Ozark Campground

Star4.60
133 reviews
Ozark Campground

Quick Facts

Price

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

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Ozark Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
See Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 133 reviews

169 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanbeachfriendlywell-maintained

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Ozark Campground

The river comes alive each spring as snowmelt swells the Buffalo's channels, creating ideal conditions for paddlers through early summer. This is when the Ozark Pavilion truly shines, as canoeists, kayakers, and tubers launch into the current just steps from your picnic tables, their laughter echoing off the ancient bluffs.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season for canoeing, kayaking and tubing: spring to early summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Ozark Campground

Nestled along the legendary Buffalo River, the Ozark Pavilion offers a perfect gathering spot where towering limestone bluffs create a dramatic backdrop for groups of up to 100 guests. This covered riverside retreat combines modern conveniences—electricity, flush toilets, and drinking water—with immediate access to world-class paddling and the trailhead to backcountry adventures.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe Buffalo River holds a rare distinction in modern America—it remains one of the last free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states, a liquid time capsule flowing exactly as it has for millennia. As it carves its path through the Arkansas Ozarks, this protected waterway tells the story of successful conservation and the enduring wild character of the American landscape.
Weather and SeasonsThe river comes alive each spring as snowmelt swells the Buffalo's channels, creating ideal conditions for paddlers through early summer. This is when the Ozark Pavilion truly shines, as canoeists, kayakers, and tubers launch into the current just steps from your picnic tables, their laughter echoing off the ancient bluffs.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom the pavilion's vantage point, you'll witness where forest meets river in spectacular fashion—135 miles of untamed water cutting through the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks without a single dam to interrupt its ancient rhythm. Massive limestone bluffs rise directly from the riverbanks, their layered faces revealing millions of years of geological history, while dense hardwood forests crown the heights above. The view shifts with every bend of the river, offering an ever-changing panorama of one of America's most pristine waterways.
Geological RegionArkansas Ozarks
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring 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.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCovered picnic pavilion seating up to 100 people with electricity; flush toilets and drinking water available nearby.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (see Rules and Reservation Policies: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)
Cancellation PolicySee Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

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
The Buffalo River Trailhead is next to the pavilion; the trail spans 36.5 miles (59 km) of the Buffalo River from Boxely to Pruitt and is suited for day hiking or backpacking.
Fishing
Fishing is available on the Buffalo River, which runs alongside the pavilion.
Swimming
Swimming in the Buffalo River is listed among the river activities available.
Boating
River boating activities include canoeing, kayaking and tubing on the Buffalo River; peak season for canoeing, kayaking and tubing is spring to early summer.
Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, tubing (peak season for these is spring to early summer)
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Ozark Campground

38
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 55%
Wind: 4.3 mph
Clear sky

Weather History
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Good to know

Peak season datesPeak season for canoeing, kayaking and tubing: spring to early summer.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Buffalo National River; adjacent to the Buffalo River and near river access for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming and fishing.

Campground Map

Ozark Campground
Driving directionsFrom Harrison, head south on Highway 7 for approximately 13 miles (21 km). After driving across a bridge over the Buffalo River, look for a brown sign for the Ozark Campground. Turn right onto the gravel road and follow it for about one mile (1.6 km) to the campground and pavilion.
Accessible via Highway 7 (from Harrison); turn onto a gravel road after crossing the Buffalo River bridge to reach the campground.
Nearby places
Harrison — approximately 13 miles (21 km)
Jasper — nearby (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Jasper (restaurants, gas stations and groceries)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6
133 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ozark Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 133 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...
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Based on 133 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...
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Based on 133 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...
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Based on 133 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...
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Based on 133 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...
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Based on 133 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 133 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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