Steel Creek Campground

Overview

Steel Creek Campground has 26 tent-only sites and 13 sites for campers with horses/stock animals (six people and six stock animals allowed per site). There are no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from approximately March 15 through November 14.

Operator

National Park

Camping types

Tent, RV

Sites

39 campsites

Fee

From $20 per night (confirm with the operator)

Reservations

Reservable online

Phone

870-439-2505

Amenities

Location

Nearby adventures

Outdoor things to do around Steel Creek Campground, shown on the map above. Distances are straight-line from the campground, so driving or walking will be longer; trail details are approximate. Confirm access and conditions with the land manager.

Hikes and trailheads

• Beaver Jim Villines Homestead TrailHike · 15-60 Minutes · 1.4 mi from campShow on map
• Hike to Big BluffHike · 4-6 Hours · 1.8 mi from camp

  The Centerpoint Trail is a strenuous hike that traverses the Ponca Wilderness, winding down an old wagon road descending nearly 1,300 ft. to the Buffalo River. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Lost Valley TrailHike · 1-3 Hours · 2.6 mi from camp

  The Lost Valley Trail is an easy to moderate hike through a box canyon sculpted by Clark Creek. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Buffalo River TrailHike · 35.7 mi long · 0.1 mi from camp

  A trail maintained by National Park Service.

  Show on map
• Hike to Hideout HollowHike · 1-3 Hours · 5.1 mi from camp

  The Hideout Hollow Trail leads to a rock shelter that was once inhabited by a group of World War I draft dodgers called The Slacker Gang. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Cecil Cove LoopHike · 5-8 Hours · 7.0 mi from camp

  This 7-mile loop winds through the wooded valley following Cecil Creek. National Park Service

  Show on map

Mountain biking

• North Ark Bike CourseBike ride · 2.5 mi long · 18.8 mi from camp

  A loop mountain-bike route.

  Show on map
• McBroomBike ride · 0.7 mi long · Easy · 22.4 mi from camp

  A loop mountain-bike route.

  Show on map
• Old MainBike ride · 0.3 mi long · Easy · 22.5 mi from campShow on map
• Bus-A-MoveBike ride · 0.7 mi long · Moderate · 22.5 mi from camp

  A loop mountain-bike route.

  Show on map

Rivers and rafting

• Paddle Steel Creek to Kyles LandingPaddling and rafting · 4-6 Hours · 0.6 mi from camp

  Hands-down the most beloved and popular section of the upper river, the 8-mile section from Steel Creek to Kyles Landing meanders through the heart of the Ponca Wilderness past towering… National Park Service

  Show on map
• Paddle Ponca to Steel CreekPaddling and rafting · 1-3 Hours · 1.4 mi from camp

  This short section offers an introduction to the Upper Buffalo’s striking scenery and challenging whitewater. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Paddle Kyles Landing to ErbiePaddling and rafting · 3-4 Hours · 3.9 mi from camp

  Downstream from the hustle and bustle of Kyles Landing, one can find solitude among this comparatively quiet, 5.7-mile stretch of river snaking through the Ponca Wilderness. National Park Service

  Show on map

Scenic sights

• Upper Armadillo FallsWaterfall · 2.6 mi from campShow on map
• Middle Armadillo FallsWaterfall · 2.6 mi from campShow on map
• Cobb CaveCave · 2.7 mi from campShow on map
• Smith Creek OverlookViewpoint · 8.0 mi from campShow on map
• Jim Fultz MountainPeak · 1,936 ft · 10.5 mi from campShow on map

Climbing and snow sports

• The CorridorClimbing · 3.5 mi from campShow on map
• Sour Girl BoulderClimbing · 3.5 mi from camp

  A bouldering area.

  Show on map
• The North FortyClimbing · 3.6 mi from camp

  A climbing area with sport routes.

  Show on map

Trail and sight data: National Park Service and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Reviews

Data sources

• National Park Service API — Public domain (U.S. Government work)
• Recreation.gov (RIDB) — Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Listing details come from the sources above and may be out of date. Confirm fees, dates and closures with the operator before you travel.