Buffalo Shores Beach
Near Andalusia, Iowa · Ms Rv Pools 11-22 Recreation Area
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- April through October, matching the official day-use season for the site.
About Buffalo Shores Beach
Buffalo Shores Beach is a 25-acre Scott County Conservation Board recreation area on the Mississippi River, just downstream of Buffalo, Iowa off State Highway 22. Its free, unguarded sand beach serves as the area's Mississippi River swimming hole, a genuine big river to swim in, alongside boating and camping facilities and views of river barge traffic.
The site sits directly on the Mississippi River shoreline off State Highway 22, downstream from the town of Buffalo, Iowa, with sand beach frontage, picnic areas overlooking the river, and views of recreational and commercial river traffic.
Swimming at Buffalo Shores Beach
A free, open sand beach on the Mississippi River where visitors swim at their own risk, as there are no lifeguards on duty. The county describes it simply as a 'free beach' for swimming and recreation alongside boating.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located off State Highway 22, just downstream from Buffalo, Iowa, at 1433 W Front St, Buffalo, Iowa 52728.
Parking: Ample parking for cars and boat trailers is available on-site and is free.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up beach: the parking lot sits directly next to the sand, so it's a walk of well under a minute/a few dozen yards from car to water, not a hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Sand beach with a playground on-site makes it feel family-friendly, but there are no lifeguards ('swim at your own risk' per the county), the beach fronts the open, navigable Mississippi River channel with real current, and it shares the shoreline with a public double boat ramp that sees recreational and commercial barge traffic. Parents should supervise closely and keep kids away from the boat ramp/channel side.
Parking
Free
Free, ample on-site lot with space for both cars and boat trailers, adjacent to the beach; no fee for day-use beach or boat ramp access.
Restrooms
Yes
On-site 'newly remodeled, clean' bathrooms at the beach day-use area (per Scott County Conservation).
Hours
Day-use area open April through October, 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Scott County Conservation Board); park closes overnight 10:30 PM-6:00 AM per county park rules.
On the water
Restrictions: A public double boat ramp gives direct access to the Mississippi River. Per the Scott County Conservation Board rules brochure (updated 3/2026): boaters must keep away from designated swimming areas, spillways, and control structures; unattended watercraft may not be left more than 12 consecutive hours or overnight (10:30 PM-6:00 AM); a Coast Guard-approved PFD is required per occupant; only vessels 'designated as watercraft' are allowed (no air mattresses, inner tubes, or pool toys); and minnows/baitfish are prohibited. Note: the same brochure states 'the use of gas engines is prohibited' for Board-controlled waters, but Buffalo Shores' boat ramp launches directly into the open, federally navigable Mississippi River (not an impounded park lake), and the site's own facilities description and nearby barge/recreational boat traffic indicate gas-powered motorboats do use this ramp in practice -- so that clause most likely governs the Board's internal park lakes (e.g., West Lake Park) rather than river access at Buffalo Shores. Treat this specific point as unconfirmed.
No dedicated no-wake zone or electric-only restriction specific to Buffalo Shores was found; general Iowa DNR boating law applies on the river itself.
Buffalo Shores Beach: FAQ
Does Buffalo Shores Beach charge a fee?
Beach and boat ramp access are free; no admission charge for the day-use beach area.
Is Buffalo Shores Beach kid friendly?
Sand beach with a playground on-site makes it feel family-friendly, but there are no lifeguards ('swim at your own risk' per the county), the beach fronts the open, navigable Mississippi River channel with real current, and it shares the shoreline with a public double boat ramp that sees recreational and commercial barge traffic. Parents should supervise closely and keep kids away from the boat ramp/channel side.
Do I need to hike to reach Buffalo Shores Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Buffalo Shores Beach?
Free, ample on-site lot with space for both cars and boat trailers, adjacent to the beach; no fee for day-use beach or boat ramp access.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Buffalo Shores Beach?
No dedicated no-wake zone or electric-only restriction specific to Buffalo Shores was found; general Iowa DNR boating law applies on the river itself.
When is the best time to visit Buffalo Shores Beach?
April through October, matching the official day-use season for the site.
What are the rules at Buffalo Shores Beach?
No lifeguards are on duty and swimmers are advised to swim at their own risk. Day-use hours run April through October, 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
