The Happiness Function

This guide will help you plan a road trip camping in Buffalo National River and hiking to Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas.

One of the best parts about living in the Southern U.S. is the long autumn season. You can easily camp into November. Fall camping in Arkansas means enjoying warmer days, crisp nights, and breathtaking fall foliage.

Visiting the Ozarks in northwest Arkansas during the fall is one of our favorite road trips from Tulsa.

We had heard fantastic things about hiking the famous Whitaker Point Trail and camping at Buffalo National River when we first moved to Tulsa. When we finally visited, it was so awesome we had to share all the details for you.

Trip Overview

• Plan an overnight camping trip at Steel Creek Campground in Buffalo National River.

• The next day, drive to the Whitaker Point trailhead and hike to Hawksbill Crag.

Exploring Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is one of the few rivers in the U.S. with no dams — the park is managed by the National Park Service. There are no entry fees to get into the park.

The area is wild, rugged, and rural. Majestic bluffs surround the famous turquoise-colored river tucked in the valleys of the Ozarks.

Where To Camp

There is no official camping near the Whitaker Point Trail.

One of the closest places to camp, if you’re in a tent, is at Steel Creek Campground, which is roughly 40 minutes from the Whitaker Point Trailhead. It is located inside of the the park boundaries.

To guarantee a spot reserve ahead of time on recreation.gov. Reserving a campsite ahead of time is a smart option.

Steel Creek Campground Details

Steel Creek Campground is tent and horse trailer friendly.

There are flushing toilets, sinks with running water, and water spigots for freshwater seasonally. The campground does not have showers or electricity and there are no lights in the restrooms (don’t forget your headlamp).

It costs $20/night to camp here.

Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, fire ring grate, and lantern holder.

Campsites are flat and mostly in the grass.

We love camping here because there are beautiful views of the bluffs and the night sky is absolutely incredible. There are trails to access the river.

RVs are not permitted at Steel Creek.

If you have your RV, check out the Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park — we have stayed here many times and it is nice.

Things To Know Before Visiting

If you have never been to the Buffalo National River, here are things I think you’ll find helpful ahead of time.

• There is no cell phone reception at Steel Creek.
• You’ll want to make sure you have directions saved ahead of time.
• Places are well marked with signs.
• Apple maps does not provide directions to Steel Creek Campground.
• Google maps will get you to Steel Creek Campground.
• The turn-off to Steel Creek Campground is obvious from AR-74 — you can’t miss it.
• Dogs are allowed at the Steel Creek Campground on a leash.
• There are four kinds of poisonous snakes in the area and we have seen one copperhead while hiking in the park.
• Clean up camp at night to protect the wildlife in the area.

How To Hike Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)

Whitaker Point is a famous Arkansas gem. You might have even seen it in the movie Tuck Everlasting.

How To Get Here

If you stayed the night at Steel Creek Campground, you’ll go back out to AR-74 and head towards Boxley, Arkansas.

Follow AR-74 to the AR-43 Junction, which seems to just turn into AR-21.

There will be a highway bridge crossing for the Buffalo National River. The turn-off to get on the county (dirt) road leading to the Whitaker Point Trailhead is right before you go over this bridge. There is a (beat up) sign indicating access for Whitaker Point Trailhead.

Plan to have 4WD because the dirt road is steep.

Down the dirt road, you’ll drive about 25 minutes to get to the trailhead.

From Steel Creek Campground to the Whitaker Point Trailhead is about 40 minutes.

Where To Park

The trailhead is marked. It will be on your left side (when driving up the mountain).

Try to get to the trailhead early. There is parking, but overflow traffic means you’ll have to park along the dirt road.

We have hiked this trail a few times and weekends are busy.

There are no restrooms at the trailhead. The closest restroom is in Ponca — or in the woods.

How Long is the Hike?

The trail is about 3 miles round trip. If stopping for pictures it takes about 2 hours.

There is a waterfall about halfway down the trail. The trail will split, and you’ll see where you can hike a little lower to a waterfall. The trail loops so you can’t go wrong if you stay on the trail.

Be Careful Hiking

There are massive cliffs — know where you are stepping. Stay on the trail for your safety.

Enjoy Your Trip

Hiking to Whitaker Point is such a fun adventure.

We hope you have a great time exploring this special place in the Ozarks.

Ashlee & Pablo

Save for Later!

Pin this fall road trip idea to plan your trip later.

Please practice Leave No Trace while exploring the outdoors.