Steel Creek Campground

Closed — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. During winter (November 15 - March 14), water systems are shut down and only vault toilets are available. No fees are charged during winter. Reservations and fees resume March 15 when flush restrooms and water spigots reopen.

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About

Steel Creek Campground is nestled in a scenic valley along the Buffalo River beneath the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff in the western district of Buffalo National River. Located about 3 miles east of Ponca, Arkansas off Highway 74, this campground offers two distinct camping areas: 26 walk-in tent sites and 14 equestrian sites designed for campers with horses or stock animals (accommodating up to six people and four animals per site). The Buffalo River flows free for 135 miles through the Arkansas Ozarks, cutting through massive limestone bluffs and creating one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Floating conditions in the upper district are highly dependent on rainfall and are typically best in spring and early summer. The Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek, offering excellent day hiking and overnight backcountry opportunities. Nearby Boxley Valley features Lost Valley, a popular trail with geologic and water formations. Half of the campsites are available for reservation during the main season (March 15 - November 14), while the remaining sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. The campground provides flush restrooms and water spigots during the main season, switching to vault toilets only during winter months when water systems are shut down. Trailers are only permitted in the horse camp area. The access road is paved for about 2 miles before becoming gravel on the valley floor.

Directions

From Fayetteville, Arkansas, drive north on US Highway 412 East for approximately 42 miles to State Highway 21. Take Highway 21 South for approximately 17 miles to State Highway 43. Take Highway 43 East for about 5 miles to State Highway 74. Turn right onto Highway 74 and drive about 2 miles to Steel Creek Road. Turn left and drive approximately 0.5 miles down into the campground. At the bottom of the hill the main campground is on the left and the horse camp is on the right.