Spring Creek Campground
4.6813 reviewsSearcy County Road 99, Harriet, AR, 72639, USA
Spring Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping at Spring Creek Campground is free of charge, with no recreation use fees or reservation fees.
About this campground
Escape to the untouched beauty of Spring Creek Campground, where twelve secluded tent sites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This first-come, first-served gem strips camping down to its essence—no electrical hookups, no running water, just you and nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. Perfect for adventurers who prefer their camping raw and unfiltered, Spring Creek offers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rhythms of the forest.
Spring Creek Campground caters to primitive tent camping and is ideal for individuals seeking an off-the-grid experience.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history flows as freely as the nearby waters. Spring Creek sits within the storied Buffalo National River region—one of America's pioneering national rivers that helped launch a movement to preserve our nation's waterways. The surrounding Ozark hills whisper tales of early settlers who carved out lives in these rugged lands, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and connection to nature. Every trail and creek bed here connects you to generations of adventurers who found solace and inspiration in these ancient hills.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of the Ozarks at Spring Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, invigorating air with temperatures dancing between the low 30s and upper 40s—ideal for those who love camping under star-filled skies without summer's humidity. As the calendar turns, the campground transforms into a mild spring paradise before warming into those perfect Ozark summers that make evening campfires and morning hikes equally delightful. Early January visitors can expect gentle breezes and occasional light rain that only adds to the forest's mystique.
ElevationThe campground's position within the rolling Ozark terrain creates natural privacy and varied landscapes that change with every turn of the trail.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a symphony of birdsong in Spring Creek's enchanting hardwood forest, where towering oaks and hickories create a natural cathedral overhead. Open grassy meadows provide perfect spots for stargazing or morning yoga, while well-worn paths lead adventurers to the legendary Buffalo National River's crystalline waters. This carefully preserved pocket of Ozark wilderness offers an ever-changing canvas—from spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to autumn's spectacular foliage display that transforms the canopy into a masterpiece of gold and crimson.
Geological RegionDiscover camping at its most dramatic in the heart of the Ozark Plateau, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Massive limestone bluffs rise like natural monuments above the forest floor, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. The rugged terrain creates hidden hollows and scenic overlooks, while the region's signature hardwood forests cloak the hills in green grandeur. This is camping among some of America's oldest exposed rock formations, where every limestone outcrop and winding creek has been shaped by eons of patient natural artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation regarding accessibility features is unavailable.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and large, according to user reviews: 'large campsites right next to the creek' and 'very spacious.'
Sites PrivacyCampsites have mixed privacy. Some user reviews highlight that sites are well spread out: 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo,' while others mention issues such as noisy neighbors and overgrown sites.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest avoiding upper camp sites due to uneven ground and overgrowth. Campers recommend grassy meadow sites for better conditions and proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesLower campsites in the grassy meadow area are mentioned as being preferable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread out, with some located near the creek and grassy meadow area. Upper sites are noted to be less maintained.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific seasonal information provided; it appears open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available for Spring Creek Campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at Spring Creek Campground are first-come, first-serve.
Cancellation PolicySpring Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so reservations and associated cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spring Creek Campground is ideal for outdoor adventurers looking for a primitive camping experience and offers activities such as fishing, canoeing, floating, and hiking. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also abundant.
Hiking
Hiking is available in the area, with some users praising the proximity to trails: 'great hiking as well.'Fishing
The campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, described as: 'Great fishing spot and primitive camping.'Boating
Boating is commonly associated with the campground. Visitors utilize the area as a put-in spot for floating the river: 'A lot of people use this area to put in to float the river.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are noted implicitly as the campground is located next to the Buffalo National River, a biodiverse area.Winter Activities
No specific information regarding winter activities.Water Sports
Primarily caters to canoeing and river-floating activities, as mentioned by users: 'So fun and peaceful! We love to camp there and also take off there and usually float to Rush.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned, but primitive camping suggests fires may be allowed in designated areas.
- Quiet hours are Not specifically mentioned; however, reviews highlight noise from other campers as a concern.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters, such as raccoons, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Users recommend securing food to avoid theft. Overgrown campsites and uneven terrain have been noted, along with loud and disruptive campers at times.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories are mentioned.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely near Marshall, AR, approximately 15 miles away. Specific details on hospitals or police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates are specified.
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out policy applies. Users are responsible for managing their own trash and recycling as no facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresSituated next to the Buffalo National River, offering direct access for float trips and fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include overgrown campsites, disruptive campers, and the site's lack of maintenance due to its use as a river access point.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Searcy County Road 99, Harriet, AR, 72639, USA
Driving directionsThe turn off to Spring Creek Campground is about 20 miles south of Yellville and 15 miles north of Marshall, Arkansas off of Highway 14. The campground is located 3 miles down at the end of County Road 99.
County Road 99 is unpaved and extends three miles from Highway 14 to the campground.Nearby places
Yellville (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Marshall (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, can be found in either Yellville (20 miles) or Marshall (15 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.7
13 reviews
Spring Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Spring Creek Campground as a quiet and scenic location ideal for primitive camping. Some users praise its spacious, free campsites and proximity to the Buffalo National River. However, concerns about upkeep, noisy neighbors, and overgrown conditions are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate its tranquil setting, free camping policy, river access, and clean vault toilets. Phrases such as 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo' and 'Great clean restroom'...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Campsites were described as overgrown: 'Campsites were overgrown, someone seems to have had quite some fun with a shovel digging holes and trenches.' Additionally, disturbances such as noisy campers...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend securing food due to raccoons: 'Beware of the raccoons! Make sure you hang your food or have child locks on your coolers.' Early arrival is also suggested for better site selection.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in the reviews, but the campground's proximity to the Buffalo National River suggests high use during warmer seasons.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Quiet and free with a nice view of the Buffalo.'
2. 'Great fishing spot and primitive camping.'
3. 'Wonderful pack-in pack-out tent camping next to the Buffalo National River!'
4. 'The lower...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews note the meadow sites as being occupied by large groups. Upper campsites were described as overgrown.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific feedback regarding accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025