How much does camping cost at Ozark Campground?

Camping fees at Ozark Campground range from $20-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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 17 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 March 13 to November 15. 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.

Can I have a campfire at Ozark Campground?

Fire policies at Ozark Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Ozark Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ozark Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ozark Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Ozark Campground?

Popular activities at Ozark Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ozark Campground

4.12

165 reviews

Ozark Campground

Top 4% in MOSpring

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Spring Camping Arkansas Spring Camping Mountain Camping Arkansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

906 ft

Price

$20 - $25/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

906 ft

Price

$20 - $25/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Ozark Campground

$20.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $25.00; Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-861-2570 (STEEL CREEK RANGER STATION)

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ozark Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Ozark Campground

36.0621, -93.1597

Nearby places

Harrison — approximately 13 miles (21 km)

Jasper — nearby (distance not specified)

Weather at Ozark Campground

Current alerts(6)

All park trails are closed to pets with the exception of the Buffalo River Trail, only on the section of trail between Ponca and Steel Creek , the Villines Homestead Trail at Ponca, the Mill Creek Trail, the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall…
Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.
Do not swim alone during high water.
Please be aware that some special events held at the pavilions or anywhere in the park (such as weddings, press receptions, concerts, et al) require a Special Use Permit in addition to the pavilion reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Ozark Campground

Best season: spring. Spring is prime because higher snowmelt and seasonal rains swell the Buffalo River (typically late March through May), producing the best canoeing and kayaking conditions and dramatic riverside scenery. Daytime temperatures are usually mild (60–75°F) with cool nights (35–50°F), making hiking and riverside gatherings comfortable and mosquito pressure still moderate early in the season. Expect peak paddling activity and lively river recreation — crowds increase on weekends, so book early for the 1 Peak months: April, May, June, October Avoid: January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in MO

Spring brings higher snowmelt/flows and is described as the best season for canoeing and dramatic scenery.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 13 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Ozark Campground

Ozark Campground sits on the Buffalo River near Jasper, offering well-spaced campsites with electric hookups, flush toilets, and potable water. Campers consistently praise the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and easy river access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. All sites are first come, first served.

The feature described is a covered pavilion within the Ozark Campground along the Buffalo River, providing a large sheltered picnic area (seating up to 100). Specific campsite types (tent, RV, primitive, group sites, cabins, glamping) are not detailed in the source material.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring is prime because higher snowmelt and seasonal rains swell the Buffalo River (typically late March through May), producing the best canoeing and kayaking conditions and dramatic riverside scenery. Daytime temperatures are usually mild (60–75°F) with cool nights (35–50°F), making hiking and riverside gatherings comfortable and mosquito pressure still moderate early in the season. Expect peak paddling activity and lively river recreation — crowds increase on weekends, so book early for the 1 Peak months: April, May, June, October Avoid: January, February

Elevation906 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a riverside setting at 906 feet elevation in the Arkansas Ozarks. Soft sandy beaches line the Buffalo River, which flows past limestone bluffs draped in hardwood forest. The river carves through valleys and ridges, creating dramatic scenery that shifts around every bend. Swimming holes, cliff-jumping spots, and calm stretches for wading attract families throughout the warmer months.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (see Rules and Reservation Policies: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

Recommended SitesBring your own grill (electricity is available but a personal grill is recommended). The Buffalo River Trailhead is adjacent to the pavilion for hiking/backpacking access.

Amenities available

flush restrooms and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 14 each year. Water and electricity will be turned off approximately November 15th to March 15th each year.

Potable water

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A range of river-based recreation is available at the Buffalo River adjacent to the pavilion, and a long-distance hiking trail begins next to the site.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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

From Booking Sources

4.1

165 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing Ozark Campground as a beautiful, well-kept, and peaceful place on the Buffalo River. Campers highlight its natural scenery, river access, and family‑friendly atmosphere, with many saying it’s one of their favorite places to camp or even a meaningful life event location.

Review Summaries

Based on 165 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the gorgeous river setting, soft sandy beaches, and opportunities for swimming, fishing, cliff jumping, kayaking/canoeing, and floating the Buffalo River. They also praise the...

Based on 165 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviewers note that there is no cell service at the campground, though some view this as a positive. Another limitation mentioned is the absence of showers, even though restrooms are...

Based on 165 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers emphasize that all sites are first come, first served, so campers should arrive early, especially on holiday weekends. One review advises booking kayak/canoe rentals in advance and...

Based on 165 reviews

Camper Quotes

“One of our favorite places to camp. No cell signal, which can be a good thing if you're looking to unplug.” “It’s a great campground on the Buffalo. The spots are well spaced out and the bathrooms...

Based on 165 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer specifically mentions a “flat, no steps access” boat launch, indicating easy access to the river at that point. Another notes successfully camping with a 32 ft Class A motorhome and tow...

Based on 165 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One review notes the area is dog friendly as long as pets are kept on a leash, suggesting that leashed dogs are welcome at or near the campground.

Based on 165 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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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

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.