Rush Campground

Star4.76
81 reviews
Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

541 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open March 15 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Buffalo National River management by NPS site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Rush Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $16 per night per site during fee collection periods from March 15 to November 14. No fees are charged during the winter months when...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
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) 449-4311buff_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 81 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhikingwell-maintainedsites

"Rush Campground is highly rated for its peaceful, scenic environment and the range of outdoor activities available. Its proximity to the Buffalo River and historical sites adds to its appeal. Many reviewers appreciate the campground’s simplicity and the opportunity to disconnect from technology, although some note the lack of facilities like showers and running water during winter."

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Campground Map

Rush Campground

36.1227, -92.5505

Driving directionsFrom Yellville the turnoff to the Rush Campground is approximately 12 miles south on Highway 14. Turn onto County Road 6035 and follow the road approximately 4 miles to the Rush Town area. Past the Rush town about 1 mile the road forks. Bear to the right and the campground will be at the end of the road.
The road to the campground includes County Road 6035 which is unpaved and may be challenging for some vehicles. The campground is better accessed during dry conditions and may not be accessible during certain weather events.
Nearby places
Yellville (approx. 12 miles south)
St. Joe (unknown distance)
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be accessible in nearby towns like Yellville, with grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel being 12 miles away via Highway 14.

Best Time to Camp at Rush Campground

Spring awakens Rush Campground with a symphony of wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, as dogwoods bloom and the forest floor comes alive with color. Summer transforms the Buffalo River into a natural swimming pool, offering sweet relief from the Arkansas heat and endless afternoons of riverside relaxation. When winter arrives, the campground takes on a quieter charm—water services hibernate, but the stark beauty of bare trees against limestone bluffs creates an entirely different kind of magic for the hardy souls who venture here in the cold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and river activities; warm-weather draw for paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and cooler hiking conditions make it an appealing season for visitors.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in AR

Spring described as 'ideal' with wildflowers, dogwoods and excellent hiking conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Campground closed/limited Nov–Mar; winter camping possible but without water or services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 15 to November 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 15 to November 14 with water services and fees. Closed in winter with no fees or water services.

About Rush Campground

Nestled along the banks of the Buffalo River, Rush Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience where simplicity meets natural beauty. This intimate, first-come, first-serve hideaway features 12 thoughtfully spaced tent-only sites, each equipped with its own fire ring and picnic table for those memorable evenings under the stars. During the warmer months when fees apply, fresh drinking water flows freely, though visitors embrace the pack-in, pack-out ethos year-round, leaving only footprints in this pristine riverside sanctuary.
Rush Campground is a primitive, tent-only campground offering a back-to-basics camping experience. It is first-come, first-serve, with no reservations allowed.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No official check-in time specified.
Check-out
No official check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
All sites are limited to 6 people per site.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rush Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its location by the Buffalo River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and exploring historical sites such as an abandoned mining town. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with eagles and other species frequently spotted.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground, leading to caves, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Trails cater to a range of difficulty levels, from easy riverbank walks to more strenuous routes.
FishingFishing in the Buffalo River is a popular activity, with crystal-clear waters that provide opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
SwimmingDesignated swimming areas in the Buffalo River offer a refreshing experience, especially during warmer months. Safety measures are not explicitly mentioned.
BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are highly popular, with easy river access directly from the campground.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of eagles and other wildlife, making the campground an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should prepare for wildlife (including insects), river hazards during high water events, and possible limited accessibility due to unpaved roads.

Weather at Rush Campground

Reviews

4.8
81 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rush Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rush Campground is highly rated for its peaceful, scenic environment and the range of outdoor activities available. Its proximity to the Buffalo River and historical sites adds to its appeal. Many reviewers appreciate the campground’s simplicity and the opportunity to disconnect from technology, although some note the lack of facilities like showers and running water during winter.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently praise the campground's serenity, scenic location by the Buffalo River, historical interest (e.g., an abandoned mining town), and accessibility to outdoor recreation like hiking...
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Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users express frustration with the lack of modern amenities, such as flush toilets, showers, and cell phone service. A few reviews mention that the water supply can be unreliable, and that the...
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Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water during winter months or when water is unavailable. Pack bug spray to deal with insects. Arrive early to secure a good campsite as it’s first-come, first-serve. Leash pets and...
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Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is free, attracting budget-conscious campers despite the lack of water and limited facilities. Spring offers lush scenery and ideal conditions for hiking and water activities, while...
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Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

"There is so much to enjoy here that I would recommend this campsite for anyone." - Nate Metz "Perfect place to sleep under the stars." - G. Cunningham "The views are perfect, the night sky is...
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Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific details about individual campsites were not provided.
Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are described as wheelchair accessible, but no additional accessibility reviews were noted.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and visitors report having positive experiences camping with dogs. Leashes are recommended to ensure safety.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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