Woolum Ford
St Joe, Arkansas · on Buffalo River · Buffalo National River
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Woolum Ford
Woolum Ford is a National Park Service river access point on the Buffalo National River's Middle District, located about 7 miles southwest of St. Joe, Arkansas via a paved-then-gravel road off Highway 65. It sits at river mile 56.3, offers primitive camping with a vault toilet, and is known locally for the adjacent swimming holes Robertson Hole and Boat Hole, which make this quiet stretch of the Buffalo a rewarding river to swim in.
The access lies within the karst-shaped Middle District of the Buffalo National River, a stretch where the river is a 'losing stream' that can run underground for miles between Woolum and Margaret White Springs during low water. Bluffs exceeding 200 feet, including Margaret White, Whisenant, Buzzard Roost, and Peter Cave, rise along the river corridor downstream toward Baker Ford.
Swimming at Woolum Ford
A first-hand trip report describes Robertson Hole, near the main Woolum parking area, as a relaxed, shaded day-camp swimming spot suited to families, while nearby Boat Hole is shallower with whitewater and a rocky, undeveloped beach that is less appealing for swimming and better used as a low-water river crossing point.
How to get to this swimming hole
From St. Joe, Arkansas, take Highway 65 and follow the Woolum access road southwest for about 7 miles (first 4 miles paved, last 3 miles graded gravel) to reach Woolum Ford on the Buffalo National River.
Parking: Primitive, undeveloped parking at the main Woolum access; a separate narrow, muddy floodplain side road leads to Boat Hole and is impassable during high water.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. No trail hike is needed. Robertson Hole is a short walk from the main Woolum parking area. Boat Hole requires driving the separate muddy side road to its tiny 2-car gravel-bar parking spot, then a walk of roughly 100+ feet over uncomfortable river rock along the bar to reach swimmable water.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Robertson Hole, the shaded day-camp area near the main Woolum parking, is described by a first-hand trip report as a family-favorite swimming spot. However, there are no lifeguards anywhere on the Buffalo National River, and NPS park-wide safety guidance warns that water depth here can be deceptive and conditions change fast after rain, so young children should be watched closely. Boat Hole, the second swim spot at Woolum, has shallow whitewater and a rocky, undeveloped bar and is less suited to small kids.
Parking
Free
Primitive, undeveloped parking at the main Woolum access near Robertson Hole (no fee, per NPS). A separate rough, narrow, muddy floodplain side road leads to Boat Hole, ending in a tiny gravel-bar pull-off with room for roughly two vehicles; this side road floods and becomes impassable in high water and a trip report notes brush/low limbs scraping vehicles along it.
Restrooms
Yes
One vault toilet at the main Woolum access area (NPS), with limited/infrequent servicing since this is a primitive access point; no potable water on site.
On the water
NPS's paddling page for the Buffalo National River lists canoe, kayak, john boat, or raft as acceptable vessels for entering the river; no motorized-watercraft rule specific to this reach was found in NPS river-rules content. This section (Woolum to Baker Ford, ~11 miles) is a popular multi-day/day paddle past bluffs over 200 ft (Margaret White, Whisenant, Buzzard Roost, Peter Cave), per NPS's dedicated paddling trip page. The karst 'losing stream' behavior here means water can be too low to float in late summer/fall.
Rentals nearby
Canoe, kayak, and raft rentals for single- or multi-day float trips, plus shuttle service (private shuttles, vehicle pick-up/drop-off); also cabin/cottage/tent/RV camping
#1 Frost Street, Gilbert, AR 72636, an NPS-authorized Middle District concessioner; Gilbert sits on the Buffalo roughly 40+ river-miles downstream of Woolum near the Tyler Bend area, the closest formal outfitter town to Woolum
Canoe and kayak rentals, float trips, plus log cabin lodging (Elk, Fish, Bear, Summer Lodge cabins)
558 Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687, NPS-authorized Middle River concessioner
Canoe rentals and float trips on the Buffalo National River (per NPS concessioner listing)
Harriet, AR, NPS-authorized Middle River concessioner
Backstory
Peter Cave Bluff downstream of Woolum was historically used as a 'tie slide' during timber operations on the river (NPS).
Woolum Ford: FAQ
Does Woolum Ford charge a fee?
No fees charged (NPS).
Is Woolum Ford kid friendly?
Robertson Hole, the shaded day-camp area near the main Woolum parking, is described by a first-hand trip report as a family-favorite swimming spot. However, there are no lifeguards anywhere on the Buffalo National River, and NPS park-wide safety guidance warns that water depth here can be deceptive and conditions change fast after rain, so young children should be watched closely. Boat Hole, the second swim spot at Woolum, has shallow whitewater and a rocky, undeveloped bar and is less suited to small kids.
Do I need to hike to reach Woolum Ford?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Woolum Ford?
Primitive, undeveloped parking at the main Woolum access near Robertson Hole (no fee, per NPS). A separate rough, narrow, muddy floodplain side road leads to Boat Hole, ending in a tiny gravel-bar pull-off with room for roughly two vehicles; this side road floods and becomes impassable in high water and a trip report notes brush/low limbs scraping vehicles along it.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Woolum Ford?
NPS's paddling page for the Buffalo National River lists canoe, kayak, john boat, or raft as acceptable vessels for entering the river; no motorized-watercraft rule specific to this reach was found in NPS river-rules content. This section (Woolum to Baker Ford, ~11 miles) is a popular multi-day/day paddle past bluffs over 200 ft (Margaret White, Whisenant, Buzzard Roost, Peter Cave), per NPS's dedicated paddling trip page. The karst 'losing stream' behavior here means water can be too low to float in late summer/fall.
When is the best time to visit Woolum Ford?
Spring through early summer generally offers higher, more swimmable water; by late summer/fall this stretch's karst geology can cause the river to run very low or go underground (NPS).
What are the rules at Woolum Ford?
Standard Buffalo National River park rules apply: no glass containers within 100 feet of the river or trails except in designated sites; general safety guidance to swim with a buddy and avoid cliff diving; camping and driving are prohibited in the adjacent agricultural lease fields.
What water body is Woolum Ford on?
Woolum Ford is on Buffalo River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
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