Canoe Camping at Buffalo National River | Gilbert to Spring Creek Campground

Our first outing in months! Angie and I have been busy working but in the middle of July we finally had a couple days off together and the weather was decent enough to camp we decided to take a canoe down to the Buffalo National River.
Last Summer we did an overnight float on the Buffalo from Woolum to Gilbert so we just continued down the river for a Gilbert to Spring Creek run. In hindsight, I would probably choose to finish at Dillards Ferry; while it's a longer float it would have been a shorter shuttle.
The water level was just right for a relaxing float down the river. There were a few slow pools that required some harder paddling but for the most part there was an easy current giving us a boost. There weren't any difficult rapids on this run either.
While most of the trip was relaxing and filled with the beautiful sights and sounds of the river there were a few other times we went by people who blaring music at high volumes from their Bluetooth speakers. We found it annoying and unfitting for a National River; I go on a little rant about it in the video. I encourage everyone to I leave the external speakers at home and enjoy the peaceful sounds that nature provides.
Thank you for watching!

[@FF7824]

Nice job you guys.

[@theshuz]

You guys are so awesome together. Remind me of my wife and me, we love enjoying the Buffalo with each other. Maybe we will run into you guys sometime.

[@WanderingBlock]

Thank you! Say hello if we ever cross paths!

[@deanchambers5934]

another great video..beautiful views ,funtimes and good canoeing

[@WanderingBlock]

Thanks you, glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@bigpapajamo]

Wow! That float looks awesome!

[@jonathanelizabethrockey4701]

I've really been enjoying your videos of the Buffalo. My wife and I are planning a trip for this spring, and trying to figure out how many miles to aim for. We're pretty experienced canoers and in fairly good shape. Not in a rush, but would like to see a good bit of the river. If we are planning for two full days bookended by two partial days, what in your opinion is a realistic total distance to aim for?

[@WanderingBlock]

It all depends where you're floating on the river and what the water level is. Upper river is swifter water when the water levels are right so usually you can go faster, but if the waters not high enough you'll have to drag in places. You'll likely be fine in spring though, the river being too high to float is a more likely issue. The further down river you go the slower it gets and the pools get longer. If I were planning a trip in that amount of time I would plan for 30-40 miles. Check out the Buffalo National River website and they have a lot of great info to help you plan a trip. Here's a milage chart that is a big help in figuring out where you want to put in and take out. www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/river-accesses-mileage.htm

[@jonathanelizabethrockey4701]

@@WanderingBlock Hey, thanks for that. I've looked at the NP website and you're right, it's great. Enjoying all your Buffalo River vids. Thanks for doing them.

[@WanderingBlock]

@@jonathanelizabethrockey4701 no problem! We love the Buffalo River, who knows when we will be back because are out west now but it will always be one of my favorite places. If you have Facebook there's a group called Our Buffalo River, people are always posting beautiful pics and helpful info on there. Springs also a great time to hike too!

[@Eric19781]

Get on Facebook and go to Arkansas kayaking and ask any questions you have

[@Nasgareth]

Thanks for the video! I'm looking at hiking from Spring creek south towards Gilbert soon. I feel you on the "musical serenades". I just don't get it. At least when I pick up trash left by others on the trail, I can do so in peace and quiet.

[@WanderingBlock]

Nice, I've yet to hike on the lower portion of the Buffalo River Trail, I need to get out there! Thanks for picking up trash, I know the Buffalo River gets a lot of abuse from people looking for a party but I'm thankful for all the folks who love it and do what they can to keep it the great park it is. Happy Trails!

[@clvrswine]

Oh man, I feel you on the dummies that blast music in the forest. I encounter the same thing when I ride my dual-sport motorcycle. Side by side people have full-on stereos with bass blaring out in the serene back-country. I get pissed. Why are they even out there if not for the peace and quiet? Enjoyed your video, as always!

[@WanderingBlock]

Exactly, I think I enjoy the sounds of nature almost as much as the sights. Especially when on the river! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching. 😁