Steel Creek Campground

Star4.03
261 reviews
386 NC 2104, Jasper, AR 72641

Quick Facts

1,542 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open March 14 - Nove...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Buffalo National River 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
Steel Creek Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent-only and equestrian sites are charged at $20 per night during the reservable season (March 14 to November 16). Outside this reservable season,...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Provider
870-861-2570buff_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 261 reviews

315 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews for Steel Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.54. Campers frequently praise the natural beauty, cleanliness, and convenient access to recreational activities. However, there are criticisms about site privacy, equestrian facilities, and occasional issues with reservations."

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Campground Map

386 NC 2104, Jasper, AR 72641

Steel Creek Campground

386 NC 2104, Jasper, AR 72641

Driving directionsFrom Fayetteville, Arkansas: Drive north and take US Highway 412 East for approximately 42 miles (67.5 km) to the intersection with State Highway 21. Take highway 21 South for approximately 17 miles (27 km) to the intersection of State Highway 43. Then take highway 43 East for about 5 miles (8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 74. Turn right onto highway 74, drive about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Steel Creek Road, turn left, and drive approximately .5 miles (.8 km) down into the campground. From Little Rock, Arkansas: Take Interstate 40 West for approximately 93 miles (150 km) to Exit 64. At Exit 64 take Business Highway 64 west through the town of Lamar for about 4 miles (6.5 km) to the intersection of State Highway 21. Take Highway North for about 48 miles (77 km) to the intersection of State Highway 43. Then take highway 43 East for about 5 miles (8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 74. Turn right onto highway 74 and drive about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Steel Creek Road. Turn left and drive approximately .5 miles (.8 km) down into the campground. From Springfield, Missouri: Take US Highway 65 South for approximately 70 miles (112.6 km) to the town of Harrison. In Harrison, take State Highway 7 South about 1 mile (1.6 km) through downtown Harrison to the intersection of State Highway 43 on your right. Follow highway 43 for about 25 miles (40 km) until you get to the intersection of State Highway 74. Turn left onto highway 74, drive about 2 miles (3.2 km) to Steel Creek Road, turn left, and drive approximately .5 miles (.8 km) down into the campground.
Accessible via paved roads, but the drive down into the campground can be steep and curvy. The final stretch includes white gravel roads leading directly to the site, which may pose challenges for low-clearance vehicles.
Nearby places
Ponca (3 miles), Jasper (approx. 12 miles), Harrison (approx. 37 miles), Fayetteville (approx. 86 miles), Little Rock (approx. 154 miles), Springfield, MO (approx. 70 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies (firewood, food, gas, etc.) can be purchased at nearby Ponca (3 miles away). JB Trading Post in Compton is another option offering hot food, camping gear, and helpful trail information.

Best Time to Camp at Steel Creek Campground

Each season paints Steel Creek with its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and refreshing rains that swell the river to its most adventurous levels. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven, where humid days give way to cricket-filled evenings. As autumn approaches, crisp nights and golden days create perfect camping conditions, while winter brings a quieter charm with its cool temperatures and peaceful solitude. The ever-changing weather adds its own character to every camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Swimming and boating peak in summer but the site can be crowded and hot.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 24% in AR

Fall is particularly popular for scenic beauty and foliage — reviewers note peak scenery.

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

Spring attracts campers for optimal floating/floating conditions and river levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open for free camping Nov–Mar but colder, quieter, and peak-season services are reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 14 to November 16.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 14 - November 16 for reservations. Free camping from November 15 to March 14.
  • Current Alerts: There are periodic warnings about muddy tie-lines for horses and high water hazards after rainfall. Seasonal changes may affect trail accessibility.

About Steel Creek Campground

Discover a riverside sanctuary where 26 tent sites and 14 equestrian sites rest in the shadow of towering limestone cliffs at Steel Creek Campground. Here, the rhythmic flow of the Buffalo River provides nature's soundtrack while modern conveniences like flush restrooms and fresh water stations (available during peak season) ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. True to its back-to-nature spirit, this unplugged paradise forgoes electrical hookups, inviting you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one.
Steel Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and equestrian camping. Seasonal conditions and reservation policies play a significant role in planning a stay.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, with a total yearly limit of 30 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Steel Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to relax in nature. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The campground is located near trails and the Buffalo River, providing easy access to natural attractions.
HikingThe Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek, offering excellent day hikes and overnight backcountry opportunities. Nearby trails like Lost Valley also provide easy to moderate hiking with geological formations and waterfalls. "The Lost Valley hiking trail is close by and it's one of the most hiked trails in Arkansas" (Review by Jair A).
FishingFishing is permitted in the Buffalo River. However, the source materials do not provide details about the types of fish or fishing conditions.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity in the Buffalo River near the campground. "Perfect to cool down in the river after a day of hiking" (Review by Terra C).
BoatingBoating, including canoeing and kayaking, is a highlight at Steel Creek. The upper Buffalo River, accessible from the campground, is navigable in spring and early summer, depending on rainfall.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and armadillos are commonly spotted in the campground. "We saw several deer and had a nightly visit from some curious armadillos" (Review by Steve D).
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPooling water and muddy conditions in equestrian areas are common after rain. Wildlife like raccoons and armadillos may disrupt unsecured food storage. Steep terrain poses risks during wet weather.
Active AlertsThere are periodic warnings about muddy tie-lines for horses and high water hazards after rainfall. Seasonal changes may affect trail accessibility.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Steel Creek Campground

Reviews

4.0
261 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Steel Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Steel Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.54. Campers frequently praise the natural beauty, cleanliness, and convenient access to recreational activities. However, there are criticisms about site privacy, equestrian facilities, and occasional issues with reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 261 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, beautiful natural surroundings, and proximity to trails and the Buffalo River are common themes in positive reviews. "The campgrounds are great, grounds are nice, the bathrooms...
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Based on 261 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with equestrian facilities (muddy tie-lines and manure bins), site privacy, and reservation mishaps are among the most common complaints. "The tie-line area is a slippery swamp that will suck...
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Based on 261 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra tarps for muddy conditions and firewood for campfires. Some reviewers recommend JB Trading Post for supplies and trail information.
Based on 261 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly popular for its scenic beauty, while spring attracts campers for its optimal floating conditions. Summers can be crowded, and winter is quieter but colder.
Based on 261 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The scenery is gorgeous. The campsite was clean, spacious, and situated well" (Review by Jessica G). "Steel Creek is such a great campground. With such close access to the river and the BRT, coupled...
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Based on 261 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4 is praised for its size and proximity to the river, while horse sites like #32 draw special mention for scenic views despite muddy conditions. Sites near the tree line are recommended for...
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Based on 261 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific insights on accessibility were shared by users.
Based on 261 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted from most trails. "This place isn’t very dog friendly... you can pretty much only keep your dog at the campsite" (Review by Jorden R).
Based on 261 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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