Gilbert General Store

Kellie Hopkins

2023-08

Out of several different outfits to choose from to rent canoe's on the Buffalo, we chose this one and were very happy with our choice! I called first with a slew of questions (we are from out of town and have never floated The Buffalo) A very friendly gal named Darcy answered the phone and had a quick answer to every single one of my questions. This was also one of the only outfits that did not require you to be there at a very specific time to be shuttled out. We went with the shorter float which took us about 3 hours. Beautiful and calm section of the river, no white water. We were kindly shuttled with all of our equipment up river and told where to get out. Once we did, we were loaded back up and shuttled back to our truck. Wonderful experience and nice family owned business.

Adam McCall

2024-05

I don’t post a lot of reviews. However, when an experience is so good and beyond expectations, there is obligation to let others know about this outfitter. We have floated for years and have used other groups around silver hill. But we took a chance on someone new and I regret not having used them in the past. Thank you for everything!

Dave McDermott

2024-04

These folks are amazing. We have been traveling the Buffalo with them, on and off, for twenty years. Everything, always, works perfectly. Drivers are on time, staff are helpful, vehicles are reliable, equipment is good. And the store is cool.

laticia mcdaniel

2022-05

Gilbert General Store gets a 10/10 from me for sure! I've used them 3 separate times when floating the Buffalo River and I will keep coming back! They will shuttle you up river (4, 6 or 10 mile floats), provide the canoe (or kayak or raft), life jackets and a mesh trash bag for your trip. The best part about using them (and staying in Gilbert) is that the take-out point is a (very) short walk from the store.I rented one of the duplex style cabins. It was not their largest, but perfect for up to 4 people. I loved the porch with its turbo ceiling fans.The only negative was that the grills outside were not in good shape at all so either bring your own or expect to eat out or microwave your food. There is a nice-sized mini fridge available.

Bridget Brown

2020-05

We stayed a week for memorial day weekend at the camp ground, tent camping. I can not brag enough on Ben and his staff checking on us making sure we had every thing we needed. Our shuttle driver explained everything we needed to know for our trip down the river with the canoes. This entire community welcomed us and treated us like family. On the weekend every night we would go to the new pavilion at Ben's place for amazing entertainment and great food. Worst part of the trip was leaving and heading back south . We will come back as often as we can. Only advice to offer is to wear lots of sunscreen and reapply a lot . Take your time and relax down the river. Here are just a few pics from our time in Gilbert!

Greg Patterson

2022-05

We LOVED Gilbert General Store during our recent visit to Buffalo River! Betty was great at answering questions, making recommendations and providing maps. We rented a canoe for a 10 miles trip. Joel provided shuttle service with some local flavor. We would highly recommend.

Carl Schneider

2024-04

I've always loved stopping in here. Great burgers. They were closed yesterday... bummer

Kari Heuston

2023-09

River Cabin 6-location was great but the mice droppings throughout kitchen and bathrooms, on counters, microwave, dishes, coffee filters was absolutely disgusting. We will have to find another place for next year. Also very hot to sleep upstairs and wifi only worked half the time. Loved the river and kayak and canoe rentals

Alan Edes

2022-05

Very happy with their vehicle shuttle service. The store is very nice, friendly staff and great information about the Buffalo National River. Will definitely return!

Paul McCullough

2023-07

Colton shuttled my truck back after dropping us off today. First time using a shuttle service for my kayak and I’m a huge fan of it now. Great business with awesome employees. Thanks for helping make my family’s day as great as it was.

Shea Lane

2023-06

Traditional boat caneo rental place, BUT I bought a "Ben's pie" that was amazing. Way to go "Ben!" Made our cravings vanish and great quality crust. Nice to meet you.

Nicole Darland

2023-10

This place is so cute on the inside and they have anything you might need on a camping\float trip.The staff was super friendly and helpful

Caroline Pittman

2021-05

The Staff were so helpful and genuinely friendly. The cabins are super clean as well as really rooming with all the dishes towels and comforts of home. The HOT showers were excellent as well as the oversized porches with BBQ grills. Literally can walk down to the river in a couple of minutes. The best part is it just gets better we had an excellent time 5 stars are not enough. Thanks Ben and Caroline and family we loved it 💞!

delana mason

2023-07

We had so much fun floating the buffalo river. Everyone was nice and friendly. We are looking forward to our next trip

Hannah Taylor

2022-05

We had a wonderful time on the Buffalo River with rented kayaks from the Gilbert General Store. While it was a rainy day on the river, we had the entire river to ourselves making it a very peaceful day. Everyone was very nice and we were provided with maps and recommendations for our next trip. We’ll be back!

