All campgrounds except Lost Valley are directly adjacent to the Buffalo River. The 135-mile national river is lined with bluffs as high as 440 feet. Riverside stands of willow, sycamore, river birch and cottonwood blend into the predominately oak-hickory upland forest. The Buffalo offers smallmouth bass, goggle-eye and other game fish along with swimming and canoe trips on this free-flowing river.
Swimming is permitted in the Buffalo River but requires special caution. Diving or jumping into the river from rocks or bluffs is extremely dangerous due to the likelihood of striking submerged rocks. Limestone and sandstone bluffs are crumbly and slippery when wet and should be completely avoided.
