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Buffalo National River/Buffalo Point
Overview
Located along the banks of the first national river in the United States, Buffalo Point offers a rare blend of rugged nature and essential comforts. Situated near Yellville, AR, this is the most developed campground within the Buffalo National River system. It serves as a gateway for travelers wanting to experience the dramatic limestone bluffs and turquoise waters of the Ozarks without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. The park is managed by the National Park Service, ensuring a focus on conservation and a genuine wilderness experience for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
The park is tucked into the lush hardwood forests of the Lower Buffalo River district. Its most striking feature is the towering limestone bluffs that overlook the water, providing a dramatic backdrop for morning coffee or evening stargazing. The surrounding terrain is characterized by steep ridges and winding valleys typical of the Ozark Mountains. This location provides immediate access to the river's edge, making it an ideal basecamp for those who want to spend their days on the water or exploring the dense forest canopy that defines northern Arkansas.
Amenities & Park Features
As the only campground in the national river area offering electric and water hookups, Buffalo Point is a highly sought-after destination for RVers. While individual sewer connections are not available, the park provides a centrally located dump station for convenience. The campsites feature paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables to enhance the outdoor experience. Guests also have access to modern restroom facilities and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. A seasonal restaurant near the sites offers a nice alternative to traditional camp meals during the busier summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the river itself, where visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing through gentle rapids and calm pools. For hikers, the Indian Rockhouse Trail is a must-see, leading explorers to a massive natural rock shelter and hidden sinkholes. The Overlook Trail offers a shorter trek with rewarding views of the river bend below. History buffs will appreciate the nearby abandoned mining town of Rush, which offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past through its preserved ruins and informative interpretive signs located throughout the historic district.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature-loving families and outdoor enthusiasts who want an immersive forest experience without dry camping. It appeals to RVers who prioritize scenery and trail access over resort-style amenities like swimming pools or Wi-Fi. Because of its popularity and unique status as the only hooked-up campground in the park, it is best for travelers who plan ahead and book early. It is a perfect fit for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and recharge in the heart of the scenic Ozark Highlands.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Brett Watts
Great family camping spot. Walk in access to river, no drive in access. Very quiet.
Mark Cupp
The RV/Camper site was great. It was clean and had all the expected hookups (water,electricity). A few turns were tight for my 37ft camper. The walk to the buffalo river from our site was pretty rough for my older mother-in-law. The kids loved it - the buffalo river is beautiful wherever you visit!
Lisa Emineth
Nice campground located on the river. Decent hiking. We did not have internet at campground.
Michael White
To begin our family has been camping here every year for 30 years. Unfortunately things are starting to go downhill. For one our site D69 has not been maintained. There is 2 inches of mud where you need to walk from your vehicle to camper to picnic table. Not a big deal if it's dry but after two solid days of rain it's a terrible mess. There are safety concerns as well. Along the same pathway there is a very large Rock which is part of the wall that sticks out by itself around 6 inches. Yes you'll find it with your little toe in flip flops or sandals. On the top stair going to the picnic table there is a very serious trip hazard. Any gravel or support has been washed away leaving a timber exposed about 3" tall. Perfect to trip and fall down the stairs. I was very concerned about my 58 year old self as well as my pregnant daughter-in-law tripping and flying down the stairs. Not to mention several smooth slick uneven large rocks at the top of the stairs too. But the real reason I'm writing this review is due to the lack of concern from the camp host when it comes to intervening between inconsiderate glampers. We had a 5th wheel directly opposite of our campfire that turned their service lights on each night for their camping friends to see on a different site that literally blinded us. They left it on till 11pm. We had to hang a tarp from the trees so we could see our campfire and not be blinded. The lights from the 5th wheel literally lit up half the campground around us. I wish I was exaggerating. I asked the host to drive by later that night to check on it and he declined. I wish I took pics. The year before a half hour before quiet time a camper came and told us we were being to loud and he didn't think we would quiet down by quiet time. We had about 30 of our family camped in the same circle so yes we were having fun and laughing, but we know quiet time and we disperse at 10. We found out later that same couple had nosed through our campsite earlier that day. So I'm probably not going back. I.just hope this helps someone to make their decision. Happy camping.
Bill Clark
This campground is excellent!Beautiful area right on the Buffalo river.Access for rv and tent camping. Sites were fairly level for easy set up.Site length is a thing here though, so check that when booking a camp site.We have a 24' camper and the driver in and access to the site was easy, however had to park truck parallel to the road or in extra parking space over by bathrooms. Bathrooms and showers here for campers are probably the best I've ever seen in a river campground.Cell phone service was non existent in the campground, however you could drive back up the hill to the ranger station and get signal. There's tons of outdoor activities in this beautiful area. Plan ahead for reservation at this campground because it's very busy during the summer floating season . We will definitely go back again!!!