A large bluff shelter near Buffalo Point.
Every year thousands of people hike to the Indian Rockhouse to admire this large bluff shelter. NPS Photo

Buffalo National River

Federal Recreation Area · Arkansas · National Park Service

Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
8704392502
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Archeology · Animals · Birds · Elk · Caves, Caverns and Karst · Fire · Forests and Woodlands · Geology · River and Riparian · Watersheds

Activities & features: Camping · Backcountry Camping · Caving · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Food · Dining · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Off-Trail Permitted Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horse Camping (see also camping) · Horseback Riding · Hunting and Gathering · Paddling · Canoeing · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · Swimming · Freshwater Swimming · Wildlife Watching · Park Film · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Kayakers floating towards Skull Rock near Buffalo Point.
    NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes
  • Camping at Steel Creek
    NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
  • Floaters on the river.
    NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest
  • Historic homestead built by the Collier Family.
    NPS Photo
  • Fisherman with smallmouth bass.
    NPS Photo/Ryan Stokes

Nearby parks

Parks of Arkansas

Hot Springs National ParkQueen Wilhelmina State ParkMount Nebo State ParkMillwood State ParkLake Chicot State ParkPresident William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic SiteHampson Archeological Museum State ParkMount Magazine State ParkDaisy State ParkPetit Jean State ParkDeGray Lake Resort State ParkBull Shoals-White River State ParkMammoth Spring State ParkArkansas Museum of Natural ResourcesVillage Creek State ParkMississippi River State ParkFort Smith National Historic SiteLake Poinsett State ParkCrater of Diamonds State ParkLake Charles State ParkWithrow Springs State ParkCossatot River State Park-Natural AreaLake Frierson State ParkLittle Rock Central High School National Historic SiteDelta Heritage Trail State ParkPowhatan Historic State ParkPlantation Agriculture MuseumHobbs State Park-Conservation AreaPlum Bayou Mounds Archeological State ParkWoolly Hollow State ParkMoro Bay State ParkLake Fort Smith State ParkDavidsonville Historic State ParkParkin Archeological State ParkPrairie Grove Battlefield State ParkLake Catherine State ParkLake Ouachita State ParkCrowley's Ridge State ParkPea Ridge National Military ParkHistoric Washington State ParkLogoly State ParkLake Dardanelle State ParkOzark Folk Center State ParkDevil's Den State ParkPinnacle Mountain State ParkArkansas Post National MemorialJacksonport State ParkCane Creek State ParkWhite Oak Lake State Park

50 parks mapped in Arkansas

You're looking at Buffalo National River — the gold marker.

Every dot is a park. Tap one to jump to it.

Browse all Arkansas parks →

Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12