K LR

2022-05

Zero stars but forced to give one!! Me and my boyfriend booked a canoe trip w them recently. We accidentally booked 2 boats instead of 1. We caught the mistake less than 12 hours after our booking and called, sure that we could cancel one canoe. My boyfriend called and the staff, including the manager, were very rude to him. They lectured him about reading their policy and “making better choices.”It’s amazing that they work in tourism, treating customers this way. They refused to let us cancel 1 boat, and were so unpleasant we booked with Buffalo River Outfitters instead. They were great!The lady who owns our cabin was so shocked at the treatment we got from Gilbert General Store that she is taking them off her website as a recommended company!There are several float trip companies in this part of Arkansas/Buffalo River. Do yourself a favor and use any other one!!

Kelvin Laffoon

2023-06

I didn't go inside because they are not pet friendly. It's basically the office for the campground and canoe rentals. Has some supplies and a soda fountain.

Sergio Herrera

2021-05

Betty was so nice! Cabin was spotless and comfy. Would go again in a heartbeat.(But the dude who ridiculed me for wearing face mask [as posted on the door - state mandate - I was being polite by following YOUR posted rules!] was odd. Don't accuse me, even jokingly, of robbing the place, especially after I paid $250+! Why does everything have to be political?!) (Suggestion: Try flying a US Flag?)But, beautiful area. Would love to visit and use their services again. America the Beautiful!

Addie G.

2016-05

I travel alone & I had the campground to myself! The entire staff is very friendly & helpful. The campground is well kept. The bath house is, well, a bath house. The water was hot :-) & that's very nice after living in a tent. Ben (manager) & Keeling (kayak shuttle driver) were super!

Jason Stanford

2017-05

Mr. Fruehauf and the staff here are wonderful. Everyone was so nice and went out of their way to make sure we had a pleasant experience. If you are looking to canoe the middle section of the Buffalo I highly recommend Buffalo Camping and Canoeing.

Clay Autery

2023-05

Gilbert General Store is our "go to" for cabins, river outfitter, et al. on the middle section of the Buffalo National River.Super nice folks and Gilbert in general should be on the list of places to visit and learn about.Bottom Line: If you want to get on the BNR from Carver to Maumee, you will want to consult the good folks at Gilbert General Store.

Matt Rogers

2022-05

My first visit here was 27 years ago. I’m glad to see they are still around. Today, I got to pass the experience of the Buffalo down to my kids. We can’t wait to come back for more!

Amber Conley

2022-05

Cadie Belle, I think that's her name, was the first person we encountered at the Gilbert General Store, which was the 3rd or 4th outfitters we went to as walk-ins 2 days after a big holiday weekend. The other places had no customer service, no need or desire to take our money, and no personality anywhere in sight. The Gilbert General Store made what could have been a spontaneous bust, an absolute dream vacation, 3 days canoeing on the most gorgeous River, through the most amazing mountains, sleeping under the stars and they made the tedious and not fun part convenient and enjoyable. Thank you to Hayes, and the other two young men who did our heavy lifting, and thank you Gilbert General Store for employing quality people, and valuing your customers!!!!!!

Jack Keen

2023-05

Good place to get a sandwich, rent a canoe, plan a shuttle, cabin rentals,souvenirs and much more!! Friendly service everytime!

Virginia McClary

2020-05

The people and location were absolutely beautiful. Great country atmosphere. Clean and well maintained cabins. Would recommend them to all who are looking for a little bit of everything. Great get away.

Cheyenne Autumn

2022-05

Met a wonderful man named Ben. We will be playing for his place next Saturday September 11th. 6pm to 9pm. Come on out and enjoy some food and music and atmosphere. See ya there. 😘

Danielle Barron

2018-05

We use Gilbert store every year while floating the Buffalo River. Great people and service. Highly recommend. We put in at Tyler Bend and it makes for a wonderful day of canoeing!

Sergey

2023-05

2nd fabulous float trip from the Gilbert store, staff is super helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. If you want to canoe or float the Buffalo River, can't go wrong with these guys

Ponder Wright

2019-05

I have used Gilbert's Store to rent Kayaks and canoes several times. They are friendly, prompt, and helpful. Best "Float* store...they have what you need to have a great float.

Clark Stuart

2018-05

We were one life vest short for our trip (flew out of the truck) and tried to buy one from this shack. They didn't carry them but just my luck had possession of an old ripped up/faded/rotten life vest from buffalo river outfitters they would sell for the low low price of $10. Since they were trying to sell me a vest that wast theirs for 2x the retail of a new one I asked if they could rent it to me for $10 and I could sell it back for $5 to which I was told "you can always get one somewhere else if you don't like the price"Typical ozark con men running this place. Everything else in the store was quadrupole the price it should be but stealing other people's stuff and reselling it at a premium is a little scummy, even for low life hillbilly trash.