Off Grid Camping & Rafting on the Buffalo National River

Girls’ Trip Adventure at Buffalo National River

Author

Ark
May 19, 2025

This week, I embarked on an epic girls’ trip to the Buffalo National River, filled with camping, floating, trail running, and a few unexpected challenges. Join me as I take you along for the entire journey!

Getting Ready: Van Life and Bed Setup

Initially, I planned to car camp and set up a tent, but with rain in the forecast, I opted for my van instead. I switched to my big bed setup, which transforms the entire back of the van into a king-size bed—perfect for accommodating a few friends. This setup, original to the van, is spacious but makes accessing bench storage tricky, which is why I usually keep the bed halved for solo camping. Despite a slightly ill-fitting cushion due to my wood stove addition, the recliner-like setup worked great. With the bed made, I was ready for the adventure.

A Pit Stop at Toad Suck Days

On the way to the river, my friend Stephanie and I stopped at Toad Suck Days, a quirky festival in Conway, Arkansas. Think toad races, sausage on a stick, and classic small-town vibes. Fun fact: I raced toads back in elementary school! We grabbed some food, soaked in the festival atmosphere, and continued our journey.

Van Troubles and a Quick Pivot

Things took a turn when the van started acting up, refusing to accelerate past 60 mph. Suspecting bad diesel, we filled up, but the issue persisted, and a check engine light appeared. To avoid getting stranded, we swapped all our gear into Stephanie’s car and switched to tent camping. Crisis averted, but it was a hectic start!

Setting Up Camp

We arrived at a group campsite just before dark, with storm clouds looming. Using my Coleman Fast Pitch 8-person tent (a prize from my first corporate job), we set up quickly despite a broken tent pole I’d rigged. As rain began, we moved our gear inside, and Stephanie took the blow-up mattress for extra comfort. With wet firewood, I gathered dry reeds off the ground to start a fire, which eventually roared to life. Dinner was salmon and orange slices, enjoyed by the campfire until midnight.

Floating the Buffalo: Steel Creek to Kyle’s Landing

After a good night’s sleep, we woke early to make breakfast and head to the outfitter at Steel Creek. Recent rain had raised the river, allowing us to use rafts instead of kayaks. The cold weather and high water promised a thrilling float. We navigated a tricky drop-off rapid at the start, veering right to avoid the bank, and then settled into the stunning scenery—bluffs, rain-fed waterfalls, and fossil-filled river rocks. We stopped for sandwiches, spotted old 1800s homesteads, and marveled at fallen trees from recent flooding. The fast float took us to Kyle’s Landing by 3:25 PM, leaving us exhausted but exhilarated.

Thrive Market: Fueling the Adventure

A quick shoutout to this trip’s sponsor, Thrive Market, an online grocery store that’s been a lifesaver for my busy schedule. With organic, high-quality products and free shipping on orders over $49, it’s perfect for fueling my ultramarathon training. I stocked up on Walking Tamales (sweet corn elote and corn poblano flavors) and Olipop, a low-sugar soda alternative, both cheaper than local stores. Check out thrivemarket.com/kellyhayes for 30% off your first order and a free gift!

Rest and Recovery

Back at camp, we were wiped out. Everyone napped in their tents, but I fought the urge to start dinner. By 9:30 PM, I hit the hay, excited to sleep in the cozy tent again. I’ve been alcohol-free in 2025, and skipping the usual river beer was no issue—my goals for the next day kept me focused.

Trail Running and Wrapping Up

The next morning, I tackled an 18.4-mile run, originally planned for the Buffalo River Trail but moved to back roads to avoid poison ivy. Running gravel roads and trails, I focused on nutrition (training my gut to process calories) and running uphill. The clear ponds and river views were a bonus. After finishing, we headed to Jasper’s Ozark Cafe for a well-earned lunch.

Final Thoughts

This girls’ trip to the Buffalo National River was an unforgettable mix of adventure, challenges, and stunning scenery. Thanks for joining me! Don’t forget to comment, like, and subscribe, and I’ll see you on the next adventure. Bye!

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