The Upper Buffalo River area draws in lots of nature lovers. Communities in the area include Ponca and Boxley Valley. These are popular destinations for canoers and hikers. Several well-known trails are in the area (Whitaker Point is one of them). Kingston is a tiny town to the north, at the junction of Hwy. 21 and Hwy. 74.
- Other Buffalo River Articles/Artwork on this website
- Buffalo National River Namesake (article and art)
- Ponca in Summertime (art)
Lodging Local to Kingston, Arkansas
I have a page of local lodging for those who are going to be attending my workshops. It’s a local list handy for anyone visiting any of the campgrounds, canoeing and hiking, too. There are only a couple on the list I’ve had the opportunity to actually see, though. Now I can add another one: Hare’s Hideout.
Disclosure
I’m designing the website and handling the Hipcamp listing for Hare’s Hideout, so I’m not completely impartial in this review.
If you’re rugged and like roughing it…go primitive.
This is not a place for ‘glamping’. But it’s a great opportunity to try out and hone your survival skills. Or make short hike out -pack out camping trips if you dream of doing something much more challenging like the Continental Divide trails or something.
Hare’s Hideout is a new campground between Kingston and Boxley Valley. It’s on the descent into the Buffalo River Valley off Hwy. 21 from Kingston. Explore 160 acres of nearly unimproved land. Things to see include wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls, creeks, springs, and hidden swimming holes. Things to do include hiking, photography opportunity, horseback riding (bring your own horses), ATV riding (bring your own ATV), rock climbing, and generally being in real nature in the wild Ozarks.
Not so good for “Glamping”
While it’s not going to be suitable for anyone accustomed to showers and facilities, it is perfect for those wanting to see and experience wild Ozark nature up close and personal. If you have a small trailer or pop-up camper, you can take those in. There just won’t be any electricity or sewer hookups.
The driveway is on the right, just before the brake check pullover as you’re heading down the big hill into the Buffalo River Valley.
As you head down the driveway you’ll reach a low-water bridge. The water always flows over the top. It’s technically a ‘ford’, rather than a bridge. Beyond that you’ll see some spectacular views of the Buffalo River valley.
Take the right fork to go to the office and sign in.
Once you’ve done that, pick your spot. If you want a designated spot, there are 12 of those. That’s not all, though. There’s 160 acres and you’re welcome to hike out and camp wherever you like.
Lots to love… if you’re tough enough
If you are a nature photographer, birdwatcher, hiker, rock-climber, or ATV enthusiast, you will find things to love. Disconnect from technology. Reconnect to nature. There is no cell phone signal here. Wifi is available up at the office, if you need to make a wireless phone call or check your email. But you won’t be disturbed by dinging alerts otherwise.
Want to check it out?
Here’s the website: www.hareshideout.com. If you go, let me know what you thought (camping is what I meant, but visit the website and let me know what you thought of that, too).
If you visit the bookings page from the website, you might notice that I’m offering pigment-rock foraging excursions there 🙂