Floating from Ozark Campground to Hasty on the Buffalo National River offers a serene and scenic adventure through the heart of the Ozarks. This is a great option for paddlers that love the Pruitt to Hasty float but would like to add a couple more miles to it. Ozark Campground is two miles upstream from Pruitt Access. The seven mile float from Pruitt to Hasty is one of the more popular day trips on the Buffalo. Most – maybe all – of the local outfitters put paddlers on the river at Pruitt. I don’t know of any that provide float or shuttle service starting at Ozark Campground. I assume this is because Pruitt’s close proximity to Hwy 7 makes it much easier for outfitters to access than Ozark. But for anyone willing to self-shuttle their own boat and skip the line at Pruitt, floating Ozark to Hasty is a great way to add a little more adventure to your trip.
As the river starts to reach the end of the Upper Buffalo section, Ozark to Hasty is a nice gateway to the Middle Buffalo. This section showcases the river’s diverse character, from wide gravel bars perfect for camping to towering bluffs that the Upper Buffalo is famous for. The two miles from Ozark to Pruitt are likely to be two of the most quiet and peaceful miles you’ll paddle on the Upper Buffalo. With a few more bluffs, shoals, and tranquil pools, adding this stretch is a scenic and rewarding choice.
Quick Glance
Distance: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Ozark Access Coordinates: 36.064830, -93.159416
Pruitt Access: 36.057368, -93.134026
Welch Bluff: 36.064753, -93.126586
Little Buffalo River Confluence: 36.032941, -93.107570
Gray Bluff: 36.009292, -93.101331
Chimney Rock Bluff: 36.009275, -93.081647
Hasty Access(Take-out): 36.008122, -93.081461
(Copy/Paste Coordinates into GPS or Google Maps search bar)
Directions
First, drop off your shuttle vehicle at Hasty access. From Jasper, head east out of town on Hwy 74. At 4.7 miles turn left onto NR 3850. Drive 2.1 miles and turn left into the Hasty access area. If you cross the Hasty bridge, you’ve gone too far. From there, head to Ozark by going back through Jasper. From Jasper, head north on Hwy 7 for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 129. Follow it for 1.4 miles where it ends at Ozark Campground. The river access is at the back of the loop.
What to Expect
The Float
The float from Ozark Campground to Hasty covers 8.9 miles. It typically can take 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on river conditions and the number of stops you make along the way. The float features a mix of gentle currents and occasional fast-moving shoals, providing a pleasant balance between relaxation and action. As for difficulty, this section of the river is fairly easy, and suitable for paddlers of all experience levels. Although American Whitewater rates it as class I to class II, the River App rates it as class I. And I think that’s more accurate when it comes to the rapids and shoals. Outside of a few temporary strainers, this is a really easy float.
Scenery and Features
Briar Bluff stands high above the put-in area at Ozark Campground, setting the scenic tone for the float ahead. After that lie two miles of beautiful, serene, and usually uncrowded currents whisking you to Pruitt. I thoroughly enjoyed this two mile stretch. One of my favorite parts of this was approaching Pruitt from upriver. I have started at Pruitt several times, but never got to see the river just upstream from it. So paddling under the Pruitt Bridge and seeing all the bluffs around Pruitt was a treat for me. Just beyond Pruitt is Welch Bluff. This area is one of my favorite sections of the Buffalo River. The bluffs here rise straight up out of the river and lean out over the water as you paddle underneath them. There used to be a rope swing at the turn, but it’s been washed away by floods.
After Welch Bluff, paddlers are greeted by the confluence of the Little Buffalo River. And after that, another unique bluff that you can paddle under, along with a few small waterfalls during wet season. Along this section are some of the best gravel bars for camping. If you’ve never done an overnight float on the Buffalo and camped on a gravel bar, you’re missing one of the best experiences the river has to offer. You can check out some of our overnight float articles/videos HERE. Rounding out the float from Ozark to Hasty are Gray Bluff and the massive Chimney Rock Bluff. When you see Chimney Rock Bluff on the left, you’ll know you’ve reached the end of this float. You’ll find Hasty on the right, just across the river. All of these sights are featured in the video below.
Plan Your Trip
Floating Time: 4-6 hrs depending on stops
Cell Service: Little to none (AT&T)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Closest Outfitters: Rio Buffalo, Lost Valley Canoe, Buffalo Outdoor Center
As with all floats, it’s important to check river levels before you go. You can do that on American Whitewater or the RiverApp. The minimum recommended level to float Ozark Campground to Hasty without dragging is about 4 ft. Be sure to bring food and drinks for the river and remember – NO GLASS! If you are a new paddler, please read our Paddling page and be sure to check out the Paddling Tips and Gear List on that page. This section of the river gets a lot of visitors, so please do your part to pack out your trash and leave no trace to preserve the pristine beauty of the Buffalo National River.
Cell service here is spotty at best, but there are a few pockets of service here and there. Just don’t rely on that to coordinate with groups. Plan your meet-up with others before you arrive. If you want to spend the night or weekend, there are plenty of options for that. The National Park Service has campgrounds at Carver, Ozark, Erbie, Kyle’s Landing, and Steele Creek. I know there is at least one private campground and RV park just outside of Jasper. There is also an abundance of cabins and vacation rental properties in the area. But you better book those well ahead of time. They usually are booked at least a month out during the busy float season. For anyone that likes a good post-float dinner, a few dining options can be found in nearby Jasper. From serene waters to towering bluffs, this stretch of the river offers something for everyone. If you’re looking to experience the heart of the Buffalo, floating from Ozark to Hasty on the Buffalo River should be high on your list.
