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Rush Campground in Arkansas
Very Hard to BookNational Park

Rush Campground

Buffalo National River, Arkansas

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As of September 2026, Rush Campground is a campground in Buffalo National River, Arkansas with 12 campsites. Rush Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Rush Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Rush Campground is located at 36.1262° N, 92.5522° W.
people allowed on each site
6

Rush Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Sep 30 (12 sites)Oct 1 (12 sites)Oct 2 (8 sites)

12 sites open on Sep 30 at Rush Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 20:12 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum stay: 30 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Rush Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Rush Campground

  • Standard 12

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, photography, stargazing, water sports.

All sites at Rush Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Rush loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
Site 1Standard6
Site 2Standard6
Site 3Standard6
Site 4Standard6
Site 5Standard6
Site 6Standard6
Site 7Standard6
Site 8Standard6
Site 9Standard6
Site 10Standard6
Site 11Standard6
Site 12Standard6

About Rush Campground

Overview

Rush Campground is located in the Lower District of the Buffalo National River, and about 17 miles (27.4 km) southeast of Yellville. It has 12 tent-only sites. Drinking water is available when fees are collected from approximately March 15 through November 15. All sites are limited to 6 people per site, and each site is $16 per night. All sites must be reserved in advance. A vault restroom is available year-round.

Recreation

The Lower River District allows for extended seasons for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. If there's enough rain, the river is floatable year-round.

For hikers and history buffs, the 1.5-mile Rush Mine Level Trail and 0.25-mile Morning Star Loop offer beautiful views of Rush Valley and gives hikers an understanding of the historic mining and landscape. In the 1880s, zinc ore was discovered in the hills and claims were staked out along Rush Valley and neighboring Clabber Creek. Eventually, a community of homes and businesses developed along Rush Creek and endured until the 1960s. Come and explore this unique history as you hike Rush Mountain.

Additionally, small-mouth bass, catfish and sunfish are popular fish to catch on the Buffalo River, but visitors should be aware that an Arkansas fishing license is required to fish anywhere on the river.

Facilities

Rush has 12 reservable tent-only sites with potable water available from approximately March 15 through November 15 each year, but no electrical amenities. A vault restroom is available year-round.

Natural Features

The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (870) 449-4311.

Nearby Attractions

Rush is located in the Lower District of the Buffalo River, offering access to Clabber Creek, and many great day hiking destinations in the park.

Charges & Cancellations

If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel?

Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation in My Reservations.

Changes

If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for:

Adding or removing nights to your stay.

Changing to a different campsite.

Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate.

Cancellations

You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees:

$10 cancellation fee

Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking)

Any previous change fees

Late cancellation penalties may also apply:

What is “Late”?

For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in.

Late Fee

In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. For additional details, please visit here.

Changes and Cancellations

rules and reservation policies

Rules and notices at Rush Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Rush Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

The facility is available for camping free of charge outside of the reservation season, generally November 15th to March 15th every year.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the two creek crossings leading into Rush may become flooded. Be aware of conditions at Rush Creek and use caution when traveling in the area. Never attempt to cross a flooded creek crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so.

Rush is only available to tent campers. RVs, trailers, pop-up campers, motorhomes, campervans and any other type of recreation vehicle on wheels is prohibited in this campground.

Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.

Do not swim alone during high water.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.

All park trails are closed to pets with the exception of the Buffalo River Trail, only on the section of trail between Ponca and Steel Creek , the Villines Homestead Trail at Ponca, the Mill Creek Trail, the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall in the Middle District), and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District). Visit the park's hiking page for more information and maps of these trails.

Please be aware that some special events held at the pavilions or anywhere in the park (such as weddings, press receptions, concerts, et al) require a Special Use Permit in addition to the pavilion reservation. To obtain a Special Use Permit or additional information, please contact the Commercial Services office at (870) 365-2724. For more information visit the Special Park Uses page on the park website.

Please be advised that providing business services within an NPS unit is prohibited per CFR 5.3 without a written Authorization or Permit approved by the Superintendent. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery & set-up, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle (transportation) services, and guided hikes, floats, etc. For a list of approved visitor services and to learn more about working with Buffalo National River, please visit the Doing Business with the Park page on the park website.

Rush Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Rush Campground?

Rush Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Rush Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Rush Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Rush Campground have?

Rush Campground has 12 campsites.

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