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Buffalo National River

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The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs as it travels eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. Explore the river by canoe or take the back roads into the pioneer history of the Buffalo River.



 The Basics


Hours:

RANGER STATIONS

Buffalo Point Ranger Station open all year - January -December, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Phone 870-449-4311. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Pruitt Ranger Station open March - September, days and hours vary. Phone 870-446-5373.

VISITOR CENTER

Tyler Bend Visitor Center open all year. Hours of operation Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Rest of the year 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Phone 870-439-2502. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Address: 402 N. Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
Phone: 870-439-2502
Phone: 870-741-5443
Fax: 870-741-7286


 Map

Buffalo National River, Arkansas Map


Click here for a full-sized map of Buffalo National River

 Directions

Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways.

Using Harrison as a starting point
To reach the Upper District, visitors travel south from Harrison on Highway 7, or Highway 43; To reach the Middle District, visitors travel 31 miles south of Harrison on Highway 65; To reach the Lower District, visitors take Highway 65 south from Harrison for five miles, then take Highway 62/412 to the east to Yellville, and Highway 14 south.


 Climate
 

The climate for Buffalo National River is typical of the Ozark region and the Mid-South. Winters can be cold with average daily temperatures between 24 and 49° F. Summers can be hot with high humidity; all the better to play in the river. Temperatures range from the mid-80s to high 90s with humidity on some days in the 90% range. Spring is sometimes unsettled, with thunderstorms. Fall can present itself with a burst of color on the trees and comfortable temperatures in the 70s - 80s.

Link to our Bull Shoals Lake / White River Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Eureka Springs Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Fayetteville Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Greers Ferry Lake Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Ozark Mountains Weather coverage for more information.

 Seasons
 

Access to the national river is open all year. Some facilities may be closed or have limited operating hours during the winter months.


 Fees
 

No Fees. Camping fees start at $3


 Horseback Riding
 

One of the many ways to enjoy the Buffalo National River is by horse. Designated trails for horseback riding are located in all districts of the national river. Numerous old roads, now closed to motor vehicles, provide riding opportunities for those willing to explore without the benefit of trail signs.

Two camping areas in the upper river are designated for visitors with horses. Steel Creek and Erbie are accessible by vehicle and provide basic facilities such as fire grates, vault toilets and space for horse trailers. Both camps are located adjacent to horse trails. Steel Creek Horse Camp offers 14 sites and Erbie Horse Camp another 5 sites. Use is limited to 6 persons and 4 horses per site with a 7 day limit per stay; first-come, first-served.

Link to our Bull Shoals Lake / White River Horseback Riding coverage for more information.

Link to our Eureka Springs Horseback Riding coverage for more information.

Link to our Fayetteville Horseback Riding coverage for more information.

Link to our Greers Ferry Lake Horseback Riding coverage for more information.

Link to our Ozark Mountains Horseback Riding coverage for more information.


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