National River • Arkansas Ozarks
America's First National River — And One of the Best Vanlife Destinations
The Buffalo National River is 135 miles of untouched Ozark wilderness cutting through limestone bluffs, hardwood forests, and some of the most photogenic scenery east of the Rockies. It was designated America's first National River in 1972, and it's remained wild ever since. For van campers, it offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed spots that feel genuinely remote — even though you're only a couple hours from civilization.
This is the dramatic section — towering bluffs, elk sightings, and some of the best short hikes in the state.
The most scenic campground on the Buffalo, period. You're camping at the base of Roark Bluff — a 300-foot limestone wall that glows orange at sunset. Sites fit vans well, and the horse camp area has even bigger spots if you need room. It's popular for a reason, so arrive early on weekends or camp midweek.
Access: Good gravel road • Nearby hikes: Goat Trail, Indian Rockhouse • River access: Yes
Boxley Valley is famous for its elk herd — one of the only free-roaming elk populations east of the Rockies. You can't camp in the valley itself (it's historic farmland), but the surrounding national forest has dispersed spots along the forest roads. Best at dawn when the elk come down to graze.
Access: Paved main road, rough forest roads • Wildlife: Elk, deer, turkey • Cell service: Very limited
Small campground at the trailhead for one of the best short hikes in Arkansas. The Lost Valley Trail takes you through a natural stone arch, past waterfalls, and into Eden Cave — where you can explore with a headlamp. Sites here are tight for bigger rigs, but perfect for smaller vans and minivans.
Best for: Hikers, smaller vans • Highlight: Eden Cave exploration • Reservations: First-come
Wider river, easier paddling, and more solitude than the upper section.
Right in the town of Ozark (don't confuse it with the Ozarks region). This is where a lot of paddlers put in for multi-day trips down the middle section. Good facilities, easy access, and the town has basic supplies if you need anything.
The main visitor center for Buffalo National River is here, so it's a good base if you're new to the area. Ranger programs, maps, and advice on current river conditions. The campground itself is well-maintained with sites that accommodate vans of any size.
🛶 Paddling Season
The Buffalo is a free-flowing river — no dams. That means water levels vary dramatically. Spring (March-May) is the best paddling when water is up. By late summer, the upper section can be too low. Check current levels at the visitor center or NPS website before planning a float.
📵 Expect No Service
Cell coverage in the Buffalo River wilderness is essentially non-existent. Download offline maps before you go. If you need to work remotely, you'll need to head to Jasper or Harrison for reliable signal — or bring a Starlink.
🚰 Water & Resupply
Established campgrounds have potable water. Dispersed sites don't. Jasper is the closest town for groceries and fuel — don't expect anything else out here. Plan your food and water accordingly.
🛤️ Road Conditions
Main roads are paved and fine. Some campground access roads are gravel but manageable in any van. The dispersed spots on forest roads can be rough — AWD or 4WD helpful but not always necessary. Scout before committing to a sketchy road.
The Buffalo River rewards self-sufficiency. Solar power means you don't need hookups. A good water system means longer trips. Interior storage for kayaks or paddleboards means you're always ready. OZK Customs is an hour west in Fayetteville — we build vans for exactly this kind of adventure.
Planning a trip to the Buffalo River? We're local and we've been out there plenty. Let's talk about setting up your van for river camping.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com