camp, glamp,
hike, bike,
kayak, canoe,
swim, fish,
rest, read,
skip rocks, wander, explore, daydream, stargaze,
tell stories, create memories…
on the buffalo
Enjoy the beauty of the rural rolling hills and much farmland in this area of Lewis County, Tennessee and the Buffalo River watershed.
This is not a crazy, over-packed campground. Space is limited and available first come, first serve.
Members get priority.
Camp options in numerous sites
or
Glamp at the Lemon Lodge.
NOW OFFERING FOREST IMMERSION WALKS with a certified guide to go slow and take a look at the land with a fresh perspective.
On the Buffalo is a division of A TENNESSEE RETREAT center between Hohenwald and Waynesboro, TN in lovely rural rolling hills on Route 99. On the 12 acres there is a variety of terrain - forest, rolling pasture, the river bluff, and the rocky riverside. There are approximately 10 zones for for camping that can be booked solo up to groups with about 6 tents in some of the larger spaces. All are child-friendly except the bluff which has 3 separate sites for booking best for tent size 4-6 people and under. This is a primitive LNT campground and will have an outhouse later in 2020.
Activities you may enjoy include fishing, swimming, hiking/walking, biking, or kayak/canoe. Bring your mountain bike and explore the natural terrain about 1.5 to 2 miles can be ridden throughout the lovely habitat. Please inquire on rental opportunities for tents or kayaks.
BUFFALO RIVER ACCESS
Want to drop in at Grinder's creek or Texas Bottoms and need a spot to take out?
Want to coordinate a camping and kayak weekend?
Want to bring your own kayaks with truck and trailer? We have a accessible road for 4WD only. Limited access based on use daily.
RV CAMPING One hookup option and another area for up to 2 units or 3 units depending on your size.
CONTACT NOW
RATES include hospitality tax, payments by credit/debit cards may incur additional fees
CAMPGROUND AND RIVER ACCESS:
DAY RATE until dusk:
Spend some time wandering the natural landscape and venture to the river. Contact for group rate.
$12/adult $4/child under 12
FISHING & other river activities: Must have appropriate licenses and share all information upon arrival. FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION
Additional Fishing permission - $10/person
PRIMITIVE CAMP OVERNIGHT RATE:
$20/adult $8/child under 12
if you choose to camp overnight, this includes day access no matter what time you arrive or depart within a 24 hour period.
Some sites are off-limits to children under 12. You must drive in and drop off your belongings. Only 1 car/truck per area is additional $10 and additional vehicles can be parked in designated areas closer to the camp entrance for $5 per car/truck.
RV/campers, 5th wheel, trailers
weekly and monthly rates seasonal available upon request
* there is no RV or camper parking available close to the river or on the campground that is reserved primarily for tent camping and future cabins. There is a magical path of trees that align the access trail as one meanders into the camping and hiking area so logistically large vehicles will not fit. In an effort to keep this as natural as possible, the area will not be clear cut for vehicles. Small pop-up trailers may be considered upon request and may incur additional premium fee for that access as well as a limited stay requirement.
no electric/water: $30/night
This site is approximately 70 ft x 30 ft mostly gravel and is approximately 50 to 70 ft from the road access in a relatively secluded spot with some mature trees creating shade in at least half of the spot. Depending on vehicle size there is room for max 4, but ideally two units at any time.
ONE hookup for electric/water: $40/night
This site is close to the main lodge that may also be booked on the same night and is close to our donkey corral where they stay at night. Parking available if you want to detach. Depending on booking there is enough room for a second vehicle with trailer but only one hookup option.
Park ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS. Only one car allowed near a site for add'l fee. Parking is centrally located near the entrance of the camp and overflow spots available at the retreat center across from campground entrance. Vehicles are not allowed in most areas beyond established trails. You may be able to drive to a central spot to unload. If you want to camp near your vehicle, please inquire about campsites on the retreat center side of the property. NO ATVs or Motorcycles without approval.
PAYMENT METHODS: CASH, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or CC by invoice which will take you to PayPal or Square - Credit Card may incur a service charge fee. Prices currently include Lewis County Hospitality Tax
PLEASE NOTE: This property is located about 100-150 ft above the river in all spots except the riverfront basin section. There is a one-lane road that has been dug from the bluff down to the river. Some may find it to be a steep stair-master workout to walk up. The property is slowly being updated and every effort is being taken to keep it in as natural a state as possible. The road had many obstacles in the form of large rocks and boulders that was tackled in 2019. You'll be able to see some of this really interesting geology along the banks. If you need assistance for any reason to get up or go down in our 4WD, don't hesitate to ask.
ADVENTURE
urban escape
digital detox
#atennesseeretreat
RIVER + TRAILS
On The Buffalo features a wide section of river bed along our 12 acres. As a creativity retreat center, the emphasis here is digital detox and rejuventation from the fast-paced technology infused world. Access will be limited on a daily basis to ensure that the peacefulness of this place is not destroyed by massive population. Becoming a member will guarantee your access and also help keep this space private compared to the other options down river.
