Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Information Campground Amenities Unavailable November 16, 2026 through March 14, 2027

All campground amenities (water, electricity, & flush restrooms) at Steel Creek, Kyles Landing, Erbie, Ozark, and Rush will be turned off starting November 16. Camping fees will not be charged over the winter. The flush restrooms at Tyler Bend (Drive-in Loop) and Buffalo Point (B Loop) will remain open. You may still primitively camp in all park campgrounds over the winter, first-come, first-served, but be aware only vault restrooms are open at all other campgrounds.

Information Reservations Only at Buffalo Point - Starting March 15, 2027

Starting March 15, 2027, reservations will be required for all campsites at Buffalo Point Campground, including A & E Loops. Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov (www.recreation.gov) or by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations can be made the same day or up to six months in advance. Please note that cell phone service is unreliable in these areas, so it is strongly recommended to make your reservation before arriving at the campground.

Park Closure South Woolum Road Closed, Alternate Route Available

In the interest of safety, the South Woolum Road has been closed. The Woolum launch and campground remain open.

Read the full alert

Overview

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

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Caving
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Buffalo National River: Buffalo National River is 135 miles long. The park is open 24 hours.

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.

Visitor centers

Campgrounds

  • Erbie Campground (31 sites) — reserve
  • Steel Creek Campground (39 sites) — reserve
  • Spring Creek Campground (12 sites)
  • Rush Campground (12 sites) — reserve
  • South Maumee
  • Tyler Bend Campground (42 sites) — reserve
  • Woolum
  • Buffalo Point Campground (106 sites) — reserve
  • Carver Campground (8 sites) — reserve
  • Kyles Landing (33 sites) — reserve
  • Ozark Campground (32 sites) — reserve

Weather

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.

Phone: 8704392502

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Kayakers floating towards Skull Rock near Buffalo Point.
Skull Rock · NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes
Camping at Steel Creek
Steel Creek Campground · NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
Floaters on the river.
Floating the Buffalo · NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
Historic homestead built by the Collier Family.
Sod Collier Homestead · NPS Photo
Fisherman with smallmouth bass.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing · NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes

Pair it with