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Campground · AR

Steel Creek Campground

AR · Buffalo National River

Steel Creek Campground is generally plan ahead to book. Across the 9 months we have reservation data for, difficulty peaks in April (7/10) and eases to its lowest in July (2/10). The heat strip below breaks down every month — pick one for its full odds, lead-time chart, and easier nearby alternatives.

Season at a glance

Booking difficulty by month

12-month reservation season
  1. Jan–
  2. Feb–
  3. Mar5
  4. Apr7
  5. May5
  6. Jun3
  7. Jul2
  8. Aug2
  9. Sep5
  10. Oct7
  11. Nov7
  12. Dec–
1 · Easy10 · Lottery

Midweek tip: in the busiest month (April), arrivals are lightest on Wednesday — shift your dates to improve your odds.

Booking window

When reservations open

Booking window

Reservations open on a rolling 6-month window at 7:00 AM America/New York.

For example, sites for April 15, 2027 become bookable on October 15, 2026. Set a reminder a few minutes before release for the best shot.

Standard Recreation.gov 6-month rolling window: sites become bookable 6 months before arrival at 7:00 AM ET.

Facilities

Sites & amenities

  • 26 tent-only sites

Activities: HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, KAYAKING, STAR GAZING, HORSE CAMPING, CANOEING, CAMPING, FISHING, RANGER STATION, PICNICKING, SWIMMING

Fees

How much does it cost to camp at Steel Creek Campground?

Fees for the walk-in tent sites and primitive horse-only sites (non-electric) are $20 a night for up to 6 people and per site. Horse-only sites are allowed up to 6 stock per site.

Fee details as listed on Recreation.gov. Rates and passes change by season, so confirm the current price on Recreation.gov before you book.

Location

Where it is