Buffalo National River spans over 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,200 feet. The area features limestone bluffs and karst topography that create distinctive camping environments. Campgrounds throughout the region experience seasonal closures with most primitive sites lacking potable water from mid-November through mid-March when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Richland Creek Recreation Area serves as an excellent base for waterfall exploration. "There are several trails and waterfalls close by. Drive-up spot, fire-ring, picnic bench, hook, pit toilet. Day use area for hiking. The dirt road leading in is well maintained," notes Josh B.
Stargazing: At Sam's Throne Recreation Area, minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night without cell service! Highly recommended for those who are looking to get away from reality!" shares Kaylee W. from Buffalo Point.
Rock climbing: Sam's Throne Recreation Area offers numerous established climbing routes. "This facility has day-use for rock climbing. Motorcycle friendly but there is a sign stating no OHV's. No trash cans, pack-in/pack-out facility," explains Miranda M.
Wildlife viewing: Bull Shoals-White River State Park provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "We could see the eagle nest on the other side of the river, so we got to Eagle watch all day as they circled the river hunting for their dinner. It was AMAZING!!" reports Shana D.
What campers like
River access: Blue Heron Campground offers direct waterfront access. "Great little campground. Please read description before coming or don't whine when you get here. No electricity, hot showers and water available close. Quiet and close to the river," says David G. of Tyler Bend.
Off-grid experience: Many campers appreciate the isolation at primitive sites. "There is no service in the camp site at all," mentions Heath L. of Buffalo Point. "During the week was super quiet and more my speed. Deer were everywhere and the Indian Rockhouse hike was really great."
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping provides unique experiences across the region. "Falls colors everywhere and great weather. There is a gas station not too far from the park for fire wood on your way in. The rangers were present quite a bit making sure the park was safe," adds Heath L.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote camping areas requires preparation. "The dirt road leading in is well maintained," notes Josh B. about Richland Creek Recreation Area. However, "I just tried to make a trip up there at the end of April (2022) and the final stretch of access road was blocked off due to erosion according to NPS," warns John W. about Woolum Dispersed Area.
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary significantly between sites. "The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but the showers were clean," reports Cody S. at Buffalo Point. At Richland Creek, "An additional vault toilet had been added as well as other upgrades like very nice fire pits."
Weather impacts: River conditions change rapidly after rainfall. "The area got a lot of rain Saturday starting around 2 am, and the Buffalo River Float Service told us there would be a crest after 5 pm Sat. By 8 pm Saturday, the water at the beach area was completely brown and we could tell the water was up a LOT," explains Susan R. about Buffalo Point.
Tips for camping with families
Playground areas: Several campgrounds offer designated play spaces. "The campground has a picnic/day use areas, beaches and lots of nature trails (for hiking and horseback riding)," mentions Ashley F. about Ozark Campground. "There is a playground and a basketball court that are functional and easy to access for families."
Swimming holes: Natural swimming areas provide child-friendly recreation. "Ozark Campground is a simple loop of campsites with great sandy river beaches a minutes walk outside the campground," notes Ashley F. "It is located right on the Buffalo River and has a great place to go swimming on a hot day."
Campsite spacing: Consider site layout when camping with children. "The camp sites were clean and water accessible," says Manny A. of Buffalo Point. At Ozark Campground, "There is a huge grassy field in the middle of the campground which is great for families to play sports and other games."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should research site conditions before arrival. "Level sites, full hookups, right on the White River and fun trout fishing!" reports Don L. about Bull Shoals-White River State Park. "Site was overall very level- just needed a little blocking."
Site sizes: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "Not great for big rigs, a lot of the sites are too small," cautions Lucy P. about Tyler Bend Campground. "Pretty basic campground, kind of just a bunch of spots in a field. About half are first come first serve."
Hookup availability: Utilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Excellent concrete pads with easy back-in markings for RVs. Great cement patio so there is no mud in case of rain. Each site has its own fire pit and 2 chairs," explains Jodie C. about Blue Heron Campground.
