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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area/Railroad Bridge Campground


User Reviews

Tara Sheehan

October 11, 2025

This was a very lovely campground. Although I stayed in dispersed camping (rapid # 4) I had spent a lil time here at the railroad bridge. Met a park ranger, Mike, he was extremely friendly and helpful with my situation. This campground was very well maintained and the bathrooms were stocked and also clean. Thank you!

Jonathan Rogers

August 03, 2025

The county road does run right by but traffic is not bad at all. The road in has some spectacular views and surprise tunnels. Right next to the Arkansas river and good shoreline to swift water fish. Panning is fun for the persons not wanting to fish. Dry camp despite the high traffic during the day.

Karin Ott

July 21, 2025

This campground is a gem of the Buena Vista area. Great access to the river, very scenic location, and a bit off the beaten trail. The tent sites are almost all walk-in. Some of them are very close to each other. We stayed in 1411, which was a bit more private, if you don’t mind being a little farther from the river. The riverside sites were gorgeous — and site 1413 has access to a little “beach”! — but they were much less private and spacious. I would recommend the walk-in tent sites over the drive-in ones, since they are more removed from car and bus traffic (rafting companies put in and out all day, and they utilize the picnic area for lunch). Be aware that this campground has no water, bear lockers, or trash collection. We filtered our water from the river. I loved my stay here and I hope to be back again soon!

David de Lajunta

July 27, 2024

If I had not already set up my camp, I would have stayed here. This is a great area, easy access to the river, changing rooms, and restrooms. The bridge is fun to explore and great for photography. The views of the surrounding hills and mountain range are fabulous. Great place to teach your kids how to gold pan. Definitely recommended this site.

James Brewster

August 24, 2023

It's a nice campground. Not all of the spots have trees so be prepared to bring shade. The bathrooms were in good condition and were well stocked with toilet paper. There isn't any potable water so bring water, also. No complaints... And the views of the mountains are great!

AnnMarie

July 20, 2023

The sights and the experience of entering Railroad Bridge Campground were a 5, the camping was a 3 so I gave it a 4. Coming in under those rock arches was great. (I did stop and measure to be sure I'd fit). The Arkansas River being right next to my camp site was amazing. Watching all the people white water rafting is a reason I might be back. I wanna do it too! The $28/night for no amenities at all is the reason I may not be back. No water, no trash, no space between sites. Just kind of a parking circle around the restrooms. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are just a pull over to the side of the road type sites with a tent square, a fire pit and picnic table. Site 1 was the worst (mine), every car, truck, bus, camper, or rafting trailer that entered or exited blew dust in the wind. Couldn't even open my RV windows on that side. The other sites probably fared better as they were traditional back in sites. Beautiful trail along the river but sadly as I often find, people don't leash their dogs and have no recall ability. There's a lovely walk-in tenting section with mostly nice secluded sites a couple right on the river. Across the street is a dirt road going up to a day camping area and it's another great walk for you and your dog. Magnificent scenery everywhere! I exited toward the left opposite of where I came in under the stone arches. The road goes along the river and is quite narrow especially with a Class C and having the white water rafting trucks and trailers coming in from that direction. Had to back up once to one of the little indentations that are along the road to let someone by. All that said, I'm glad I got to experience this campground. There was more beauty and enjoyment than there was discomfort!

Ben Reiff

January 21, 2022

Great place to stay. We stayed in a walk up tent site in late September. The weather was great and the campground was well maintained. The river running along the north east side of the campground was amazing. The drive to this camp ground goes through several old and small railroad tunnels making the approach to it interesting.

Nata B

January 02, 2022

It is a winer now, Cannot see sites, just edit counted picknick tables, assuming amount of sites, 7-8. Beautuful scenery, steps to the river. Bridge just almost over one site, interesting not knowing if rail toad busy or active. Open year around. Bathroom is open. Self registration, if you are coming.

Rick Hansard

July 17, 2021

Basic campground, cool bridge, hiking trails, by the river. Lots of water access traffic, no shade.

Conrad Sperosen

June 01, 2021

One of the AHRA' many campgrounds and boat launches. The fees are quite high (daypass $9 and camping fee $22 at the time of writing this) go towards garbage removal, cleaning restrooms, and maintaining these awesome new sites. All equipped with firepits and stone picnic tables. The sites are spaced nicely and situated on the river.

Dylan Clark

April 29, 2021

Don't come here..... It's the best place in the valley.... By far the most fun I've had on one road.

Ratzy

July 18, 2020

Wouldn't recommend. We camp alot and the lack of water/electric here was not a bother. We wanted to be on the water so we reserved site 1401 Friday - Sunday. This area is a recreation area and we loved our view which faced the river and bridge. Problem is the non-stop traffic by the campsites. Dozens of cars coming and going hourly plus raft companies. Rude people just pull up to vacant campsites for day use. In short, the view was awesome but ruined by high flow traffic from 7 AM to 9 PM. Wont come back.

Kelley Kramer

May 09, 2019

We enjoyed our stay at the campground. It is right on the river, and only 6 miles on a grated dirt road from downtown Buena Vista. In the afternoon the area is busy with kayakers and rafters. Camping is kinda pricey, $8 a day for parking plus $28 per a night camping fee. There is no hookups.There are Pit toilets and changing areas.