If you’re taking a family vacation to the Ozarks, you’re in for a real nature treat. As far as natural beauty goes, it’s hard to beat what you’ll find in Arkansas, appropriately named The Natural State.

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We all look for places to cool down when the weather gets warm. The Buffalo River, located in Northern Arkansas, is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. There’s enough attraction to make this spot a destination for your entire Ozarks vacation.

Let’s check out what there is to do at the Buffalo National River.

Camping

Disconnect from the chaos of life and reconnect with nature and loved ones through camping. I know I have fond memories of roughing it out in the woods, eating food cooked on an open flame, and exploring the wonders of the woods.

These days tent camping isn’t much of my thing, but I still get butterflies walking through the door of a beautiful cabin in the woods. Whether you like to tough it out in the sticks or you’re more of a glamper like me, you’ll find the right fit with all of the options available near Buffalo River.

There are what’s described as “primitive” campsites throughout the park. You can pitch a tent for $20 a night at the various Buffalo National River campgrounds. A few campgrounds on the river include:

• Tyler Bend Campground
• Buffalo Camping & Canoeing
• Gilbert Campground
• Shine Eye Campground

There’s no electricity and no cellphone reception, but you’ll still be able to get a shower and flush a toilet at most campgrounds.

A little higher up on the comfort scale, you’ll find RV sites with easy pull-in access, daily trash pick up, and, of course, WiFi. A little more my speed, but a little less “campy,” I suppose. Still, I feel like I’m speaking to the moms of the group here when I point out that there are over a hundred cabin rentals available. Some accommodate large groups, while others are perfect for a romantic getaway for two. Buffalo Point Concessions offers a range of cabin options.

Floating

We really enjoy floating around here. That word can spark some controversy about what constitutes a “float.” When I say float, I mean anything without a motor. So whether you want to enjoy the river via tub, kayak, or canoe, I’m talking to you!

There are many places to launch a Kayak or canoe at the Buffalo National River; however, site put-ins are dictated by water levels. Float season is from March until June.

Check Out Our Float Trip Directory for Our Favorite Float Trips

Get a firsthand look at floating the Buffalo River from Ponca to Kyle’s Landing through what our friends at SightDoing call ‘the most scenic leg of the river.’

Read: Becky’s Buffalo River Float Trip Experience

You can book a guided float tour with a professional and ensure a safe and fun day on the river. Here are a list of canoe, kayak, tube, and raft rental concessioners on the Buffalo River:

• Buffalo Outdoor Center
• Buffalo River Canoes
• Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging
• Buffalo River Outfitters
• Silver Hill Float Service
• Crockett’s Canoe Rental
• Wild Bill’s Outfitter
• Dirst Canoe River
• Buffalo River Float Service

If you’re looking for a solo water activity, there are calm swimming holes throughout the place. A popular attraction to many locals is the Steel Creek swimming hole. It offers smooth waters and beautiful Bluff scenery.

Guided Tours

Here are some guided tour options available at the River:

1. Canoe, Kayak, & Rafting: Available in one-day or multiple-day packages.
2. Hiking & Waterfall Trails: Visit between April and May if you want flowing falls.
3. Zipline Tours: Take a birds-eye view of the treetops and observe nature below.
4. Mountain Biking Trails: 1,300 feet of downhill trails with shuttle service back.
5. Fishing Tours: Book a camping trip and take a tour to the best smallmouth bass spots.
6. Guided Horseback Trails: Provided by Rimrock Cove Ranch with reservations.

Hike for Days

The title implies we’re discussing a river (which we are). Surprisingly, Buffalo River has as many opportunities for hiking as it does for getting wet. While I don’t particularly love roughing it in a tent, I absolutely adore hiking. Hiking is a break from the daily grind and a pause from all distractions.

You can explore the trails yourself or let a local tour guide lead the way. You can even take a guided tour by horseback at Rimrock Cove Ranch. There are trails here for all skill levels, and even one that challenges very experienced hikers. Explore any of the following trails (keep in mind, no pets allowed):

• Beaver Jim Villines Homestead (easy)
• Big Bluff (strenuous, backcountry)
• Buffalo River Trail (37 miles)
• Lost Valley Trail (moderate)
• Indian Rockhouse Trail (moderate/strenuous)
• Buffalo Point Campground Trails (easy)
• Hemmed-In Hollow (challenging)

Zipline Adventure

Okay, so now we’re really speaking my language! If you’re an adrenaline junky and you’ve never ziplined, take this opportunity! A zipline adventure is such a thrill soaring through the tree lines and navigating platforms.

The Buffalo Outdoor Center offers guided ziplining adventures for hours of fun. It’s a physically demanding challenge and a rewarding experience. The whole course takes about 2 hours to complete.

After you’ve spent days floating the water, exploring the trails, and maybe taken a guided horseback tour, book a spot here. Zipliners must be at least seven years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds to participate. The center boasts that their oldest zipliner was 86 years young!

More on Buffalo River

Along with the fun mentioned above, there’s plenty of other nature-centered activities. Of course, you can fish on the Buffalo National River. There are also opportunities to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and it’s a popular bird-watching destination.

The Buffalo National River is a popular and quick trip for locals. Still, if you want a destination vacation that doesn’t have bora-bora prices, consider a week here. Take a pause on life and enjoy the wild beauty unlike anything else here in The Ozarks.

Planning Your Vacation

If you’ve got your dates in mind and are ready to start making this a solid plan, let us help you out.

Check out availability and compare rates on popular hotels at trip.com.

A family road trip to the Ozarks offers the best views and experiences, so snag a good deal on a rental at Economy Bookings.