

Camp HostRangers make rounds to check on campers and are described as friendly.

Weather at Erbie Campground

Reviews

4.3

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

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

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