Buffalo River Trip March 18th thru 26th

[Van]

Planning a canoeing/camping trip on the upper Buffalo March 18 thru the 26th. Anyone have any good advise on campgrounds and what river levels I should be hoping for for a leisurely float. Was thinking about setting up camp at Lost Valley. Also any suggestions for other activities in case the river/weather doesn't cooperate with my plans.

[painterbob]

Van, here is a link but it's slow to up date. http://ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; right now from pruitt down is good. camping @ kyle's landing fills up fast . long drive into eurie. never fills .ozark is the next one .no camping at pruitt or hasty. we can up-date you closer to trip time on the full scoop ......

[Jaytee]

I'm confused (but I'm easily confused!). Are you wanting to just camp and do day floats (you mentioned camping at Lost Valley) or are you talking about picking a section for a multi-day gravel bar camping, floating experience?

Depending on what is going on with Spring rain/run off, starting at the Ponca bridge may be too low OR too high for the "leisurely float" you seek.

Painterbob is right though it is likely to be both reliable and leisurely anything from Pruitt all the way down. And if the levels are right, Ponca-to-Pruitt can be great in March but just a little hard to predict. Remember water temps will be COLD.

You turn that boat over and without all the right stuff it is definitely hypothermia season. So, if in doubt about the abilities of your group (or as to the quality of their cold weather paddling gear) you might want to go a little further down river.

Lost Valley is great but other than the put-in at Ponca is not very convenient to most of the river.

[Van]

I am taking the family with me to camp and I was hoping to get some canoeing time in. Will try to be taking single day trips, and leave the wife and kids camping and hiking while I canoe (no chance on getting my wife in with the water that cold). My son might want to go with me, but need to get him a wet suit first.

[Jaytee]

Well, you are going to have a great trip! You might want to consider camping at Kyles or Ozark then, with easy access to the closest grocery store or restaurant or whatever, and river options both up and downstream (even Pruitt) for camping are good.

Either your wife wll be willing to shuttle your car or perhaps you will work with an outfitter. Check out Buffalo River Canoes for moving vehicles anywhere from Kyles to Carver...