Derby were outplayed for much of a disappointing game in front of a 32,000 crowd but Barnsley's finishing did not match their approach work.
Michael Mifsud and former Derby striker Jon Macken had great chances to score but goalkeeper Stephen Bywater kept the home side afloat with several excellent saves.
At least Barnsley can take heart from the fact that, if they play like this for the rest of the season, they will have a good chance of retaining their Championship status.
Derby's consolation from a below-par display was that they are a point closer to safety although they were fortunate to leave the field with a draw.
They hardly tested Heinz Muller and the closest they came to scoring was when midfielder John Eustace inadvertently diverted a cross from Steve Davies narrowly wide.
Barnsley had far better openings and they should have scored in the 21st minute when Macken sent Mifsud clear but the Maltese striker hesitated and ended by shooting straight at the advancing Bywater.
Bywater again had to be at his most alert to deny Mifsud after an Andy Todd back-pass fell short in the 47th minute, and there was a moment of good fortune for the goalkeeper when a cross by substitute Mounir El Haimour bounced back from the inside of a post.
There should have been no escape for Derby 12 minutes from the end when the outstanding Hugo Colace set up Macken from eight yards but the striker's volley was somehow turned over by Bywater.
Barnsley might have been punished for failing to convert their dominance into goals when Derby broke near the end, but substitute Mile Sterjovski was unable to keep his header from a Gary Teale cross down.