Tyler Bend
IMHO, Tyle Bend is the best campground to visit on the entire Buffalo River.
(1) Very clean hot showers
(2) Ranger Station/Office on site
(3) Large Campground
(4) nice landing
(5) Close to Corseys and other nice eateries
(6) 20 minutes from Marshall (groceries and restaurants
(7) Shuttling to Woolum, Gilbert, Baker Ford, are very easy
(8) Shuttling further will take longer but the roads are much better than on the Upper or Lower Buffalo.
(9) Great Gravel bar between Woolum & Baker Ford for an overnighter. You can probably put two dozen tents up and still have elbow room for another dozen.
(10) Rarely is the water too low in the spring. But, it may be at 25 feet above normal which typically only lasts about 24 hours and you can be back on it shortly after it peaks. Pending weather of course.
That’s my two cents, but I get there 2-3 times every year so it’s really no big deal to me. If we go to another area I prefer the upper over the lower because it’s just better.
Preferences
I personally prefer the upper Buffalo, because of the scenery & the changing character of the river.
Regular attendance at the Ozark Rendezvous will assure anyone that it is a “very rare” occasion when anyone raises the subject of river camping. The subject is typically met with a deafening silence.
Will you be attending the forthcoming Rendezvous Mozark, or just offering input?
BOB
Upper Buffalo
It was my impression when the Buffalo was talked about that it would be the upper and if that didn’t have water we would go back to North Fork of the White. I realize we may not be able to do Ponca but hopefully at least Steel Creek on down. The lower doesn’t really interest me for day trips and I don’t see this large of a group doing a river trip, since some come early/late, etc. I am starting my rain dance now (ok not too much)!
Also Rans
Pam, that's the way I understand it as well. I fear I'm partially responsible for any confusion, which is not unusual, but it appears there could be a float camping subplot brewing. That's something that could easily be worked in for interested parties if the stars aligned. Also, FWIW if Ponca isn't feasible Steel Creek won't be either. Further, there's a lot more river than the upper and lower. There's great fun to be had including some of the river's best sights between Kyle's Landing and Woolum (which is still the upper) and between Woolum and Gilbert which is the middle.
Just wanting an update
on Rendezvous. Just the facts please. Ozark? April 25 or 26th to the following weekend?
We have a new wee travel trailer, are coming from Maine and its kind of new that we might have to reserve campgrounds enroute. It will be three days. I would prefer not to habituate Wally World.
Also if some one has a tandem it would save us a ton of grief. You see we have 15 canoes but as we are continuing on West we would prefer not to have to drag boat. The West will be a Anasazi tour on foot and with camera.
Though we could snag the Green… But we would be bringing Kevlar which works for that river and maybe not quite so well on the Buff, though we have done that.
Update as I see it
I started this post about 8 weeks ago. Reviewing the responses I feel it safe to say:
- Dates are April 25/26 through Sunday, May 1, with the “official” first paddling day on Thursday, April 28.
- Camp at the NPS Ozark Campground on the Buffalo National River. Note this campground is first come first serve (no reservations), and no electrical hook ups although the web site says RVs are allowed.
- The Buffalo River is rain dependent, so we will use the North Fork of the White river as backup.
- Keep checking this thread for further information on water levels and possible change in campsite as the Rendezvous date gets closer.
Rehabilitation
It looks as if I’m going to be unable to attend this year … I’ve had a lot of trouble with my left arm and wrist since surgery in January…I can barely use a broom …I’m not allowed to lift my canoes yet … But should be close to that in a few weeks … I will try and paddle some local lakes when I’m able but don’t expect that the left arm will be worth a poop… I’m going to keep working toward getting myself able but am bummed about this nerve damage not improving any faster…The Buffalo remains on my bucket list …
Don’t give up hope
Sorry about the slow recovery on the arm. But don’t give up hope for the Rendezvous yet. Keep working on the rehab and evaluate your progress later. There’s still about six weeks till the vous.
Hey Jack…
Hang in there buddy; keep up to date on your rehab work, but don’t go for overkill on workouts.
If nothing else works out; JoAnne & I would be glad to have you around as our “camp boy” & “shuttle bunny”.
That’s just the kind of guy I am; always willing to help out a good buddy …
:^)
BOB
Thanks
I go to cardiac rehab three days a week and really feel a heck of a lot better … I walk the hood on the off days … I have trouble lifting a 3 lb weight on my left arm but my grip has improved a little and finger dexterity is a little better. But my wrist is very weak and there’s not a lot of feeling there … I’m optimistic upbeat and I don’t miss working for a living not that I ever hardly worked while there… Vic thanks for the encouragement and Bob I’ll be there for you in spirit if my arm doesn’t improve enough …that made me laugh… When it gets closer to time I’ll see how I’m doing .
2nd week anyone?
I have some time to fill and would like to stay in the Ozarks. Any interest in a few days at Twin Bridges and the White/Bryant Creek/etc following the 'vous?
Brad
Maybe a cut off date to
Given the number of people going.maybe we could set a cut off date.to decide the official location.I’m good with either and apparently so is everyone else.but given driving routs and times will be effected. by which site we choose.
We will be leaving Maine a week before
and would appreciate a decision say around April 10 becuase we need to rent a canoe . Not because we dont have one!! But we are towing a trailer for a first time and going to Arizona and Nevada. We dont want to haul a canoe all around the West.
we need to know who to rent from.
Canoe
KM
I think the kids will have an excused absence from school, so as for now, we are planning on being there unless something unforeseen comes along. If I can get my trailer built in time, we could haul an extra for you guys if you’re not opposed to a big, heavy Tripper. Please go ahead and make sure you can rent if needed, but if all works out, you’re welcome to borrow ours.
Ed
lol!
We actually do not mind a Tripper at all. But we might need young people to help tote!
considering the average age
When you think about what the average age of this group is.i hope you are flexible with your definition of young. Wise,experienced and reliable yes.
tandems
If Ed cannot bring a tandem I quite possibly can but things are somewhat up in the air with me. My mother-in-law just had surgery so I am unsure at this point whether my wife will be able to join me or not.
Ordinarily, when my wife comes with me I bring a solo and a tandem on my truck but if Mary comes separately at a later date, she can bring a tandem on her car. Or if she can’t make it, I can just bring a tandem and a solo.
Do you know at this point what dates you and Jim plan to arrive and leave the area, Kim?
we hope to arrive on tuesday the 26th
leave Saturday the 30th but nothing in stone.
We are actually OK with renting if anyone else bringing an extra boat finds it inconvenient.
I am watching daily!
http://ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver/
Anyone expecting to paddle on Tues 26th?
My plans have me arriving on Monday the 25th. If others might be arriving early enough to paddle on Tuesday I’d be interested in connecting.
Cut-off Date
I think 4/10 is a little early and the “official” Rendezvous doesn’t start until 4/27 and a lot can happen in that time frame - either not enough water or way to much water. Either way we go I don’t see that anyone would have an issue with renting a canoe if they need to. I think it would be more reasonable to make a decision a week a head but still having North Fork as back-up if Buffalo gets a lot of rain and goes to high, that can happen quick. Just my thoughts.