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Doobage
12-28-2005, 02:48 PM
Buffalo River National Park actually contains several different locations within the park. We stayed at Buffalo Point (which is located north of Harriet on hwy 14 by 30 minutes or so).

Time of year: 2003, September

Cost: ??? (standard camping fees)

Camping:
The Buffalo Point camp ground has several different camping areas. Trying to decide where to camp is a challenge since they all seem to be pleasant locations. I believe they also have cabins for rent as well. The RV camping area was off to the right side of the park and the standard tent camping was off to the left. This was nice since it helped separate the generators from the quiet folk. The tent camping area was divided into two main parking areas and had a convieniently located shower/restroom between the parking areas. The area we stayed in was a large open grass field. However it did have stickers in the grass, so be careful going barefoot. The camp sites are on a bluff that is maybe 20 feet above the Buffalo river, to which you can walk down onto the rocky banks to look for rocks, drink, or wave at the passing canoes. Seems like there is plenty of camp sites, but it also seems to be a more popular camping area, so during peak seasons you might want to call ahead and make sure there is room.

Facilities: Restrooms were very nice and the showers were powerful and warm.

Attractions: The river is a nice float (and probably more fun during the wet season). We went in September which is very dry, so the river just barely floated us along. I believe it produces some Class II and maybe Class III rapids during the rainy season...but check with rangers for the details since I am merely guessing. Plenty of canoe outfitters in the area and they'll take you to many different drop points depending on how much time you want to float. It's nice to be able to float down to Buffalo Point, hop out and walk straight to your camp site. Alleviating the need to wait or organize a retrieval. This also allows you to take more time if you want to stop along the way since you aren't on anyones schedule.

Roads:
Roads are still unbelievably cool in this area, so you can get plenty of riding in any direction and find happiness.

http://www.nps.gov/buff/

http://www.nps.gov/applications/parks/buff/ppMaps/ACF5567%2Epdf

Jetfixer
09-27-2007, 07:26 PM
I rode by this park during the vulcan rally in eureka springs. I was tempted to stop riding and jump on a tube or in a canoe. I'll definitely come here next summer for a float!

Mr. Guy
03-14-2008, 05:32 PM
I've stopped at the Buffalo River before and pulled off my boots and helmet then laid in the river with all my other gear on. Nice way to cool off in July or August. Got some weird looks though.

Guy

mageerc
03-16-2008, 07:54 AM
A few qualifiers... the area around the Buffalo River supports many cattle operations and due to the limestone formations there are many caves which support large bat populations... you might have guessed why you DON'T want to have a drink from the river! There are a few Class II rapids on the Buffalo but most of them are far upstream from Buffalo Point, mainly between Boxley and Kyle's Landing. The headwaters of the Buffalo, called The Hailstone by the locals, offers up some challenging Class III and IV rapids, though they are only floatable during or immediately after a "chunk floater". What the Buffalo River offers up throughout it's entire undammed length is excellent scenery! Some of the bluffs tower 500 feet over the river and the remote setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities of elk, eagle and bear. There is a special reason why The Buffalo River was named our first National River!

Mr. Guy
03-16-2008, 10:16 AM
All very true, as nice as the scenery is from the road, most of the river is even nicer. One day I'd like to float the entire length in one trip.

Guy

Bug Dr.
05-29-2009, 09:22 PM
I stayed at Buffalo Point over Memorial Day weekend with 15 others. We had the entire loop at the lower camp ground reserved (sorry I don't know what that campground is designated).

We floated saturday and the water was perfect. Buffalo Point is a great place to stay and the restaraunt at the top serves pretty good food with one of the best views in Arkansas.

Also, there are some of the best riding roads in Arkansas around the campground. Highways 14, 341, 27, 125 etc...

Mike

TJ Willy
05-29-2009, 10:21 PM
Also a big fan of the Buffalo... plenty trips up there myself having grew up in Arkansas.