Winding Stairs (Little Missouri River)
A remote, undeveloped stretch of the Little Missouri River known for deep swimming pools and streambank hiking, more solitary than
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Cossatot Falls / Brushy Creek Recreation Area
A 12-mile state natural area along the Wild & Scenic Cossatot River; in summer the whitewater run becomes calm enough
River Bluff Float Camp (Ouachita River)
A picturesque swimming and camping spot directly on the banks of the Ouachita River north of Mount Ida.
Jenkins Ferry State Park (Saline River)
A historic Civil War battlefield state park on the Saline River with an unofficial swimming hole popular with locals.
Steel Creek
One of the most iconic and scenic swimming spots on the Buffalo National River, set beneath the towering Roark Bluff;
Ozark Campground swimming hole
A peaceful swimming hole with bluff views and shaded gravel bars, ideal for families and those looking to unwind on
Pruitt (Pruitt Landing & Ranger Station)
A classic, easily accessible stretch of the Buffalo River with two swimming areas — Pruitt Landing (sandy beach) and near
Briar Bluff
A unique, less-trafficked swimming spot with a striking bluff towering overhead and a shaded alcove at the water’s edge.
Boxley Valley area swim spots
Deep pools along the upper Buffalo bordering the historic, scenic Boxley Valley, known for its resident elk herd.
Buffalo Point
A rugged, scenic lower-river access point with large slab rocks for basking and launching, plus a short hike to the