CAMPING
With numerous camping zones to choose from, you and your group will find a nurturing experience in a relatively undisturbed natural environment of 12 acres on a bluff above the Buffalo river. We are a LNT facility and ask you to always leave things better than you found them. With one outhouse and more facilities in the works, this is a great place to be primitive, but not primitive. The cell phone signal may or may not work here and that's the point. The vision for this campground came from the founder/director Val's experiences growing up in scouts until age of 17 and a leader for 5 years without children in the troop as well as many family camping experiences.
LODGING
The Lemon Lodge is on the Camp Wonder Wander side of the property and sleeps up to 14. Our artist residency house when not in use is also available and sleeps up to 7. There are two other rooms for rent for 1-4 people. In total if all beds are booked, we can sleep 30 people inside. A future goal for the place is to have micro-shelters off grid On the Buffalo side of the center so check back often for that project update.
near the Natchez Trace Parkway
on the Highland Rim
between Hohenwald and Waynesboro
approximately 1.75 hr drive from Nashville
CAMPSITES
Nestle your group in the woods on the edge of the pasture.
Tucked farther back in the woods, perfect for a small group with one tent.
Image coming soon. Good for groups with up to 6 tents.
A lovely view of the pasture and the sky along the edge of the pine forest.
This section of the pasture has enough room for multiple tents to accommodate troops and groups up to about 30.
Another large space for larger groups with wide space to spread out. Enjoy the starry skies on clear nights.
This smaller site is available for one tent. No children under 12 due to location on the bluff rim. A lovely view of the river below and the land in the distance.
A larger site for several tents or even hammocks. Explore the bluff above the river. No children under 12.
Best for small tent or 4 person tent.
Pitch your tent near this unique spot on the buffalo that features a cluster of trees in a circle.
This special spot is the highest elevation. It is available for exclusive reservation, your tent or ours. Set up your telescope here. Premium rate and member priority.
Coming soon. Working on finding best spot above water level for possible tent or platform camping.
MEMBERSHIP
make a commitment to nature and your digital detox
Limited memberships available for those who want to visit on a regular basis. Help to keep On The Buffalo Campground a quiet, family friendly and relatively quiet part of the river by becoming a member. Your contribution helps to sustain the retreat center operations such as care and feeding of the animals as well as the artist/writer residency.
Please note fishing requires a TN license.
No hunting allowed on the property at this juncture.
Membership includes:
- access for 1 car/truck and up to 4 people per visit including 1 tent and 4 people for overnight stays (which is $80 a night without membership).
- 25% discount for additional guests (overnight $15 instead of 20) and additional parking.
- up to 20% discount on lodging at the retreat based on availability and size of group that prefers to glamp.
- priority access to deluxe option riverfront parking $40/ visit instead of $75 for 4wd (per vehicle - max 3)
- complimentary eggs upon request (please ask a few days in advance)
options:
- discount on fishing access or choose that upgrade
- concierge service for stocking groceries or beverages $25/hr (one hour minimum) plus cost of items for your arrival.
Access to the camp is unlimited, but campsites must be reserved at least 30 days ahead of time for priority. Must notify of your arrival/departure for reservation management. And register the vehicles that will be used on an annual basis with tag number, description. Will receive the 4 digit code to unlock the entrance gate.
RATES
(may be adjusted, but once booked that's your rate for that year)
ANNUAL RATE paid once a year -
campground access - $400
campground with fishing access - $600
PEAK SEASON (May 1 - Sept 30)
campground access - $300
campground with fishing access - $500
* You must register your vehicle at the time of the membership and only 4WD will be allowed on the river trail. Not responsible for any logistical issues by parking in unapproved spots or close to the river.
Memberships are non-refundable and should be considered a donation to the artist residency if you are unable to use your time On The Buffalo after registration.
* Membership does not include special events like star gazing nights. Members will receive a discount.
parking &
transport
options
NEED A PLACE TO LOAD OUT AFTER
A BUFFALO RIVER EXPERIENCE?
MAYBE YOU HAVE KAYAKS
AND WANT TRANSPORT SERVICE UP RIVER
TO BE ABLE TO CAMP ON THE BUFFALO AT NIGHT?
OR YOU WANT TO PARK YOURSELF AT YOUR DROP IN AND JUST NEED A RETURN RIDE?
LIMITED AVAILABILITY DAILY.
MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON THE OPTIONS.
PARKING AND TRANSPORT MUST BE BOOKED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR STAY.
PARKING
$10/DAY
This GENERAL parking area is closer to the main road entrance to campground. This will require you to walk up a somewhat steep hill then walk approximately 5 to 8 minute to retrieve your vehicle. Then drive back down - 4WD ONLY - to the river to load up. (approximately 10 spots depending on campground capacity that day). Book the additional assistance option to get your gear out if you do not have a 4WD.
RETURN TO
YOUR RIDE
Must make a formal reservation request within at least 24 hrs from your drop in .
This transport service is only available to the following locations - Texas Bottoms or Grinder's Creek.
Transport service is not available on demand.
PARK YOUR OWN VEHICLE AT THE PUBLIC DROP IN SPOTS OF EITHER TEXAS BOTTOMS OR GRINDER'S CREEK.
And get a RETURN RIDE.
