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

Ozark 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 Ozark Campground before I book?

Yes! Ozark Campground has 18 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ozark Campground?

Ozark Campground is open Water and flush restrooms are available during the operating season of March 13, 2026, through November 15, 2026. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ozark Campground?

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

How many campsites does Ozark Campground have?

Ozark Campground has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ozark Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ozark Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ozark Campground?

Ozark Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ozark Campground

4.12

165 reviews

Top 2% in ARSpring

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Arkansas Hiking Camping Arkansas Camping Near Ozark Mountains +12 more

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Water and flush rest...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Water and flush rest...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Ozark Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(870) 439-2502buff_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ozark Campground

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Campground Map

Ozark Campground

Nearby places

Jasper (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car), Harrison (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes by car)

Weather at Ozark Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ozark Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, high river flows for paddling, and abundant wildflower and bird activity — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C). Float trips are at their peak in April–May when the Buffalo's water levels are lively but usually safe, and trails unfurl fresh green understory and cascading spring blooms. Weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded while weekends can be busy with people launching day floats and fishing from the banks. Peak months: April, May, March, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in AR

Spring noted as best: mild temps, high water for floating, and wildflowers along trails.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water and flush restrooms are available during the operating season of March 13, 2026, through November 15, 2026

About Ozark Campground

Ozark Campground sits along the Buffalo National River in the Arkansas Ozarks near Jasper, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and primitive walk-in options with fire rings, picnic tables, and a mix of flush and vault toilets. Campers come for river access, bluff scenery, swimming holes, and spring float trips when water levels peak.

Ozark Campground offers a mix of tent and drive-in sites suitable for families and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, high river flows for paddling, and abundant wildflower and bird activity — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C). Float trips are at their peak in April–May when the Buffalo's water levels are lively but usually safe, and trails unfurl fresh green understory and cascading spring blooms. Weekdays are pleasantly uncrowded while weekends can be busy with people launching day floats and fishing from the banks. Peak months: April, May, March, October

Elevation807 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering limestone and sandstone bluffs frame the campground, their layers built over millions of years as the Buffalo River continues carving through the Ozark landscape. Dense forest covers much of the surrounding terrain, though some campsites lack shade and privacy. The river itself provides constant sound and access. White-tailed deer, songbirds, and smaller woodland creatures move through the area. At 807 feet elevation, the campground sits in a valley that isolates it from the surrounding world.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground offers basic tent and drive-in sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The campground has a stay limit of 14 consecutive nights, as common in National Parks.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows up to 6 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNone, as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilitySome campsites require walking down a hill and may not be convenient for individuals with limited mobility. A reviewer noted, "It wasn’t the easiest walk to the river; people with mobility issues may find it difficult.

Site SizeSites are spacious, accommodating up to six people per site as per user reviews.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are moderate. Some reviews mention campsites as "close together," while another stated, "There's not much shade, and no privacy." However, "the Buffalo River wraps around the campground, giving every site almost immediate access to a rocky beach.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesSites on the west side offer afternoon shade, whereas sites 7–14 require walking down from parking areas. For privacy, avoid busier weekends when the campground can fill up with larger groups.

Best CampsitesSites 29 and 6 get positive mentions in reviews. The west side of the campground receives afternoon shade, which matters given the limited tree cover at some spots. Several walk-in sites exist for those willing to haul gear a short distance.

Amenities available

Ozark Campground, located near Jasper, AR, is a first-come, first-serve facility with 31 drive-in and tent sites. There are flush restrooms and potable water available from March 15 to November 14, but no electrical hookups or showers. Vault toilets are available in the off-season. Water spigots are located at the restroom building, amphitheater, and specific sites like #3, 4, 21, and 27. Campsites feature fire pits and picnic tables.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ozark Campground offers a mix of water and land-based activities like swimming, hiking, and fishing. The nearby Buffalo River enhances the recreation experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Food Storage RequiredLockboxes for food storage are available at all campsites to prevent wildlife from accessing supplies.

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

Rate Ozark Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

165 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Overall reviews highlight the stunning natural beauty, proximity to the Buffalo River, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some drawbacks include a lack of showers, limited cell service, and sporadic issues with cleanliness during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 165 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning scenery with access to the Buffalo River and bluffs - Spacious campsites with fire pits and picnic tables - Well-maintained grounds and clean facilities - Excellent swimming and stargazing...

Based on 165 reviews

Common Concerns

- No showers available - Limited cell service - Restrooms occasionally run out of supplies during busy periods - Steep, gravel road to access the campground - Campsites can be crowded during peak...

Based on 165 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #29 sporadically has cell reception - Sites #7-14 require walking down a hill from the parking area - A small amphitheater is located next to site #6

Based on 165 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own soap and toilet paper as supplies can run low - Arrive early for the best campsites, especially during peak seasons - Be prepared for no cell service; download maps or directions in...

Based on 165 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak seasons see more visitors, leading to crowded conditions and occasional shortages of supplies. Off-season visits are quieter but come with limited amenities like no running water.

Based on 165 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Absolutely loved this place! The stars were crystal clear at night, and the river was beautiful!" - "The campground is kept after very nicely and was a pleasure to stay here." - "The view of the...

Based on 165 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites are not easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues due to hills and narrow trails.

Based on 165 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is suitable for pet owners looking for nature-centric experiences.

Based on 165 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want Buffalo River access for floating, swimming, and stargazing in a National Park setting during spring.

Skip if

You need shower facilities or want to avoid weekend crowds and occasional supply shortages at vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(261)

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.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

4.3

(36)

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.

Tyler Bend Campground

TYLER BEND VISITOR CENTER, 170 RANGER ROAD, ST. JOE, AR 72675, USA

Tyler Bend Campground sits along the Buffalo National River near St. Joe, Arkansas, operated by the National Park Service as a mid-sized base camp for exploring the Ozark river corridor. The campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station, plus direct access to hiking trails and river swimming. Open seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit, it draws paddlers, anglers, and leaf-peepers who come for the limestone bluffs and clear-water fishing.

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campgrounds

Buffalo National River

Ozark Campground

About Buffalo National River

Context for the broader area surrounding Ozark 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.