Great news! Buffalo National River campgrounds reopen for overnight camping on Friday, May 29, 2020! This means multi-day river trips are now possible!
During Phase 1, we will have a limited number of canoes, kayaks and rafts available for rent, so advance reservations are very important. Please call us at 870-861-5514 to reserve your boat and schedule your vehicle shuttle. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PRESENTLY CANNOT ACCEPT PRIVATE SHUTTLE REQUESTS. Shuttle service is only available in conjunction with boat rental. Also, YOU MUST HAVE A PRE-SCHEDULED LAUNCH TIME reserved prior to arrival. If you have boats rented and do not yet have a slot time, please call us ASAP at 870-861-5514.
Please see our PHASE 1 operations page for current available activities, lodging and other services.
Boxley
River Level
1.63 ft
Very Low
Flow Rate
10.50 cf/s
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.
Ponca
River Level
1.68 ft
Very Low
Flow Rate
26.40 cf/s
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.
Pruitt
River Level
3.58 ft
Very Low
Flow Rate
59.40 cf/s
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.
Carver
River Level
6.35 ft
Very Low
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.
St. Joe
River Level
3.98 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Flow Rate
250.00 cf/s
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:07 p.m.
Harriet
River Level
3.45 ft
Moderate, Ample Water for Floating
Flow Rate
283.00 cf/s
Last Updated: July 11, 2020, 8:06 p.m.
Keep That Canoe Upright!
New to canoeing? Build your paddling confidence with our short video of tips on how not to turn over!
Advance Canoe / Kayak / Raft Reservations
An advance reservation for a canoe, kayak or raft is always a good idea, as springtime float trips are very popular here on the upper Buffalo National River, especially on weekends. If you are planning to float on a weekend in April, May or June, we encourage you to reserve your boats now as last-minute rentals are usually hard to come by.
Floating With Kids
Check out our helpful "FLOATING SAFETY TIPS" page for some important things to consider before paddling the Buffalo National River with children. BE AWARE: ARKANSAS LAW REQUIRES that children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while on any vessel.
Buffalo Outdoor Center is authorized within Buffalo National River to provide canoe, kayak and raft rentals and transportation services.