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.
Posted or updated Feb 23, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov
National River
Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River is a National River in Arkansas. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts (1 closure), 11 campgrounds and 3 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.
Arkansas National River No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
About the park
“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.”
Active alerts
2
Closures
1
Campgrounds
11
Visitor centers
3
Current alerts and closures
2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.
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.
Posted or updated Sep 7, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Entrance fees and passes
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Things to do
Hike Shine Eye to Gilbert
Trail is along the bluffs of the river from Hwy 65 to Gilbert.
4 Hours Year-round
Hike the Buffalo Point Campground Trails
The Buffalo Point Campground Trails give campers, day hikers, and leashed dogs a chance to stretch their legs between the campground and the historic cabin area at Buffalo Point.
1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike the Buffalo River Trail - Woolum to Dillards Ferry
A long and difficult hike, the Buffalo River Trail between Woolum and Dillards Ferry stretches a majority of the middle district of Buffalo National River.
24-48 Hours Year-round
See all 37 things to do in Buffalo →
Activities the NPS lists for Buffalo.
CampingBackcountry CampingCavingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursHikingBackcountry HikingOff-Trail Permitted HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingHunting and GatheringPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak CampingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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Operating hours
Buffalo National River is 135 miles long. The park is open 24 hours.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
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.
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 8704392502
- [email protected]
- Address
- 170 Ranger Road, St. Joe, AR 72675
- Coordinates
- 36.0412, -92.9076· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station | Mon 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Sat 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Sun 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8704494311 | Yes |
| Steel Creek Ranger Station | Daily: Closed | 870-861-2570 | Yes |
| Tyler Bend Visitor Center | Mon 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Sat 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Sun 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8704392502 | Yes |
Campgrounds
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Point Campground | 106 | 56 | 45 | Yes | $30 | Recreation.gov |
| Carver Campground | 8 | 8 | 0 | No | $16 | Recreation.gov |
| Erbie Campground | 31 | 31 | 0 | Yes | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Kyles Landing | 33 | 33 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Ozark Campground | 32 | 31 | 0 | Yes | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Rush Campground | 12 | 12 | 0 | No | $16 | Recreation.gov |
| South Maumee | 0 | 0 | 0 | No | Free | — |
| Spring Creek Campground | 12 | 0 | 9 | No | Free | — |
| Steel Creek Campground | 39 | 39 | 0 | No | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Tyler Bend Campground | 42 | 42 | 0 | Yes | $20 | Recreation.gov |
| Woolum | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes | Free | — |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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More parks in Arkansas
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Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.