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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• • The facility is available for camping free of charge outside of the reservation season, generally November 15th to March 15th every year.

  • Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. 

  • All park trails are closed to pets with the exception of the Buffalo River Trail, only on the section of trail between Ponca and Steel Creek, the Villines Homestead Trail at Ponca, the Mill Creek Trail (trailhead is at the Pruitt river access area in the Upper District), the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall in the Middle District), and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District). For more information visit the Pets page on the park website.

  • Do not swim alone during high water.

  • Please be aware that some special events held at the pavilions or anywhere in the park (such as weddings, press receptions, concerts, et al) require a Special Use Permit in addition to the pavilion reservation. To obtain a Special Use Permit or additional information, please contact the Commercial Services office at (870) 365-2724. For more information visit the Special Park Uses page on the park website.

  • Please be advised that providing business services within an NPS unit is prohibited per CFR 5.3 without a written Authorization or Permit approved by the Superintendent. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery & set-up, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle (transportation) services, and guided hikes, floats, etc. For a list of approved visitor services and to learn more about working with Buffalo National River, please visit the Doing Business with the Park page on the park website.

Available Activities

• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Paddling - Paddling
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Swimming - Swimming
• Tubing - Tubing
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p><strong>From Springfield, MO:</strong> Take Highway 65 South through Branson to Harrison. Stay on Highway 65 through Harrison, turn left on Highway 62 and travel to Yellville. At Yellville turn right on Highway 14 East. Travel 11 miles (17.7 km) to County Road 6035 and turn left. Follow County Road 6035 for about 4 miles (6.4 km) and bear right at County Road 635. Drive another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and the campground will be on the right side of the road. </p><p><strong>From Little Rock, AR: </strong>Take Highway 65 North to Marshall, at Marshall turn right on Highway 27 North about 11 miles (18 km) to Harriet. Turn left on Highway 14 West and travel about 12 miles (19.3 km) to County Road 6035 and turn left. Follow County Road 6035 for about 4 miles (6.4 km) and bear right at County Road 635. Drive another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and the campground will be on the right side of the road. </p>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel?</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Changes</strong></p><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>Adding or removing nights to your stay.</p></li><li><p>Changing to a different campsite.</p></li></ul><p>Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate.</p><p><strong>Cancellations</strong></p><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>$10 cancellation fee</p></li><li><p>Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking)</p></li><li><p>Any previous change fees</p></li></ul><p>Late cancellation penalties may also apply:</p><p><strong>What is “Late”?</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Late Fee</strong></p><p>In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your <strong>first night's recreation use fee </strong>from any refund owed. For additional details, please visit  <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Changes and Cancellations</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow"><strong>rules and reservation policies</strong></a> </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 870-439-2502

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip