Arkansas · published-coordinate region
Steel Creek Campground
Look beyond the campground name. Compare the actual sites and the details that matter to your trip.
National Park Service39Supported overnight records
2Published site categories
39Sites with a reported party limit
A useful starting point, not a fit guarantee. Site-specific warnings are absent from this export. Published lengths may include a tow vehicle. Check the official site page for current notes, restrictions, approach and configuration before booking. No live availability is shown.
A closer look at the 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 13 sites for those camping with horses. All sites are available by reservation only. Steel Creek is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca, just off Highway 74.
Recreation
Paddling 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 paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502, or check the Buffalo National River Float Guide Dashboard
Facilities
Steel Creek has 26 tent only sites and 13 sites for campers with horses/stock animals (six people and four stock animals allowed per site). All sites are available by reservations only. There are no electrical amenities or water hookups, but flush restrooms and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 15 each year.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (870) 439-2502.
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. Visit the park's Hiking Trails web page for more information..
Charges & Cancellations
rules and reservation policies
Full operator-supplied campground description · Scroll within the panel for more · Amenities may be shared by the campground, not present at every site
How much is documented?
Reported fields across the 39 supported campsite records here. A reported value can still need interpretation; missing values remain unknown in the planner.
Party limit
39
Vehicle limit
39
Vehicle length
0
Driveway entry
0
Shade
9
Bars show counts, not a quality, accessibility or suitability score.
The campsite mix
Tent Only Nonelectric
26
Equestrian Nonelectric
13
Operator 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 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.
Campground-level source text. Confirm the current route and road conditions with the operator.
THE ACTUAL SITES
39 published campsite records
Raw published values are shown below, including zeros and ambiguous text. They are not validated capacities. The planner keeps missing, zero and questionable dimensions unknown.
View all 39 published site records
| SITE / LOOP | TYPE | EQUIPMENT LIMITS | PEOPLE / VEHICLES | DRIVEWAY | ELECTRIC / SHADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site 01 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-09-23 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 02 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 03 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 04 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 05 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 06 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 07 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 08 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 09 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 10 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 11 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 12 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 13 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 14 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 15 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 16 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 17 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 18 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 19 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 20 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 21 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-03 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 22 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 23 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 24 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 25 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 26 - Tent Site Main Loop Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Tent Only Nonelectric | Large Tent Over 9x12`: limit unknown Small Tent: limit unknown Tent: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 27 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Yes |
| Site 28 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 29 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: 1 ft Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 30 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 31 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 32 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 33 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 34 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 35 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 36 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-03 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 37 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 38 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
| Site 39 - Horse Site Horse Camp Source updated: 2026-04-07 | Equestrian Nonelectric | Horse: limit unknown Numeric screening only | 6 people 2 vehicles | Not reported Not reported | Not reported Shade: Not reported |
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