Reservations Now Required for Camping at Buffalo National River

If you’re planning a Buffalo National River camping adventure near Ponca, Arkansas this year, there’s a major update to how camping reservations work. After years of largely first-come, first-served campsites, the National Park Service is rolling out a new reservation system for many of the park’s most popular campground areas.  In this post we address the key takeaways you need to be aware of before making your 2026 Buffalo River camping plans.

 The New Reservation Policy: What’s changing?

Starting March 13, 2026, Buffalo National River will require campground reservations (between mid-March through mid-November) at campgrounds that historically operated without advance booking.  Buffalo River campgrounds effected by this change in the upper district where Ponca is located include:

• Steel Creek Campground

• Ozark Campground

• Carver Campground

Again, these popular campsites now require campers to reserve a spot in advance through Recreation.gov or by phone (877-444-6777) when camping between mid-March and mid-November.  Cash and check payments at the gate will no longer be accepted for these sites.  If you are camping between mid-November and mid-March, reservations are not required.  (Check Recreation.gov or the NPS / Buffalo River camping page for the specific dates reservations are not required.)

How far in advance can I reserve a campsite?

Reservations open up to six months before your arrival date and will also be available on the same day (as long as spots remain). Once you’ve booked, you must bring your reservation confirmation number with you (the park will no longer hang reservation cards on sites as proof of booking).

Other middle and lower district Buffalo National River campgrounds now requiring reservations include Tyler Bend, Buffalo Point (although some sites will remain first-come / first-served) and Rush.

What campsites are still first-come, first-served?

It’s not a complete shift to reservations everywhere. Several camping options remain unchanged:

• Kyles Landing Campground — Individual campsites still first-come, first-served.

• Erbie Campground — First-come, first-served sites remain available.

• Some Buffalo Point Campsites — A mix of reserved and first-come / first-served sites continues.

• Backcountry Primitive Sites (like Woolum and Spring Creek) — Still free, first-come, and no reservations at all.

So if your ideal setup is a more rugged, less structured camping experience, those options are still available without planning months ahead.

Can I still camp along the Buffalo River and not in a campground?

Yes, dispersed camping is still permitted and it is free.  However, remember:  You must camp at least ½ mile away from any formal National Park Service campground, such as Steel Creek or Kyle’s Landing.

What about reservations for group sites and shelters?

Group camping areas and pavilions at places like Ozark and Tyler Bend will still be bookable up to a year in advance , and now also can be reserved the same day if available. This gives larger groups a bit more flexibility.

Why the change?

While the National Park Service hasn’t published an in-depth rationale, these reservation systems often help:

• Reduce crowding at peak times.

• Give visitors certainty that they’ll have a campsite before they arrive.

• Eliminate confusion that sometimes happens when campsites fill early in the day.

This shift actually brings the Buffalo National River more in line with many other high-use national parks and recreation areas.

Tips for Planning Your Camping Trip

Reserve early: Six months in advance is the earliest you can book. With spring and summer weekends filling fast on the upper Buffalo River, early planning pays off.
Bring your confirmation: You must have your booking number when you arrive — no paper cards are hung at campsites anymore.
Don’t rely on cell signal: Much of the Buffalo National River area has no cell service, especially the river corridor between Ponca and Kyle’s Landing. Make campsite reservations before heading into the park.
Consider alternative camping: If you like flexibility, explore first-come sites, such as those at Kyle’s Landing, or dispersed/backcountry camping along the riverbanks.

Prefer a cozy cabin rental over a brave-the-elements campsite?

While camping can be a fabulous way to experience upper Buffalo River country, having a big view, a soothing hot tub and a cozy fireplace to call your own after a full day of adventure is also pretty fabulous!  Here are some beautiful BOC log cabin rentals to consider:

Hot Tub Cabins / Mountain View Cabins / Family & Friends Cabins / Pet-Friendly Cabins / Romantic Cabins for Two  /  Group Lodges

Have an RV instead of a tent?

BOC has a lovely mountain-top RV park complete with spacious sites, full hookups at every site, concrete pads, first-class bathhouse and coin laundry, and a view across the Ozark Mountains as big as all outdoors!  These 14 sites are very popular, so reserving well in advance of your travel date is advised.  Our RV park is a quick drive to the Ponca access on the Buffalo National River, as well as less than 1/2-mile from the popular Centerpoint Trailhead that’s your starting point for Big Bluff, one of the upper Buffalo’s most popular (and amazing!) hiking trails!