Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — 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.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
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 approximately March 15 - November 14 when fees are charged. Fees are not charged from approximately November 15 to March 14 when only B Loop is open with no amenities.
Reservations: Please contact www.recreation.gov or call them at 1-877-444-6777 to reserve a site.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: RVs and trailers are allowed in the 80 drive in sites. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Paved Roads - All vehicles OK.
Fires: Please keep fires in the designated fire rings. Cook stoves are allowed.
Site rules: Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Generators may be used between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Maximum length of stay in campground is 14 consecutive days. Use the trash receptacles for all other refuse. These measures will help prevent nuisance wildlife and keep the campground clean. Washing anything in the river is prohibited. You may use dead and down wood for firewood. All fires should be completely out when campsite is unattended. At all times, pets must be confined or on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. Pets should not be left unattended. Clean up after pets. IN CASE OF…
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 amenities, or water hookups in the campground. Flush restrooms and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 14. Reservations for individual sites is same day to 6 months in advance. Reservations for group sites only can be made same day to one year in advance through recreation.gov.
Reservations: All sites are available by reservation only through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. All sites are available same day up to 6 months in advance. The group sites are available same day to one year in advance.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: RVs and trailers are allowed in the campground. No hookups available. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather.
Fires: Please keep fires in the designated fire rings. Cook stoves are allowed.
Site rules: Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Generators may be used between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Maximum length of stay in campground is 14 consecutive days. Use the trash receptacles for all other refuse. These measures will help prevent nuisance wildlife and keep the campground clean. Washing anything in the river is prohibited. You may use dead and down wood for firewood. All fires should be completely out when campsite is unattended. At all times, pets must be confined or on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. Pets should not be left unattended. Clean up after pets. IN CASE OF…
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 14. All sites are available for reservation at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Reservations can be made same day and up to 6 months in advance between March 13 and November 15, 2026.
Reservations: All sites are available by reservation only through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. All sites are available same day up to 6 months in advance. The pavilion is available same day to one year in advance.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: RVs and trailers are allowed. No hookups available. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather.
Fires: Please keep fires in the designated fire rings. Cook stoves are allowed.
Site rules: Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Generators may be used between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Maximum length of stay in campground is 14 consecutive days. Use the trash receptacles for all other refuse. These measures will help prevent nuisance wildlife and keep the campground clean. Washing anything in the river is prohibited. You may use dead and down wood for firewood. All fires should be completely out when campsite is unattended. At all times, pets must be confined or on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. Pets should not be left unattended. Clean up after pets. IN CASE OF…
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 pavilion. The campground has flush restrooms, showers, dump station, potable water, but no electrical amenities. Reservations are required through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Fees are charged from approximately March 15 through November 14. It is free to camp over the winter, but amenities are limited during that time.
Reservations: All sites are available by reservation only through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: RVs & trailers may utilize drive-in sites only. RV & trailer campers are not permitted at group sites or walk-in sites. Drive-in sites are paved and vehicles must stay on pavement. RV & trailer campers should choose sites large enough for their equipment. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: Paved Roads - All vehicles OK.
Fires: Please keep fires in the designated fire rings. Cook stoves are allowed. Grills are available at each site.
Site rules: Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Generators may be used between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Maximum length of stay in campground is 14 consecutive days. Use the trash receptacles for all refuse. These measures will help prevent nuisance wildlife and keep the campground clean. Washing anything in the river is prohibited. You may use dead and down wood for firewood. All fires should be completely out when campsite is unattended. At all times, pets must be confined or on a leash not more than 6 feet in length. Pets should not be left unattended. Clean up after pets. IN CASE OF…
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
NPS lists RV access at Buffalo Point Campground. RVs and trailers are allowed in the 80 drive in sites.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Hiking, Backcountry Hiking, Off-Trail Permitted Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: 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.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
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. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
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.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Skull Rock
A peaceful day on the Buffalo River as kayakers approach Skull Rock and Buffalo Point.
Credit: NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Steel Creek Campground
Camping along the Buffalo River is a wonderful way to enjoy the park.
Credit: NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.