News Release

Buffalo National River Implements Campground Changes for 2026 Season

A yellow and gray square tent is pitched on the left side of a grassy campsite. In the background, a small parking area and road are visible, bordered by green leafy trees beneath a blue sky.
Tyler Bend Campground offers a variety of campsites and day-use areas adjacent to Buffalo National River.

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News Release Date: January 15, 2026

Contact: Cassandra Johannsen, 870-688-6043

HARRISON, Ark. – Buffalo National River will require reservations for all campsites at Steel Creek Campground, Ozark Campground, Carver Campground, Tyler Bend Campground, and Rush Campground beginning March 13, 2026.

Reservations must be made through recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted for campsites in these campgrounds. Reservations can be made from six months in advance to same day for all individual campsites through recreation.gov.

All campers will need their reservation confirmation number when they arrive at their reserved site. With this new reservation system in place, the park will no longer hang reservation cards on reserved sites.

Pavilions at Ozark and Tyler Bend will remain available for reservations up to a year in advance but will now be available for same-day reservations in 2026. Group sites at Tyler Bend are also still available for reservations one year in advance but will also be on a same-day reservation system. Making a reservation before arrival will be preferrable, as many locations across the park have little to no cell service.

Kyles Landing Campground, Erbie Campground, and some campsites at Buffalo Point will remain first come, first serve through the 2026 camping season, which starts March 13 and runs through November 15, 2026.

Backcountry campgrounds such as Woolum and Spring Creek, will remain first-come, first-serve, as in previous years. Visitors cannot make reservations for these types of campgrounds. More information about camping options are available online here: Camping - Buffalo National River (U.S. National Park Service) or by calling the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502.



Last updated: January 15, 2026

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Mailing Address:

402 N. Walnut Street
Suite 136

Harrison, AR 72601

Phone:

870 439-2502

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