Floating Lower Buffalo - recommendations please!

[erikpolta]

Thanks for all the great info posted on this forum. My family and I recently floated the middle section from Tyler Bend to Gilbert. For our next trip I was thinking the lower section might be nice (even more secluded and perhaps more water?). Can anyone suggest options for both a one day float and an overnight option on the lower section? We have our own boats so would primarily be interested in camping and shuttle services offered in the area. Specific outfitter shuttle services and put-out in/out recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
The Polta Family

[Deuce]

The Buffalo is low right now, but you should be able to do the lower without too much trouble. IMO the best day float on the lower section is Dillard's Ferry to Rush. Beautiful scenery and great fishing. For an overnighter it depends on how much river you want to cover. This time of year I'd probably err on the side of less, in which case Maumee to Rush would be a nice one. You can also put in at Rush and go to the White. That's a great trip, but it will be more than an overnighter. For shuttling I really like Aaron at Buffalo River Float Service. You can arrange for him to drop your vehicle at your takeout point for a reasonable fee and depend on it being there when it's supposed to. He's not the only game in town so to speak, but I've always been happy with him. If you're doing Rush to Buffalo City Riley's Station is a good place to take out, or you can go on down to Shipp's Ferry if the water's really running (unlikely right now of course). I'm sure Riley's would be happy to provide shuttle service as well. They're good folks too.

[fryingsquirrel]

When someone mentions the lower Buffalo, I always think of Rush to Shipp's ferry on the White. Bit of a long paddle at 24 of 25 miles, you almost need a three day weekend to do it if you like to stop and mess around a lot. Some of the best camping gravel bars are on this stretch of the river like Hy-Burr for instance. Bluffs are pretty good as well. Fishing is good, but gar are also in the water down there. Bring plenty of water, food and supplies because it is the most remote stretch of the river with no maintained roads below Rush. There is good hiking at Rush and the ghost town to look at. Just downstream is Clabber Creek and Clabber creek shoal which is a fun little run. Another nice shoot is at Hy-Burr, as a kid I used to go down it in my life jacket, bruised, my bottom once or twice. Come to think of it, I've got a lot if pretty good memorieson that stretch of river. I hope my ramblings have been helpful.
Jon Ellwood

[erikpolta]

Thanks for the great info! Sounds like the next overnight float will be from Maumee or Dillard's Ferry to Rush. My wife and I are excited about the prospects of a three day trip from Rush down to Buffalo City but I think we will get a shorter overnighter trip under our belt first.

Does anyone know if a permit is required to camp overnight?
Any suggested gravel bars or highly desireable camp spots between Maumee to Rush?

Thanks again.... Oh and when is the next central AR meeting? - We'd love to come to a meeting and join the club!

[Jim Krueger]

Camping in any of the campgrounds like Tyler Bend, Buffalo Point, ect. come with a small fee. Camping along the river
is free. Permits are not required.

Jim

[Clif]

I would stick to shorter. Dillard's aka hwy 14 bridge to Rush. May be crowded. Narrow chutes, places you could hit bottom in gravel unless u pick the right route, pools with no current. Just sayin. River is LOW!

That last section will take work till you have more water and current. Plenty of solitude tho... i bet

[Deuce]

Dillard's Ferry to Rush is less than nine miles, so if you plan to make that an overnighter you'll really want to stretch it out. Nothing wrong with that of course. Last fall I took three full days to do North Maumee to Rush, and I have some really fond memories of that float. Plenty of good gravel bar camping all through there. Just pick a spot and make it home, remembering of course to practice good camping ethics. Another option some time would be to base camp at Rush and put in at Dillard's Ferry for a nice day float. There's a fee to camp at Rush. Ten bucks I think, but I'm not positive. You just missed the June Central Arkansas meeting, but you don't have to wait for a meeting to join. You can take care of that right here on the web site.

[erikpolta]

Thank you all for the great info! Looks like the gauges on middle and lower sections are continuing to drop
Here's to hoping for some rain

[Richard]

I would use Buffalo River Float Service 877-350-6592 for the lower Buffalo for shuttles. $25 to move your vehicle to Rush from Hwy 14 bridge. Make sure you have a spare key.