Buffalo Point

BUFFALO POINT

Part of Buffalo National River

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.

Facilities

Buffalo Point offers campsites with water, electricity and even a classic pay telephone. 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.

Recreation

The wild river is a gathering place for 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.

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 Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.

Important Notices

  • Water and electricity is turned off form November 15th to March 14th each year.

  • The facility is available for camping free of charge outside of the reservation season.

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

  • Do not swim alone during high water.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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 web page.

  • 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 our Doing Business with the Park web page. .

Available Activities

  • SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
  • DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • WATER SPORTS - Tubing
  • VISITOR CENTER - Ranger Station
  • HUNTING - Hunting
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
  • BOATING - Boating
  • BIKING - Biking

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 17 miles (27 km) to Highway 268 East. Turn left on 268 to Buffalo Point. <br><br><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 14 miles (22.5 km) to Highway 268 East. Turn right on Highway 268 to Buffalo Point.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Please see the Recreation.gov <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">Rules and Reservation Policies</a>. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 870-449-4311

2229 HWY 268 EAST
YELVILLE, AR 72687

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery