Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Buffalo River was established as the first National River in the country in 1972, and, ever since, it has been enjoyed by visitors looking for adventure on its rushing rapids and still, natural swimming pools. This long stretch of river remains one of the only completely undammed rivers in the country, which means boaters can enjoy 135 miles of free running water and incredible
Ozark Mountain views every step of the way. Visiting this beautiful country locale means enjoying everything nature has to offer—how better to do that than with a rented hotel room on wheels? Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable RV vacation in the Ozarks down Buffalo National River.
Ozark Mountain views every step of the way. Visiting this beautiful country locale means enjoying everything nature has to offer—how better to do that than with a rented hotel room on wheels? Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable RV vacation in the Ozarks down Buffalo National River.
The Buffalo River isn’t a spring-fed river, which means it depends solely on seasonal rainfall to create the conditions boaters and floaters enjoy. Starting with early spring rainfalls, the Upper District of the river becomes a great destination for canoers, kayakers, and more relaxed floaters enjoying the river from the top of an innertube. As the season progresses into summer, the heaviest flows move to the Middle District and eventually down to the Lower District, which is near Buffalo Point and its campgrounds and park restaurant.
Make sure to check out the National Park Service website to gauge which part of the river is most ideal for boating and floating during your visit. Once you do arrive, there are many outfitters throughout the park where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes. From there, it’s simply a matter of getting on the water to enjoy the beautiful sheer stone cliffs of the Ozark Mountains and the refreshing cool river on a hot day.
Nearly 60 species of fish call the Buffalo River home and twelve of those are gamefish ripe for the catching. Whether you’re hunting for panfish to take back to the campsite and fry up or hoping to catch your first bass on a fly line, Buffalo National River offers some of the best fishing anywhere in the United States. Smallmouth bass are one of the top attractions in the area, but if trout are your target, they’ve been introduced into the White River where it confluences with the Buffalo River in the south.
Before you go, make note of the rules and regulations regarding fishing in the park. Anyone 16 years or older will need a fishing license in Arkansas. Minnow fishing is prohibited to keep the ecosystem in good working order, and there’s no bowfishing or snagging allowed. Otherwise, as long as you’ve brought your reel or fly rod, you can waste way entire days fishing anywhere along the Buffalo National River. Get all the rules and more information about species locations and more at the NPS website.
Throughout each of the Buffalo National River’s three districts, there are miles and miles of hiking trails to enjoy. These trails, which number in the dozens, offer a varying degree of difficulty and each one rewards hikers with memorable views and treks through historic homesteads, mines, and stony landmarks.
Several of the trails are dog-friendly, and most of them also allow equestrians to enjoy the view from horseback. Another bonus to hiking through the Buffalo National River area is the excellent backcountry camping available. Take a night out of the RV, strap a tent on your back, and hike deep into the wilderness for an unforgettable night under the stars. Get trail maps and tips for making the most of your hikes on the NPS website.
The lands surrounding Buffalo River are filled with game ripe for hunters with the proper licensing from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Whether you prefer to hunt with a rifle or a bow, you’ll find everything from small game like rabbits and squirrels to bigger species like deer and elk. Wild turkeys can be found in abundance throughout the public lands and are a favorite target—and maybe even the source of your next Thanksgiving meal!
Keep in mind that you have to be at least 50 yards from any developed campsites in the area, and at least 100 feet from roads while hunting. Baiting and trapping are not allowed, and neither is using or training dogs for big game hunting. If you’re looking to bag ducks, squirrels, and rabbits, however, you can bring your four-legged hunting partner along for the trip. More info, including details on hunting blinds and backwoods camping, can be found on the NPS webpage on hunting in Buffalo National River.
If you’re looking for a little help making the most of your Buffalo National River experience, there are several free public programs available, as well as private businesses offering a variety of tours. The NPS offers a public calendar so you can check out what types of free ranger-led programs will be on during your visit, ranging from nature hikes to musical performances and special activities just for kids.
Private companies offer everything from boat and tube rentals to hands-on tours to suit any interest. Wild Bill’s Outfitter offers guided fishing and sightseeing tours. Photographers will want to check out Tim Ernst, who offers excellent guided photography tours of the river. Especially if you’re new to fly fishing but want to feel the thrill of your first bite on a fly rod, Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher can outfit you and guide you to the best flyfishing spots. Check out the full list of private companies authorized to offer guide services at Buffalo National River here.
There are campgrounds throughout the National Park area itself, some which allow RVs and some which don’t. Fully developed RV sites with hookups are hard to come by, but if you’re interested in roughing it, many of the campgrounds do allow RVs. Check out the NPS website for a full listing of campgrounds on the national land.
Harrison KOA is a highly-rated Good Sam Club park very near Buffalo National River in Harrison, Arkansas. Enjoy a Good Sam discount on a full hookup RV campsite, as well as the on-site laundry facilities, camp store, and propane station. This park gives you close access both to Buffalo National River and all of the attractions in nearby Branson, Missouri just over the border.
The Ozarks RV Resort on Table Rock Lake in Oak Grove, Arkansas has a coveted perfect Good Sam rating and makes for an excellent home base during your Buffalo National River RV trip. There are 164 full hookup spots, many with waterfront views, plus tennis and pickleball courts, a 9-hole golf course, and pools and hot tubs.
Just a 20-minute drive from Buffalo National River, Harrison Village Campground & RV Park offers 74 full hookup RV sites, each one with a shady tree. The camp shop has gifts and snacks, as well as all the RV supplies you’ll need to make the most of your stay, including a propane gas fill-up station.
Located conveniently between Harrison and Branson, Missouri, Ozark View RV Park is a quaint and natural RV park where visitors enjoy hiking through 26 acres of beautiful, wooded nature. The level, pull-through RV sites feature hookups and wireless internet, and there are great bonus amenities like clean shower facilities and coin-operated laundry machines.
In the more developed portion of the park in Buffalo Point, there’s a restaurant offering full meals throughout the day. There are also many canoe rental locations and outfitters within the public land that offer snacks, prepared meals, and groceries for your journey down the river. For more info on the dining options within Buffalo National River, visit the NPS website.
The closest options for dining near Buffalo River are in Harrison, Arkansas. Local favorites include Prairie Market Tall Grass, Devito’s Restaurant (try the local trout!), Tacos Jalisco, and Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café.
For the most complete list of restaurants surrounding Buffalo National River, visit the Arkansas tourism website.