Nearby Campgrounds
§ 02 — 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.
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.
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.
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..
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
rules and reservation policies
§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
§ 01 — VITALS
T-Mobile
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Thu
85°F
Mostly Sunny
10 to 15 mph SSW
Fri
81°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph
Sat
84°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
5 to 10 mph SSW
Sun
79°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
5 mph WNW
Mon
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
5 mph NNE
Tue
74°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
0 to 5 mph NNW
Wed
79°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
5 mph SSW