How much does camping cost at Buffalo Point?

Camping fees at Buffalo Point range from $20-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buffalo Point first-come first-served or reservation?

Buffalo Point accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buffalo Point before I book?

Yes! Buffalo Point has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buffalo Point?

Buffalo Point is open March 13 to November 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buffalo Point?

Yes, Buffalo Point has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Buffalo Point have?

Buffalo Point has 108 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buffalo Point?

Yes, pets are allowed at Buffalo Point. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Buffalo Point?

Buffalo Point offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buffalo Point?

Popular activities at Buffalo Point include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buffalo Point

Q: Can I have a campfire at Buffalo Point?

Fire policies at Buffalo Point: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

711 reviews

2229 HWY 268 EAST, YELVILLE, AR 72687, USA

Top 2% in ARSpring

Featured in:Hiking Camping Arkansas#2 Best Campgrounds Arkansas Tent Camping Arkansas +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

732 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

108 campsites

Season

Water and electricit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

732 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

108 campsites

Season

Water and electricit...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Buffalo Point

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; WALK TO: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

870-449-4311

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Buffalo Point

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Campground Map

2229 HWY 268 EAST, YELVILLE, AR 72687, USA

Buffalo Point

2229 HWY 268 EAST, YELVILLE, AR 72687, USA

Nearby places

Yellville (16 miles south), Marshall (22 miles north)

Driving directionsFrom Springfield, MO: 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. From Little Rock, AR: 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.

Weather at Buffalo Point

Current alerts(7)

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…
Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.
Do not swim alone during high water.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Point

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low humidity, and peak wildflower displays along the Buffalo River — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and cool nights in the 40s. River flows are often ideal for paddling and fishing after winter rains, trails are comfortable for long hikes, and the hardwood slopes green up dramatically. Crowds are moderate (higher on holiday weekends) and facilities are fully open from March 15 through November 14, so you get full services without the peak‑ Peak months: May, April, March, October Avoid: December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in AR

Described as the standout season: ideal hiking, kayaking, moderate flows and wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 13 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Water and electricity is turned off form November 15th to March 14th each year.

About Buffalo Point

Buffalo Point sits on a wooded bluff above the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas, operated by the National Park Service as part of Buffalo National River. The large campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus showers and a dump station. Campers hike river bluffs, paddle or fish the Buffalo, and explore miles of trails through hardwood forest.

Buffalo Point offers diverse camping accommodations including RV sites, tent sites, group sites, and walk-in sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low humidity, and peak wildflower displays along the Buffalo River — expect daytime highs around 55–75°F and cool nights in the 40s. River flows are often ideal for paddling and fishing after winter rains, trails are comfortable for long hikes, and the hardwood slopes green up dramatically. Crowds are moderate (higher on holiday weekends) and facilities are fully open from March 15 through November 14, so you get full services without the peak‑ Peak months: May, April, March, October Avoid: December, January

Elevation732 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 732 feet elevation where hardwood forests meet the Buffalo River, one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48. Limestone bluffs rise above the river corridor, and open meadows break up the tree cover. The river itself winds through ancient rock formations and carved caves that expose millions of years of geological history. Mornings often bring mist over the water, and the surrounding Ozark hills stay green through most of the season.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer formal lodging options like cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts cultural and educational programs occasionally, such as folk music concerts in the amphitheater and junior ranger activities for children.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit, and 30 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests allowed per standard campsite.

Groups

Group sites accommodate 10-25 people and offer access to water and flush restrooms, but showers are located ½ mile away.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible sites include paved roads, ADA-compliant sites such as A6 and D55, and all but one restroom/shower facility are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites vary, with some being suitable for larger RVs. Loop A and E can only accommodate smaller RVs. Site dimensions are generally adequate but varied.

PrivacyOverall, sites provide decent privacy, but some reviews describe issues such as cramped layouts and proximity to neighboring fire rings. First-come-first-served sites generally offer better privacy.

Total Campsites108 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and views, select sites in Loop C such as C45. For easy river access, choose Loop B.

Best CampsitesLoop B sites get mentioned most often for river proximity. Site D63 has good trail access and views. First-come-first-served sites generally offer better spacing than reservable ones. Reviewers warn against Loop C for larger RVs. Loop B works better. Loops A and E only fit smaller rigs.

Need help booking Buffalo Point?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Buffalo Point provides ample recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The Indian Rockhouse Trail and Rush Historic District are popular attractions for cultural and historical exploration.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, and recycling bins are provided at some locations. User reviews indicate inconvenience with trash container placements, such as 'Trash containers were not convenient.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

711 reviews

Top-Rated

Buffalo Point is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's scenic beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility. Negative reviews focus on overcrowding, outdated facilities, and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 711 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and diverse range of activities. One user remarked, 'This is one of my favorite national parks,' while another enjoyed 'The river...

Based on 711 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often center around bathroom and shower conditions, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of rules. 'Showers need updating,' and 'Sites are packed together creating a shanty town,'...

Based on 711 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop B is highly praised for spacious sites, while Loop C is noted for overcrowding and proximity to communal spaces. Group sites and walk-in sites offer more seclusion.

Based on 711 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend reserving less crowded sites and bringing block-levelers for unlevel ground. One user suggests, 'Avoid Loop C for larger RVs; try Loop B instead.'

Based on 711 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for high occupancy and warm river conditions, while fall offers quiet and scenic experiences. Spring is ideal for hiking and kayaking due to cooler weather and moderate water...

Based on 711 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Buffalo River area can't be beat for scenery.' 2. 'Bathrooms are clean but no hot water.' 3. 'Indian Rockhouse trail is amazing and worth the effort.' 4. 'The rangers were very helpful and...

Based on 711 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, but some users report uneven paths and limited facilities for wheelchairs.

Based on 711 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted on certain trails. User feedback includes, 'Dogs weren’t allowed on many trails, which was disappointing.'

Based on 711 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a full-service base camp for paddling, fishing, and hiking the Buffalo River with National Park Service amenities.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service or prefer modern bathhouse facilities and uncrowded campsites.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.7

(81)

Rush Campground

Buffalo National River

Rush Campground sits along the Buffalo River in the Arkansas Ozarks, managed by the National Park Service within Buffalo National River. This small campground offers tent and primitive sites near the remnants of an abandoned zinc mining town, combining river access with historical exploration. Visitors come for spring paddling, hiking, fishing, and wildflower-viewing in a quiet, back-to-basics setting.