Practical info

Before you go

Check river levels and the weather forecast.
File a float plan — tell someone your route and expected return.
Bring life jackets and safety gear for everyone.
Pack extra food and water.

On the river

Always wear your life jacket.
Stay with your group.
Watch for changing weather and water levels.
Know your limits.

Seasonal guide

🌱 Spring (Mar–May)

Best water levels and peak season. Book early; dress in layers.

☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)

Lower levels, especially upstream. Start early, bring plenty of water; great for families on the Middle and Lower river.

🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov)

Fall foliage, variable levels, fewer crowds.

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold water and air — dress warmly. Limited services; many campground water systems shut down.

Emergency contacts

Emergency (police, fire, EMS)Cell service is unreliable along much of the river.911
Buffalo National River Emergency Dispatch(888) 692-1162 source
Buffalo National River Headquarters (Harrison)(870) 365-2700 source
Tyler Bend Visitor Center(870) 439-2502 source
Buffalo Point Ranger Station(870) 449-4311 source
Steel Creek Information Station(870) 861-2570 source
Newton County Sheriff (Jasper) — non-emergency(870) 446-5124 source
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, 620 N. Main St, Harrison(870) 414-4000 source
Baxter Health, 624 Hospital Dr, Mountain Home(870) 508-1000 source

NPS-authorized outfitters (rentals & shuttles)

Concessioners may operate only in their assigned district. Contact them directly for pricing and availability. Listing is from the NPS and is not an endorsement. source

Upper River (Boxley to Carver)

Buffalo Outdoor Center
1-800-221-5514 · www.buffaloriver.com
Buffalo River Canoes
870-446-2644 · www.floatthebuffalo.com
Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging
870-861-5522 · www.lostvalleycanoe.com
Rio Buffalo Outfitter
870-204-1566 · www.riobuffalo.com
Riverview Motel
870-446-2616 · www.riverviewmotelandcanoe.com

Middle River (Carver to S. Maumee)

Buffalo Camping & Canoeing
870-439-2888 · www.gilbertstore.com
Buffalo River Outfitters
1-800-582-2244 · www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com
Crockett's Canoe Rental
1-800-355-6111 · www.buffalorivercanoerental.com
Silver Hill Float Service
870-439-2372 · www.silverhillfloatservice.com

Lower River (N. Maumee to Buffalo City)

Buffalo River Float Service
870-449-2042 · www.buffaloriverfloatservice.com
Dirst Canoe Rental
870-449-6636 · www.dirstcanoerental.com
Wild Bill's Outfitter
1-800-554-8657 · www.wildbillsoutfitter.com

Lodging

Buffalo Point Concession (cabins & lodge at Buffalo Point — the only lodging inside the park) — (870) 449-6206 source

Per NPS, other cabins are available through the local canoe concessioners above, and motels/B&Bs in nearby towns (see arkansas.com).

NPS campgrounds

Fees charged in season (mid-March–mid-November); most developed campgrounds require reservations via Recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. Fees may change — confirm with NPS. source

Campground	District	Fee
Steel Creek Tent-only walk-in + horse sites; ~3 mi east of Ponca. Reservations required in season.	Upper	$20/site/night
Kyles Landing Tent-only; steep rough gravel road — high-clearance 4WD recommended.	Upper	$20/site/night
Erbie Drive-in, walk-in and group sites.	Upper	$20/site; group $50
Ozark Near Pruitt off Hwy 7.	Upper	$20/site/night
Carver Tent-only, vault toilet; Hwy 123 bridge.	Upper	$16/site/night
Tyler Bend Showers & flush restrooms year-round.	Middle	$20/site; group $50
Mt. Hersey, Woolum, Grinders Ferry, Shine Eye, Gilbert, South Maumee Primitive, first-come first-served, pack in/pack out.	Middle	No fee
Spring Creek Tent-only primitive, first-come first-served.	Lower	No fee
Buffalo Point Largest campground; 30/50 amp + water hookups.	Lower	$30 hookup loops; $20 walk-in; group $50
Rush Tent-only; access crosses Rush Creek, may be cut off at high water.	Lower	$16/site/night

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