ok, i didn't get much help on this thread, but i did go up there and what i found was this:
the buffalo river is awesome and there is a LOT of hiking with a lot to see, numerous water falls, caves, great kayaking and awesome views. "boon docking" was pretty much a no-go as most of what i saw was state parks, campgrounds and everything else highly posted private property. a few of the state parks allowed tent camping but no rvs and apparently my tear drop camper is a "RV".
we checked online and the state park site said the park was closed this time of year and it was first come first serve to get a campsite (no charge) and no facilities available. we went to steel creek and spent the night and had a guy who said he was doing maintenance give us the boot because a tear-drop camper is a "RV" and they are not allowed even though the ENTIRE camp area was empty. so we ended up getting a room in jasper. jasper was really cool and quaint and we ate at the ozark cafe which was PHENOMINAL! i will definitely go back, but it looks like camping is limited to campgrounds packed with people or state parks packed with people when it is open.
if there is anyone who has more and better info, please give your input.