Confirm your drop in time at your chosen spot within 24 hrs to confirm availability. You will be met at approximate time of arrival at our River exit and transported to back to your parked vehicle.
Included in this service fee is driving access to retrieve your gear and passengers. If you want to stick around, please see the day rate. 4WD only. If you need assistance please also book Gear Transport.
per ride:
$15 Texas Bottoms
$20 Grinder's Creek
PARKING
$20/DAY
This PREMIUM parking area is limited to 5 vehicles max based on campground reservations that day. This option is close to the entrance to the bluff river road which will save you about 5-8 minute walk, but you'll still need to walk up the road to retrieve and then drive down the road. (limit of 5 vehicles in this parking area per day and depends on campground booking)
GEAR
Must make a formal reservation request within at least 24 hrs from your drop in.
This transport service is only available to the following locations - Texas Bottoms or Grinder's Creek.
Transport service is not available on demand.
TRANSPORT YOUR GEAR AND UP TO 6 PASSENGERS BACK TO YOUR VEHICLE.
Confirm your drop in time at your chosen spot within 24 hrs to confirm availability.
You will be met at approximate time of arrival at our River exit and transported back to your vehicle.
Included in this service fee is meeting at river takeout, load up trailer with gear, transport to vehicle, and assistance of moving gear from trailer to your vehicle.
$30 Texas Bottoms
$40 Grinder's Creek
PARKING
$50/DAY
This DELUXE parking area is limited to 3 vehicles based on campground reservations that day. This option is at the base of the river road close to the river egress. Must have a 4WD. If you have multiple vehicles and want to self transport your group and gear this may be a great option. Park one vehicle close to the river in designated parking area and drive yourself to your drop in. You'll be able to DIY all aspects of your river activity.
ON SITE
ANYONE CAMPING THAT DOES NOT HAVE A 4WD, may request assistance to get from the bluff down to the river for whatever reason not limited to special needs access. Registered guests will receive a taxi type service to transport your group in our Explorer 4WD through the terrain so you can spend time on the River front, go swimming or maybe ask about our floats.
Complimentary one round trip a day per guest group with your time request acknowledged based on availability. Additional times per day may be a minimum charge for time. Maximum 5 passengers per transit.
KAYAK RENTAL &
KAYAK transport
options
WANT A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON A RELATIVELY QUIET SECTION OF THE BUFFALO RIVER?
THIS IS NOT THE CRAZY OF THE OTHER OPTION DOWNRIVER.
Kayaks
$30/person per trip
We can assist up to 10 guests with the camp kayaks including double and single options. These are comfortable and good for beginners or those wary of the instability of canoes on rivers. Includes paddle and life vest for each passenger.
Buffalo is a class 1 and 2 river. Much of what you will find in the zones between our spot on the river and the drop in is a class 1 based on weather.
Inclement weather your trip may be cancelled due to heavy rains, possible flooding or lightning/thunderstorms.
concierge package 1
For up to 6 people, will load up your gear and rented gear if needed. Will stop at the Grinder's creek public access to park your extra vehicle, and then ride you to Napier Rd drop in. Once you arrive at Grinder's creek, you'll be able to drive yourself back. If you prefer a pick up at Grinder's please see transport options above.
$50/trip
Book ahead, one group per day
Up to 6 passengers
Will transport up to 6 passengers and the gear to either Texas Bottoms or Grinder's Creek. If there are more than 6 in your group, you'll follow us and park that vehicle. Will transport you back to pick up the vehicle at the end of the day, or end of the load out.
$15 Texas Bottoms
$25 Grinder's Creek
Return to your vehicle for groups larger than 6
$5 Texas Bottoms
$10 Grinder's Creek
concierge package 2
Will drive up to 6 people and gear to a farther drop in spot called Railroad Bed Pike. Will pitstop at Napier Rd to drop off your vehicle so you can return back to camp with us at night instead of on the river. If you want to camp along the river, you can do that and get to us with probably 2 nights of camping from this location.
If you prefer a pick up instead of driving your own vehicle back to camp at end of the day, please contact to discuss.
$80/trip
Book ahead, one group per day
STAR
GAZING
GALLERY
About our extended creativity retreat center @campwonderwander on Insta and FB: Let your creativity flow like the Buffalo. Book an extra workshop to learn pottery or other art, craft, or design. You may want to meet our camp animals - donkeys (miniatures and standards), chickens, peacocks, and domestic rabbits, cats, and dogs. The artist residency program should lead to an ever growing arts environment such as murals and sculpture gardens. Blue sky dreams include a ropes course and zip line as well as numerous micro shelter off grid cabins for rent and use by the artist residency program so with your help we can make this a really amazing unique destination.
If you have a group, troop, or club you would like to coordinate an excursion camping or glamping along with a workshop that you manage with our assistance or we manage, we would love to discuss so please send a message via our chat.
For more information on our retreat center lodging and workshops, go here.
CONTACT
ADDRESS
606 GAITHER HINSON RD, WAYNESBORO TN 38485
SR 99 BETWEEN WAYNESBORO & HOHENWALD
for booking and other information : 931-321-3520 voice or