Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River is located in northern Arkansas and is renowned for being the first national river to be designated in the United States. Spanning over 135 miles, it flows through the beautiful Ozark Mountains and is treasured for its picturesque scenery, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

The Buffalo National River holds a significant historical background, as evidence of human inhabitation in the region can be traced back over 10,000 years. Native American tribes such as the Osage and Caddo once flourished in this area, leaving behind remnants of their culture and heritage. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, establishing small communities and utilizing the river for transportation and farming.

Today, there are numerous activities to enjoy within the Buffalo National River. Canoeing and kayaking are highly popular, allowing visitors to explore its crystal-clear waters while marveling at the towering limestone bluffs and peaceful natural surroundings. Hiking trails along the river's banks offer stunning vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, bobcats, and even the endangered Ozark big-eared bat.

Camping is a favorite pastime for visitors, with several designated campsites throughout the park providing basic amenities and tranquil surroundings. Additionally, fishing enthusiasts can indulge in catching smallmouth bass and other native fish species in the river's clear waters.

Nearby, there are several attractions that complement a visit to the Buffalo National River. The town of Harrison, just a short drive away, offers a glimpse into the region's history with its historic downtown district and unique shops. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is another must-visit, showcasing traditional crafts, music, and folkways of the Ozarks.

In conclusion, the Buffalo National River in Arkansas is a treasure trove of natural beauty and rich history. With its stunning scenery, recreational activities, and nearby attractions, it is a destination that entices nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful and immersive experience.

Buffalo National River, located in the beautiful state of Arkansas, meanders through the majestic Ozark Mountains in the northwestern part of the state. Nestled within the Ozark National Forest, this treasured waterway is the nation's first national river, offering a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Winding its way for 153 miles, the Buffalo River flows through deep canyons, towering bluffs, and peaceful valleys, providing a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's exploring the countless hiking trails, embarking on a canoe or kayak adventure, or simply immersing oneself in the mesmerizing surroundings, Buffalo National River's advantageous geographic location allows visitors to embrace the unspoiled grandeur of this remarkable national treasure.

Address & Contact

170 Ranger Road
St. Joe, AR 72675
Driving Directions
Phone: 8704392502
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Buffalo National River is in May or June. These months offer pleasant temperatures with an average maximum of 78°F and minimum of 65°F in June. May sees slightly lower temperatures with an average maximum of 78°F and minimum of 56°F. These months also experience moderate levels of precipitation, with May averaging 6.3 inches and June averaging 3.7 inches. Furthermore, the number of visitors during these months is relatively high, indicating the popularity of the area, but not overly crowded compared to the peak months of July and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Buffalo National River are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Swimming Freshwater Fishing Dining Caving Horse Camping (see also camping) Freshwater Swimming Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Buffalo National River: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Archeology Fire River and Riparian Watersheds Forests and Woodlands Elk

Visitor Centers

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 park orientation information, stamp passport books, see the park film, and shop at the park bookstore.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Tyler Bend Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Buffalo National River

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 available for reservation at www.recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) and others are first come, first serve. Flush restrooms, dump station, showers, water, and electricity are available from March 15 - November 14 when fees are charged. Fees are not charged from November 15 to March 14 when only B Loop is open with no amenities, just a vault restroom.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Buffalo Point Campground Fees - Drive in Sites), 20.00 (Buffalo Point Campground Fees - Walk in Sites), 50.00 (Buffalo Point Group Site Fees)
Total Campsites: 108
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Carver Campground

Carver is a first come, first serve campground in the upper district of the park. It has 8 tent only sites with potable water, but no electrical amenities. A vault restroom is available. This is a pack in/pack out facility with no trash service.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Caver Campground Fees)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Erbie Campground

Erbie Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Erbie has 14 drive in camp sites, 2 walk in tent only sites, and 5 group sites. There are no electrical amenities, flush restrooms, or water available.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Erbie Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 21
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Kyles Landing

Kyles Landing Campground is a first come, first serve campground located between Jasper, AR and Ponca, AR.. Kyles Landing has 33 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from March 15 through November 14.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Kyles Landing Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 33
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Maumee South

Maumee South Campground is a large campground in the lower district of the Buffalo River. There are no amenities at Maumee South. There are no designated sites. A vault restroom is available. Fees are not charged at Maumee South.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Maumee South Campground Fee)
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Ozark Campground

