Buffalo National River

Located in northern Arkansas, the Buffalo River flows for 153 uninterrupted miles, from its origin in the Ozarks’ Boston Mountains eastward to its confluence with the White River. In 1972, the Buffalo was designated America’s first National River, and is currently managed jointly by the US Forest Service and the US National Park Service. Over the course of its journey, the Buffalo passes sandstone and limestone bluffs, mixed upland forests, and flows through three wilderness areas: Upper Buffalo, Ponca, and Lower Buffalo. Along the river are more than 12 campgrounds, as well as primitive camp areas, which provide a variety of options for taking advantage of the area’s numerous hiking trails, as well as rafting, paddling and fishing on the river.

Accessible via a 7-mile gravel road from the small town of Morning Star, on Highway 27, South Maumee Campground offers five free, first-come, first-served campsites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is available, but no trash service, so campers need to pack out all garbage; hookups are not available at this location. The campground is situated on a wide, sandy bend on the Buffalo River, so river access is easy for swimming and fishing, however there is no boat launch. A boat launch is available at the North Maumee Campground, on the other side of the river, and accessible via Highway 14. In addition to river recreation, there are 14 miles of hiking trails in the area for exploring an old mining townsite, an indigenous peoples’ bluff shelter, and scenic viewpoints.

South Maumee Camping Area

Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, AR. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no flush restrooms, and no water.

Spring Creek Campground

Spring Creek Campground - Buffalo National River

Dillards Ferry

## Overview

Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them. 

## Recreation

The wild river is a gathering place for a plethora of water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing, or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river. 

## Facilities

Buffalo Point offers campsites with water, electricity and a pay phone. It's the only area in the park with a restaurant, open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends only from mid-April to Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend to mid-October.

## Natural Features

The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows. 

## Nearby Attractions

Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. 

Blanchard Springs Cavern, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.

## Charges & Cancellations

[Rules and Reservation Policies](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

Buffalo Point

Buffalo Point Duplex 13-14

Gilbert RV Park

Shine Eye Gravel Bar

Grinder's Ferry Gravel Bar

Rush Campground - Buffalo National River

Rush Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the lower district of the park. Rush has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Drinking water is available when fees are collected March 15 - November 14. It is free to camp at Rush in the winter. All sites are limited to 6 people per site and each site is $16 per night. This is a pack in/pack out facility, trash collection is not available.

Rush Campground

National Park Service

A LOT of people use this access including outfitters. Great gravel bar, plenty of room to.launch, picnic, camp. Very clean, people did a great job of picking up after themselves. 

Busy

There are a handful of tent sites, a primitive bathroom, and direct access to the Buffalo River. 

  

There is limited shelter during bad lightning storms.  The road in is very dicey and a long way off the main road. Does provide a good place to take out or start a canoe trip and it is free.

Good canoeing spot

We canoed &amp; kayaked in from Tyler Bend Campground.  Great place to camp.  Not much on amenities. Perfect for what we were looking for.  Would definitely go back. 

South Maumee Camping Area

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