National River · AR

Dogs in Buffalo National River

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Yes on the river, and on several designated trails. The Buffalo is a dog-friendly float.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the river, the gravel bars, and in all campgrounds, plus a set of designated trails: the Buffalo River Trail (Ponca to Steel Creek), the Villines Homestead and Mill Creek trails, the Tyler Bend Campground trails, and the Buffalo Point Campground trails.
Photo: NPS Photo · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed dogs are welcome on the river, the gravel bars, and in all campgrounds, plus a set of designated trails: the Buffalo River Trail (Ponca to Steel Creek), the Villines Homestead and Mill Creek trails, the Tyler Bend Campground trails, and the Buffalo Point Campground trails.

Where dogs are banned

All other park trails, government buildings, caves, and the designated wilderness (except gravel bars along the river corridor).

Trail by trail

Dogs OKBuffalo River Trail (Ponca-Steel Creek)Leashed dogs welcome
Dogs OKVillines Homestead TrailLeashed dogs welcome
Dogs OKTyler Bend Campground trailsLeashed dogs welcome
Dogs OKBuffalo Point Campground trailsLeashed dogs welcome
No dogsOther park trailsNo dogs

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Where to go instead

The surrounding Ozark-St. Francis National Forest allows leashed dogs on trails.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National River

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Buffalo National River?

Yes on the river, and on several designated trails. The Buffalo is a dog-friendly float. Leashed dogs are welcome on the river, the gravel bars, and in all campgrounds, plus a set of designated trails: the Buffalo River Trail (Ponca to Steel Creek), the Villines Homestead and Mill Creek trails, the Tyler Bend Campground trails, and the Buffalo Point Campground trails.

What is the leash rule at Buffalo National River?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Buffalo National River?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Buffalo River Trail (Ponca-Steel Creek), Villines Homestead Trail, Tyler Bend Campground trails, Buffalo Point Campground trails.

Where can I hike with my dog near Buffalo National River?

The surrounding Ozark-St. Francis National Forest allows leashed dogs on trails.

Are service animals allowed at Buffalo National River?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.