Spring Creek Campground

4.68

60 reviews

Searcy County Road 99, Harriet, AR, 72639, USA

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arkansas Primitive Camping Arkansas Camping Near Ozark Mountains

Quick Facts

545 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Buffalo National River Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

545 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Buffalo National River Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Spring Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Spring Creek Campground is free of charge, with no recreation use fees or reservation fees.

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) 449-4311buff_infomation@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 60 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews highlight Spring Creek Campground as a quiet and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. Some users praise its spacious, free campsites and proximity to the Buffalo National River. However, concerns about upkeep, noisy neighbors, and overgrown conditions are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Searcy County Road 99, Harriet, AR, 72639, USA

Spring Creek Campground

Searcy County Road 99, Harriet, AR, 72639, USA

Driving directionsThe turn off to Spring Creek Campground is about 20 miles south of Yellville and 15 miles north of Marshall, Arkansas off of Highway 14. The campground is located 3 miles down at the end of County Road 99.

County Road 99 is unpaved and extends three miles from Highway 14 to the campground.

Nearby places

Yellville (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Marshall (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, can be found in either Yellville (20 miles) or Marshall (15 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Spring Creek Campground

Experience the dynamic seasons of the Ozarks at Spring Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, invigorating air with temperatures dancing between the low 30s and upper 40s—ideal for those who love camping under star-filled skies without summer's humidity. As the calendar turns, the campground transforms into a mild spring paradise before warming into those perfect Ozark summers that make evening campfires and morning hikes equally delightful. Early January visitors can expect gentle breezes and occasional light rain that only adds to the forest's mystique.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Proximity to Buffalo River makes summers good for boating, fishing and float trips.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Ozark foliage and cooler weather likely enhance scenic appeal and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings active river conditions and blooms; good for boating, fishing and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Appears open year-round; winter offers crisp air and solitude but fewer activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates are specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific seasonal information provided; it appears open year-round.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

About Spring Creek Campground

Escape to the untouched beauty of Spring Creek Campground, where twelve secluded tent sites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This first-come, first-served gem strips camping down to its essence—no electrical hookups, no running water, just you and nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. Perfect for adventurers who prefer their camping raw and unfiltered, Spring Creek offers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rhythms of the forest.

Spring Creek Campground caters to primitive tent camping and is ideal for individuals seeking an off-the-grid experience.

Historical SignificanceCamp where history flows as freely as the nearby waters. Spring Creek sits within the storied Buffalo National River region—one of America's pioneering national rivers that helped launch a movement to preserve our nation's waterways. The surrounding Ozark hills whisper tales of early settlers who carved out lives in these rugged lands, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and connection to nature. Every trail and creek bed here connects you to generations of adventurers who found solace and inspiration in these ancient hills.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of the Ozarks at Spring Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, invigorating air with temperatures dancing between the low 30s and upper 40s—ideal for those who love camping under star-filled skies without summer's humidity. As the calendar turns, the campground transforms into a mild spring paradise before warming into those perfect Ozark summers that make evening campfires and morning hikes equally delightful. Early January visitors can expect gentle breezes and occasional light rain that only adds to the forest's mystique.

ElevationThe campground's position within the rolling Ozark terrain creates natural privacy and varied landscapes that change with every turn of the trail.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a symphony of birdsong in Spring Creek's enchanting hardwood forest, where towering oaks and hickories create a natural cathedral overhead. Open grassy meadows provide perfect spots for stargazing or morning yoga, while well-worn paths lead adventurers to the legendary Buffalo National River's crystalline waters. This carefully preserved pocket of Ozark wilderness offers an ever-changing canvas—from spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to autumn's spectacular foliage display that transforms the canopy into a masterpiece of gold and crimson.

Geological RegionDiscover camping at its most dramatic in the heart of the Ozark Plateau, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Massive limestone bluffs rise like natural monuments above the forest floor, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. The rugged terrain creates hidden hollows and scenic overlooks, while the region's signature hardwood forests cloak the hills in green grandeur. This is camping among some of America's oldest exposed rock formations, where every limestone outcrop and winding creek has been shaped by eons of patient natural artistry.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specified check-in time.

Check-out

No specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spread out, with some located near the creek and grassy meadow area. Upper sites are noted to be less maintained.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available for Spring Creek Campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at Spring Creek Campground are first-come, first-serve.

Cancellation PolicySpring Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so reservations and associated cancellation policies do not apply.

AccessibilityInformation regarding accessibility features is unavailable.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and large, according to user reviews: 'large campsites right next to the creek' and 'very spacious.

PrivacyCampsites have mixed privacy. Some user reviews highlight that sites are well spread out: 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo,' while others mention issues such as noisy neighbors and overgrown sites.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest avoiding upper camp sites due to uneven ground and overgrowth. Campers recommend grassy meadow sites for better conditions and proximity to the river.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Spring Creek Campground is ideal for outdoor adventurers looking for a primitive camping experience and offers activities such as fishing, canoeing, floating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also abundant.

HikingHiking is available in the area, with some users praising the proximity to trails: 'great hiking as well.'

FishingThe campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, described as: 'Great fishing spot and primitive camping.'

BoatingBoating is commonly associated with the campground. Visitors utilize the area as a put-in spot for floating the river: 'A lot of people use this area to put in to float the river.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are noted implicitly as the campground is located next to the Buffalo National River, a biodiverse area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters, such as raccoons, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Users recommend securing food to avoid theft. Overgrown campsites and uneven terrain have been noted, along with loud and disruptive campers at times.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned, but primitive camping suggests fires may be allowed in designated areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specifically mentioned; however, reviews highlight noise from other campers as a concern.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely near Marshall, AR, approximately 15 miles away. Specific details on hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, pack-out policy applies. Users are responsible for managing their own trash and recycling as no facilities are provided.

Water FeaturesSituated next to the Buffalo National River, offering direct access for float trips and fishing.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.

Weather at Spring Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7

60 reviews

Top-Rated

Spring Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Spring Creek Campground as a quiet and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. Some users praise its spacious, free campsites and proximity to the Buffalo National River. However, concerns about upkeep, noisy neighbors, and overgrown conditions are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate its tranquil setting, free camping policy, river access, and clean vault toilets. Phrases such as 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo' and 'Great clean restroom'...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Campsites were described as overgrown: 'Campsites were overgrown, someone seems to have had quite some fun with a shovel digging holes and trenches.' Additionally, disturbances such as noisy campers...

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend securing food due to raccoons: 'Beware of the raccoons! Make sure you hang your food or have child locks on your coolers.' Early arrival is also suggested for better site selection.

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in the reviews, but the campground's proximity to the Buffalo National River suggests high use during warmer seasons.

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo.' 2. 'Great fishing spot and primitive camping.' 3. 'Wonderful pack-in pack-out tent camping next to the Buffalo National River!' 4. 'The lower...

Based on 60 reviews