Buffalo River Adventures
Buffalo National River Camping
Camping on the Buffalo National River is a beautiful outdoor experience, whether you’re in a designated National Park Service campground or camping on a pristine gravel bar along the river.
NEW for 2026: NPS Requires Reservations at Select Campgrounds < Click to learn more.
Find Your Perfect Campsite!
The upper Buffalo National River offers several campgrounds featuring some of the most gorgeous, iconic river scenery in mid-America!
Upper Buffalo National River campgrounds include:
- Steel Creek
- Kyle’s Landing
- Erbie
- Ozark
- Carver
- Mount Hersey
Which one’s best for your adventure? Continue reading to learn more about National Park Service campgrounds near Ponca, as well as how to reserve a campsite.
Upper Buffalo River Campgrounds That Require Reservations
Three upper Buffalo National River campgrounds require advance reservations between mid-March and mid-November. To reserve, visit one of these links or call 877-444-6777 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (EST):
Steel Creek Campground / Ozark Campground / Carver
No reservations are required at the Kyle’s Landing, Erbie and Mount Hersey campgrounds.
Please visit this National Park Service camping web page to learn which Buffalo National River campgrounds in the middle and lower districts require reservations.
Which campgrounds are closest to Ponca?
The Steel Creek Campground is closest to Ponca. It is only a short 10-minute drive from our store (via Hwy 74) and offers both tent camping and horse camping sites. Further downriver is the Kyle’s Landing Campground, which is an approximate 20-minute drive from our store in Ponca via Hwy 74.
Where should I camp if I am floating Ponca to Kyle’s Landing?
The Steel Creek and Kyle’s Landing campgrounds are the most popular because of their proximity to the Ponca-to-Kyle’s Landing section of river. These are primitive campgrounds offering basic tent site accommodations, including space for up to 3 tents (max of 6 people per site), a picnic table, fire grate and lantern pole. Sites are $20 per night / per site. Drinking water faucets are available, as well as pit and flush toilets. (Please note that flush toilets are closed from November through early March.) There are no shower facilities. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times in campgrounds.
Again, reservations are required between mid-March and mid-November for Steel Creek campsites, which you can reserve online here: Steel Creek Campground Reservations
You can learn more about the campground amenities available at Steel Creek and Kyle’s Landing here: Buffalo National River NPS Camping
Where should I camp if I am floating from the Pruitt access?
If your float trip plans have you launching at Pruitt, the Ozark Campground is your best choice for a National Park Service campground. Erbie is a good second choice, but not nearly as convenient as Ozark.
Can I camp along the Buffalo River?
Yes! Choosing your own campsite along the Buffalo National River is one of the great joys of an outdoor adventure on America’s first national river—and, it’s free! Just remember that you must stay 1/2-mile upstream or downstream of a designated campground (such as Steel Creek, Kyle’s Landing or Ozark) when choosing a campsite location. Please be sure to leave no footprint by removing your trash and campfire ring.
Will I have cell service along the Buffalo River?
Cell phones cannot receive reception at upper Buffalo National River campgrounds due to the geography and lack of towers in this area.
Do any upper Buffalo River campgrounds offer horse camping sites?
Yes, the Steel Creek Campground offers special sites for campers with horses and horse trailers. These sites are in their own designated area of the campground. Remember: Steel Creek Campground sites require advance reservations during mid-March through mid-November. To book, visit Recreation,gov or call 877-444-4777.
Where can I find a Buffalo National River map?
Want to see where these campgrounds are located? Need to see river mileage between accesses? Want to learn which trails are located near campgrounds? Just visit our web page with links to a variety of FREE online Buffalo National River maps. Or shop for printed Trails Illustrated Maps for the Buffalo National River in our online store!
HELPFUL BOC SERVICES FOR CAMPERS
Canoe & Kayak Rental / Vehicle Shuttles / BOC RV Park
