About Buffalo National River
Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Buffalo National River is 135 miles long. The park is open 24 hours.
Activities
Getting There
Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Highways 7, 43, and 62/65 are the main roads out of Harrison, Arkansas that will take you to the Buffalo River, depending on which part of the park you wish to visit. GPS systems are not reliable in this area so please call ahead for directions or pick up a map of the area beforehand.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike to Hemmed-in Hollow
The picturesque Hemmed-in Hollow Falls cascades nearly 210 feet over rugged Ozark bluffs, making it the highest waterfall between the…
This is a steep, rugged, and highly strenuous trail leading into the remote Ponca Wilderness area. More search and rescue…
Paddling Gilbert to South Maumee
This reach is about 12 miles which makes it one of the less crowded sections of the river.
Hike the Lost Valley Trail
The Lost Valley Trail is an easy to moderate hike through a box canyon sculpted by Clark Creek. At 2.4…
Lost Valley Trail is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, near the Boxley Valley Historic District on Hwy.…
Hike to Hideout Hollow
The Hideout Hollow Trail leads to a rock shelter that was once inhabited by a group of World War I…
Hike to Big Bluff
The Centerpoint Trail is a strenuous hike that traverses the Ponca Wilderness, winding down an old wagon road descending nearly…
The Centerpoint Trail leads into the rugged Ponca Wilderness of Buffalo National River. The most popular hiking destination from Centerpoint…
Hike the Buffalo Point Campground Trails
The Buffalo Point Campground Trails give campers, day hikers, and leashed dogs a chance to stretch their legs between the…
Visitor Centers
Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station
The Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station is located about 3 miles off of Highway 14, 14 miles south of Yellville. Signs on Highway 14 indicate…
Hours: The Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station is a ranger station where visitors can receive information about the area and shop at a small bookstore.
Tyler Bend Visitor Center
The Tyler Bend Visitor Center is located about 2 1/2 miles off of Highway 65 between St. Joe and Marshall, Arkansas. Here visitors can get…
Hours: Tyler Bend Visitor Center is located about 2 miles off Hwy 65 between St. Joe, AR and Marshall, AR.
Steel Creek Ranger Station
Steel Creek Ranger Station is open in the summer on an intermittent basis as rangers are available. The Steel Creek Ranger Station is located in…
Hours: The station is staffed seasonally, and hours may vary depending on park events and interpretive programs. Please call before you visit to ensure that staff will be available to assist you: 870-861-2570.
Campgrounds
Buffalo Point Campground
Buffalo Point Campground is the park's largest and most developed campground. It offers water and electrical hookups for RVs. Some sites at Buffalo Point are…
Kyles Landing
Kyles Landing Campground has 33 tent-only sites with no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from approximately March 15 through November 14.…
Carver Campground
Carver Campground has 8 tent-only sites. There are no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from approximately March 15 through November 14.…
Rush Campground
Rush Campground has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Reservations are required to camp at Rush Campground through recreation.gov…
South Maumee
South Maumee Campground is a campground in the lower district of the Buffalo River. There are no amenities at South Maumee. There are no designated…
Spring Creek Campground
Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, Arkansas. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no…
Steel Creek Campground
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…
Tyler Bend Campground
Tyler Bend Campground is a developed campground in the middle district of the park. It has 27 drive-in sites, 10 walk-in tent sites, 5 group…
Ozark Campground
Ozark Campground has 31 drive-in and tent sites with no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from approximately March 15 through November…
Woolum
Woolum Campground is a large open field at the Woolum access to the Buffalo River near St. Joe, Arkansas. There are no amenities at Woolum.…
Erbie Campground
Erbie Campground has 13 primitive drive-in camp sites (suitable for tents too), 13 walk-in tent-only sites, and 5 group sites. There are no sewer, electrical…
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