Buffalo National River
St. Joe, AR Hours and Location

Learn and Explore

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.

We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.

Our Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a park entrance pass?

Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

… more

About this location:

National River

Operating Hours & Seasons

Tyler Bend Visitor Center

Tyler Bend Visitor Center is Buffalo National River’s main visitor center. It is located in the middle district of the river off of Highway 65 in between St. Joe and Marshall, Arkansas.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Monday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Tuesday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Wednesday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Thursday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Friday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Saturday:8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Additional Information View More

• Christmas Day:
• –

• Columbus Day:
• –

• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
• –

• New Year’s Day:
• –

• Washington’s Birthday:
• –

• Thanksgiving Day:
• –

• Veterans Day:
• –

Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station

The Buffalo Point Ranger Station is located at the lower end of the river, about 14 miles south of Yellville, Arkansas off of Highway 268. This ranger station is located near the Buffalo Point Campground, the park’s largest campground and only one that offers hookups.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Monday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Tuesday:8:00 PM-4:30 PM
• Wednesday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Thursday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Friday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Saturday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Additional Information View More

• Christmas Day:
• –

• Columbus Day:
• –

• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
• –

• New Year’s Day:
• –

• Washington’s Birthday:
• –

• Thanksgiving Day:
• –

• Veterans Day:
• –

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $0.00 – Entrance Fee
  None

Entrance Passes:

• $0.00 – Entrance Pass
  None

About

America’s First National River

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.

Directions

Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Highways 7, 43, and 62/65 are the main roads out of Harrison, Arkansas that will take you to the Buffalo River, depending on which part of the park you wish to visit. GPS systems are not reliable in this area so please call ahead for directions or pick up a map of the area beforehand.

Visitor Centers

Tyler Bend Visitor Center

The Tyler Bend Visitor Center is located off of Highway 65 between St. Joe and Marshall, Arkansas. Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station

The Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station is located at the lower end of the river, 14 miles south of Yellville.

Weather

Summer in the Ozarks can be very hot and humid. Please check the weather forecast prior to your arrival and plan accordingly. The weather the rest of the year has the potential to be wet and cool or dry and warm. Please pay special attention to river levels and the rain forecast when planning a trip on the river. River levels can rise dramatically in a short period of time so please be aware of conditions.

Permits and Reservations Information