[Information] Steel Creek Ranger Station Open - Limited Hours
The Steel Creek Ranger Station is open for limited hours from Fri-Sun. If you arrive and the building is closed, please call or visit the Tyler Bend Visitor Center for Park information.
Buffalo National River
RV Guide
Introduction
America's first national river, Buffalo National River in Arkansas, which was established in 1972, is a premier destination for memorable RV camping experiences. Buffalo River, which flows freely for 135 miles is one of the last remaining undammed rivers in the US, and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities for RV campers and visitors. The beautiful landscapes in the park are wonderful too.
As soon as you arrive at Buffalo National River, you can begin your journey either on the running rapids in the park or at the quiet pools that are surrounded by massive bluffs. Floating is in fact a popular activity on the park’s waters. You could also decide to hike any of the trails in the park, and bring your pets along on some of the trails. Additionally, with the appropriate license, the park is open for sport hunting. Angling enthusiasts can enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass in the Buffalo River. Horseback riding, an age-long activity in the area, is also another way for you to explore the park. As the sun sets in the park, with it comes beautiful night sky viewing opportunities. Rest assured your time at the park will be glorious.
There are various camping options available at Buffalo National River, including group camping, tent camping, backcountry camping, and RV camping. Four campgrounds in the park can accommodate RVs and trailers, with one of these campgrounds equipped with electric and water hookups.
Park Alerts (5)
[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.
[Information] Drinking Water Not Available at Rush Campground
Drinking water is not available at Rush Campground. Please plan accordingly if you are planning to camp at Rush or utilize the water spigot before embarking into the Lower Wilderness.
[Information] Parking is not permitted on the Kyles Landing Road (County Road 56)
Parking will no longer be permitted on the road to allow space for emergency vehicles to safely enter the park. There will be ‘No Parking’ signs placed along the Kyles Landing Road, also known as County Road 56.
[Information] Spring Creek Landing Closed to Vehicle-Assisted Launches
The Spring Creek Landing has been closed to vehicle-assisted launches. Watercraft may still be put in and take out at this point, but must be hand carried to and from the parking area. This is to ensure the safety of visitors and avoid continued erosion.
RV Rentals in Buffalo National River
Transportation
Driving
Buffalo National River, located southeast of Harrison, Arkansas, is easy to access by RVs, trailers, and other vehicles, owing to the fact that the park is crossed by three main highways (Highways 7, 43, and 65). The park can also be accessed along various points by the length of the river on unpaved, and sometimes rocky roads. The use of four-wheel drive vehicles and/or high clearance vehicles is recommended.
Parking
There are vehicle and RV parking spaces available at Buffalo National River. Overnight parking is also available.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public transportation services to Buffalo National River.
Campgrounds and parking in Buffalo National River
Campsites in Buffalo National River
Reservations camping
Buffalo Point Campground
Buffalo Point Campground consists of 104 pet-friendly campsites within various loops that are available both by reservation and on a first-come, first-served basis. There are provisions in the campground for tents, group camps, and RV camps that can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet. Electric and water hookups for RVs are available in the campground.
Drinking water, pavilions, picnic tables, fire grates, and lantern hooks are some of the amenities in the campground. You’ll also find flush restrooms, hot showers, and a trailer dump station here.
Tyler Bend Campground
Tyler Bend Campground in Buffalo National River features 38 pet-friendly campsites available both on a first-come, first-served basis, and by reservations. Tent camping, group camping, and RV camping options are available within the campground. RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated.
There are no RV hookups in the Tyler Bend Campground. However, the campground features picnic tables, drinking water, fire grates, showers, and flush toilets. Trails are also available near the campground.
First-come first-served
Erbie Campground
Erbie Campground in Buffalo National Park has 14 drive-in campsites and 2 walk-in campsites, all available on a first-come, first served basis. There are no RV hookups in the campground, but campsites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.
Fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets are available within the campground. Group sites are also available.
Ozark Campground
Ozark Campground in Buffalo National Park has 31 pet-friendly campsites, all available on a first-come, first served basis. There are no RV hookups in the campground, but campsites can accommodate RVs/trailers up to 35 feet.
Fire rings, picnic tables, lantern hooks, trash cans ,and vault toilets can be found here.
Seasonal activities in Buffalo National River
Spring
Floating
As a river that flows freely for 135 miles, Buffalo National River is a wonderful place for RV campers and visitors to enjoy floating during float season in spring. The waters in the upper Buffalo make the region attractive and challenging for floaters and whitewater kayakers.
Since rainfall varies through the year, the parts of the river suitable for floating change, because the river is rainfall dependent. This is why the Middle and Lower Districts are more suitable for floating during dry periods. To be on the safe side, check the river levels before launching.
Fall
Hiking
Buffalo National River features a dense network of trails that connect the entire park and the Buffalo River, providing more than enough room for RV campers that fancy hiking. The trails also offer the chance to split off onto smaller trails where you can observe the human and natural history of the region.
Some of the trails in the park are pet-friendly, especially the three Buffalo Point Campground trails and Tyler Bend Campground trails. So, RV campers and visitors can bring their pets along as they take walks among the scenic views.
Hunting
Because Buffalo National River is an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Management Area, there is room for sport hunting activities for visitors. The hunting activities in the park are balanced with continuous efforts to maintain and restore the natural environments that ensure that wildlife thrive in the park.
For anyone to be able to hunt at the park, an appropriate license from Arkansas Game & Fish Commission is required. Hunting is only permitted in hunting seasons.
Summer
Fishing
At least 59 different fish species call Buffalo National River their home. Included in this list are 12 species of game fish.
RV campers that enjoy angling have for a long time found Buffalo River to be a favored destination for smallmouth bass fishing. Brown trout and rainbow trout are also equally caught by fishing enthusiasts in the cold tailwaters of the White River, around where it meets the Buffalo River.
The fishing method allowed for use throughout Buffalo National River is by hook and line, with rod or line being another alternative. Gigging, bowfishing, noodling, and snagging are also permitted.
Night Sky Viewing
A visit to Buffalo National River means you get to enjoy the park’s Natural Night Skies. In a bid to make this experience more immersive for RV campers and visitors, the park adopts responsible outdoor lighting practices that protect the naturally dark skies.
Renew your spirit, commune with nature, and find solitude while you view the skies at Buffalo National River, particularly as the forests and free-flowing waters in the park keep you company.
Winter
Horseback Riding
For a long time, equestrians have enjoyed amazing experiences at Buffalo National River. Right from the time of the early settlers in the area, horses and mules have been commonly used in the area both for recreational purposes and commercial purposes. As a result, RV campers who enjoy horseback riding will find that Buffalo National River, with its extensive equestrian trails, is the perfect place for memorable riding adventures. More than 75 miles of equestrian trails are available in the park.
