Buffalo National River

Overview

Nestled near the towering bluffs of the scenic Buffalo River, Ozark Campground is the perfect destination for a relaxing day outdoors. Whether you're planning a laid-back picnic or looking for a spot to enjoy the dark night sky, you'll enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and easy access to one of Arkansas’s most beloved rivers.

At Ozark Campground visitors that bring their own gear can enjoy:

• Canoeing

• Kayaking

• Tubing

• Swimming

• Fishing

Located in the center of the campground, the Ozark Pavilion provides a convenient gathering space for groups. The day-use pavilion is available for $25/day. Amenities include:

• Grills available for public use

• Restrooms

• Electrical access

• Nearby water access

• Multiple picnic tables under shelter

Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a group outing, or simply a weekend escape, Ozark Campground offers both relaxation and recreation in a beautiful natural setting.

Recreation

The Buffalo River Trail can be accessed behind Site 31 and next to the camp host site. The scenic trail spans a massive 36.5 miles (59 km) of the Buffalo River from Boxely to Pruitt and is ideal for hiking or backpacking. Peak season for canoeing, kayaking and tubing is spring to early summer.

Paddling conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502, or check the Buffalo National River Float Guide Dashboard

Facilities

Ozark has 31 drive-up tent sites. There are no electrical amenities or water hookups at the tent sites, but flush restrooms and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 14 each year. Available by reservation, the covered pavilion seats up to 100 people and electricity is available.

Natural Features

The campground and pavilion are located along the Buffalo National River with views of lush forests and high, riverside limestone bluffs. It is one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous U.S., with 135 miles (217 km) of undammed waters. It cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks to reach its final destination at the White River.

Nearby Attractions

The campground and pavilion are located along the Buffalo National River with views of lush forests and high, riverside limestone bluffs. It is one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous U.S., with 135 miles (217 km) of undammed waters. It cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks to reach its final destination at the White River.

Contact Info

Charges & Cancellations

Please visit the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies page.

Overview

Rush Campground is located in the Lower District of the Buffalo National River, and about 17 miles (27.4 km) southeast of Yellville. It has 12 tent-only sites. Drinking water is available when fees are collected from approximately March 15 through November 15. All sites are limited to 6 people per site, and each site is $16 per night. All sites must be reserved in advance. A vault restroom is available year-round.

Recreation

The Lower River District allows for extended seasons for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. If there's enough rain, the river is floatable year-round.

For hikers and history buffs, the 1.5-mile Rush Mine Level Trail and 0.25-mile Morning Star Loop offer beautiful views of Rush Valley and gives hikers an understanding of the historic mining and landscape. In the 1880s, zinc ore was discovered in the hills and claims were staked out along Rush Valley and neighboring Clabber Creek. Eventually, a community of homes and businesses developed along Rush Creek and endured until the 1960s. Come and explore this unique history as you hike Rush Mountain.

Additionally, small-mouth bass, catfish and sunfish are popular fish to catch on the Buffalo River, but visitors should be aware that an Arkansas fishing license is required to fish anywhere on the river. For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502, or check the Buffalo National River Float Guide Dashboard

Facilities

Rush has 12 reservable tent-only sites with potable water available from approximately March 15 through November 15 each year, but no electrical amenities. A vault restroom is available year-round.

Natural Features

The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Rush is located in the Lower District of the Buffalo River, offering access to Clabber Creek, and many great day hiking destinations in the park.

Charges & Cancellations

If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel?

Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation in My Reservations.

Changes

If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for:

• Adding or removing nights to your stay.

• Changing to a different campsite.

Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate.

Cancellations

You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees:

• $10 cancellation fee

• Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking)

• Any previous change fees

Late cancellation penalties may also apply:

What is “Late”?

For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in.

Late Fee

In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. For additional details, please visit  here.

Changes and Cancellations

rules and reservation policies 

Overview

Steel Creek Campground is situated along the Buffalo River under the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff. One section of the campground offers 26 walk-in tent sites and another section of the campground offers 13 sites for those camping with horses. All sites are available by reservation only. Steel Creek is located about 3 miles (5 km) east of Ponca, just off Highway 74.

Recreation

Paddling conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502, or check the Buffalo National River Float Guide Dashboard

Facilities

Steel Creek has 26 tent only sites and 13 sites for campers with horses/stock animals (six people and four stock animals allowed per site). All sites are available by reservations only. There are no electrical amenities or water hookups, but flush restrooms and water spigots are available from approximately March 15 through November 15 each year.

Natural Features

The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

The Buffalo River Trail runs through Steel Creek and offers great day hiking or overnight backcountry opportunities. 

Boxley Valley is nearby and is home to Lost Valley, an easy to moderate trail that leads hikers past geologic and water formations. Visit the park's Hiking Trails web page for more information..

Charges & Cancellations

rules and reservation policies 

Overview

Campers will delight in the picturesque river views at Tyler Bend. Located 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Marshall, Arkansas, Tyler Bend is set on a quiet, peaceful section of the great Buffalo National River. Known as the middle river region, the campground offers tranquil views of the river beside pastures.

Recreation

Small-mouth bass, catfish and sunfish are the most popular fish to catch on the Buffalo River, but visitors should be aware that an Arkansas fishing license is required to fish anywhere on the river. The middle river location also allows for extended seasons for kayaking and tubing. If there's enough rain, the sports can go through mid- to late summer. Get a dose of history by hiking to the Collier Homestead, a restored Ozark dwelling from the 1930's. The homestead remembers one of the homes built by settlers in response to the Homestead Act of 1862.

For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502, or check the Buffalo National River Float Guide Dashboard

Facilities

Natural Features

The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.

Nearby Attractions

The Buffalo River Trail is accessible from the Collier trailhead parking area. This trail joins the Ozark Highlands Trail at Woolum, 14 miles (22.5 km) upstream from Tyler Bend.

Charges & Cancellations

Rules and Reservation Policies