Steel Creek Camp offers a unique camping experience along the beautiful Buffalo River in Arkansas. Nestled under the towering Roark Bluff, this campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the picturesque landscapes of the area.
A Campground for Everyone
Steel Creek Camp features 26 tent-only sites and 14 sites for campers with horses or stock animals. Each horse campsite allows up to six people and four stock animals, providing ample space for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. While the campground does not offer electrical amenities or water hookups, flush restrooms, and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 14 each year.
A Scenic Escape
Situated along the Buffalo River, Steel Creek Campground offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The campground is divided into two sections, with one section offering walk-in tent sites and the other section catering to campers with horses. Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or an adventurous getaway, Steel Creek Camp provides the perfect setting for your outdoor excursion.
Convenient Location
Located just 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca and off Highway 74, Steel Creek Campground is easily accessible yet feels secluded and tranquil. This prime location allows campers to enjoy the beauty of the Buffalo River area while being close to nearby amenities and attractions.
Plan Your Adventure
If you're looking for an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of Arkansas's natural beauty, look no further than Steel Creek Camp. With its scenic location, ample amenities, and proximity to outdoor adventures, Steel Creek Camp offers everything you need for a memorable camping trip.
Steel Creek Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Drinking Water (peak season)
- Emergency Phone
- Flush Toilets (Seasonal)
- Parking Area
- Pets Allowed
- Pit Toilets
- River Access
- Self Pay Station
- Trash Collection
- Fire Pit
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Flush Toilets
- Hitching Racks
Cost Details:
- $20 per night
Notes:
- Sites 27 - 40 are our Equestrian Camping Sites only for campers with horses.
- The facility is available for camping free of charge outside of the reservation season, generally from November 15th to March 14th every year.
- Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.
- Don’t move firewood.
- Contact Details: 870-861-2570 or buff_information@nps.gov
- All park trails are closed to pets except 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 (trailhead is at the Pruitt River access area in the Upper District), the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall in the Middle District), and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District).
Directions:
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 on 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 you 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 on your left and the horse camp will be on your right.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Steel Creek Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Steel Creek Camp for more information