About Buffalo
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- South
- State
- Arkansas
- Designation
- National River
- Entrance fee
- None listed
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Buffalo.
Entrance fees
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
Buffalo National River is 135 miles long. The park is open 24 hours.
Weather and when to go
Summer in the Ozarks can be very hot and humid. Please check the weather forecast prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. The weather the rest of the year has the potential to be wet and cool or dry and warm. Please pay special attention to river levels and the rain forecast when planning a trip on the river. River levels can rise dramatically in a short period of time so please be aware of conditions.
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.
Contact the park
- Address
- 170 Ranger Road, St. Joe, AR 72675
- Phone
- (870) 439-2502
- Official site
- nps.gov/buff
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Buffalo
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Buffalo
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
-
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 Rockies and the Appalachians. This waterfall…
-
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 miles round-trip, this trail features caves, waterfalls, a Native American b…
-
Hike to Hideout Hollow
The Hideout Hollow Trail leads to a rock shelter that was once inhabited by a group of World War I draft dodgers called The Slacker Gang. The Slacker Gang was made up of 9 young m…
-
Hike to Big Bluff
The Centerpoint Trail is a strenuous hike that traverses the Ponca Wilderness, winding down an old wagon road descending nearly 1,300 ft. to the Buffalo River. The "Goat Trail" sp…
-
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 campground and the historic cabin area at Buffalo Point.…
-
Hike the Rush Mine Level Trail and Morning Star Interpretive Loop
This .25 mile to 1.5 mile trail offers beautiful views of Rush Valley and gives hikers an understanding of the historic, mining, landscape. In the 1880s, zinc ore was discovered i…
-
Hike the Indian Rockhouse Trail
A hike on the Indian Rockhouse reveals geologic formations commonly found on a limestone landscape and gives hikers an opportunity to explore locations where ancient peoples sough…
-
Paddle Kyles Landing to Erbie
Downstream from the hustle and bustle of Kyles Landing, one can find solitude among this comparatively quiet, 5.7-mile stretch of river snaking through the Ponca Wilderness. Paddl…
Campgrounds in Buffalo
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
-
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 N…
-
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. There are no design…
-
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 recrea…
-
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 N…
-
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 fl…
-
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 sites, and a pavil…
-
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 sites. A va…
-
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 are…
-
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 Nov…
-
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 a…
-
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 a…
What to pack for Buffalo
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
