39
Total Campsites
Campground
19
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Steel Creek Campground
Overview Steel Creek Campground is situated along the Buffalo River under the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff. One section of the campground offers 26 walk-in tent sites and another section of the campground offers 14 sites for those camping with horses. Half of the sites in the campground are available for reservations. Steel Creek is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca, just off Highway 74. Recreation Floating conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current floating conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page. Facilities Floating conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current floating conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page. Natural Features The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. Nearby Attractions The Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek and offers great day hiking or overnight backcountry opportunities. Boxley Valley is nearby and is home to Lost Valley, an easy to moderate trail that leads hikers past geologic and water formations. Call the Steel Creek Ranger Station at 870-861-2570 or visit the park's Hiking Trails web page for more information.. Charges & Cancellations rules and reservation policies
- 39 total campsites listed.
- 19 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (26).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Steel Creek Campground special
Steel Creek Campground is the crown jewel of the Buffalo National River, set beneath the towering 300-foot Roark Bluff in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. The campground is divided into two areas: 26 walk-in tent sites along the river and 14 equestrian sites for those camping with horses. The Buffalo River here is a designated National River — the first in the country — and this upper stretch near Ponca is where the most dramatic bluffs and swimming holes are found. When water levels cooperate, floating from Steel Creek downstream to Kyles Landing is a classic Ozark canoe trip. Elk reintroduced to the area are regularly spotted in the fields along Highway 43 at dawn and dusk. The walk-in tent sites require a short carry from the parking area, but the payoff is direct river access and campsites tucked into the woods at the base of the bluff. Fall foliage in late October transforms the river corridor into a tunnel of gold and orange. Half the sites are reservable; the rest are first-come, first-served. This is Ozark camping at its most iconic.
Campsite Inventory
39 sites to choose from
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
13
Reservable
0
Accessible
EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC
6
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Check-in time
01:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
DRINKING WATER
Drinking Water
DRINKING WATER (PEAK SEASON)
Drinking Water (peak season)
Driveway surface
Gravel
FLUSH TOILETS
Flush Toilets
FLUSH TOILETS (SEASONAL)
Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
Fire Pit
Fire Pit
HITCHING RACKS
Hitching Racks
Max Num of Horses
6
Max guests
6
Minimum guests
Yes
PIT TOILETS
Pit Toilets
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table
Proximity to Water
N/A, Riverfront
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
870-861-2570
buff_information@nps.gov
Getting There
From 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. Here, take highway 43 East for about 5 miles (8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 74. Here, 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. At the bottom of the hill the main campground will be to your left and the horse camp will be to your right. 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. Here, take highway 43 East for about 5 miles (8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 74. Here, 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. At the bottom of the hill the main campground will be your left and the horse camp will be on your right. 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 until you come to the intersection of State Highway 43 on your right. Follow highway 43 for about 25 miles (40 km) until to get to the intersection of State Highway 74. Turn left 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. At the bottom of the hill the main campground will be your left and the horse camp will be on your right.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Steel Creek Campground.
How do reservations work for Steel Creek Campground?
Reservation availability for Steel Creek Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Steel Creek Campground?
Steel Creek Campground currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (26), EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC (13).
Where is Steel Creek Campground located?
Steel Creek Campground is in Arkansas near Jasper. Coordinates: 36.0302, -93.3418.
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