Ozark Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Jasper, AR. Ozark has 31 drive in and tent sites with no electrical amenities, but flush restrooms and water are available from March 15 through November 14.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Ozark Campground Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 31
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Rush Campground

Rush Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the lower district of the park. Rush has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Drinking water is available when fees are collected March 15 - November 14. It is free to camp at Rush in the winter. All sites are limited to 6 people per site and each site is $16 per night. This is a pack in/pack out facility, trash collection is not available.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Rush Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Spring Creek Campground

Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, AR. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no flush restrooms, and no water.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Spring Creek Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Steel Creek Campground

Steel Creek has 26 tent only sites and 14 sites for campers with horses/stock animals (six people and four stock animals allowed per site). Tent sites 1 -13 and horse sites 27 - 32 are available for reservation at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made 5 days to six months in advance. There are no electrical amenities or water hookups, but flush restrooms and water spigots are available from March 15 through November 14.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Steel Creek Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 40
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Tyler Bend Campground

Tyler Bend Campground is a developed campground in the middle district of the park. It has 28 drive-in sites, 10 walk-in sites, 5 group sites and a pavilion. The campground has flush restrooms, showers, dump station, potable water, but no electrical amenities. Reservations are available at www.recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) for some sites. Fees are charged March 15 through November 14. It is free to camp November 15 through March 14, but limited amenities are available during that time.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Tyler Bend Campground Fees), 50.00 (Tyler Bend Campground Group Site Fees)
Total Campsites: 42
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Woolum

Woolum Campground is a large open field at the Woolum access to the Buffalo River near St. Joe AR. There are no amenities at Woolum. There are no designated sites. A vault toilet is available. Fees are not charged at Woolum. Woolum serves as overflow when Tyler Bend campground is full.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Woolum Campground Fees)
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

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 vault restroom is available. Fees are not charged at Maumee South.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Maumee South Campground Fee)
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Buffalo National River

Ramada by Wyndham Mountain Home

Located in Mountain Home, Ramada by Wyndham Mountain Home is a 1-minute drive from Twin Lakes Golf Course and 8 minutes from Big Creek Golf and Country Club. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Mountain Home? This hotel has facilities measuring 4000 square feet (372 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1127 Highway 62 E, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites Mountain Home North

Located in Mountain Home, Quality Inn & Suites Mountain Home North is a 1-minute drive from Twin Lakes Golf Course and 6 minutes from Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1031 Highland Cir, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Mountain Home

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Mountain Home in Mountain Home, you'll be near the beach, just steps from Twin Lakes Golf Course and a 5-minute drive from Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1746 Highway 62 B, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Mountain Home

Located in Mountain Home, Super 8 by Wyndham Mountain Home is a 2-minute drive from Twin Lakes Golf Course and 8 minutes from Big Creek Golf and Country Club. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 865 Highway 62 E, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Mountain Home Inn

A stay at Mountain Home Inn places you in the heart of Mountain Home, within a 5-minute drive of Twin Lakes Golf Course and Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, coffee/tea in a common area, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 963 Highway 62 E, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mountain Home, an IHG Hotel

A stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mountain Home, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Mountain Home, a 1-minute drive from Twin Lakes Golf Course and 6 minutes from Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1005 Coley Dr, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Executive Inn Of Mountain Home

A stay at Executive Inn Of Mountain Home places you in the heart of Mountain Home, within a 5-minute drive of Twin Lakes Golf Course and Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 869 Highway 62 E, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Mountain Home

A stay at Hampton Inn Mountain Home places you in the heart of Mountain Home, within a 5-minute drive of Twin Lakes Golf Course and Baxter Regional Heart Clinic. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 955 Coley Dr, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

River Rock Hotel Mountain Home

A stay at River Rock Hotel Mountain Home places you in the heart of Mountain Home, within a 5-minute drive of Baxter Regional Heart Clinic and Twin Lakes Golf Course. Featured amenities include express check-out and luggage storage. Planning an event in Mountain Home? This motel has facilities measuring 6000 square feet (557 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1350 Highway 62 West, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Web: Link

Cedar Cabin Located on a Buffalo Farm Near the Buffalo National

With a stay at this cabin in Marshall, you'll be in the mountains, and 4.8 mi (7.8 km) from Buffalo National River and 17 mi (27.3 km) from Collier Homestead. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1900 Trout Farm Road, Marshall, Arkansas 72650
Web: Link