Hikers high a cove the Buffalo River on the Goat Trail. explore
Stay and Play in Arkansas' Most Beautiful Place

Buffalo River Adventures

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Explore all the adventures the BOC has to offer

Spot an elk in the wild, take a dip in one of our swimming holes, go fishing for smallmouths and catfish along the upper river, and stay the night on our campgrounds.

young woman using binoculars to spot wildlife
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River Fun For Youngsters

Swimming Holes

The Ponca area is home to some of the prettiest swimming holes on the Buffalo River, particularly the hole at nearby Steel Creek which features a huge pool and expansive gravel bar to play on.

Wildlife Experiences

Buffalo River Elk

Did you know a majestic herd of wild elk live in the Ponca area? Watching and photographing Ponca’s herds of majestic Rocky Mountain Elk is one of the finest wildlife experiences you can have in Arkansas.

Perfect for bass, perch, and catfish

Fishing

The Buffalo National River is a clear waterway, which makes it a great place to fish for bass, perch and catfish. You’ll find Smallmouth bass in the upper Buffalo River and Kentuckies (spotted bass), and largemouth as you move downstream of Pruitt. Catfish can be found anywhere on the Buffalo River.

Sleep Under the Stars

Camping

Camping on the Buffalo River is a beautiful outdoor experience, whether you’re in a designated National Park Service campground or camping on a vacant gravel bar along the river.

Fabulous secluded setting

Backcountry Pilots Fly-in & Stays

Enjoy a touch-and-go before flying off to your next destination. Our new hangar has an apartment so you’ll be able to fly into our mountain-top grass strip and stay where you park your plane.

So Much to Explore

More Adventures

Visit our adventure guide page to learn all things about floating, hiking, tent camping, zipline and mountain biking.

woman hiking along a steep ledge overlooking mountains

"Always very informative about the area and helpful in making plans!"

Christy M.
adult ziplining through trees

"We had a wonderful time on our trip! The ziplining was awesome. The staff at the center were very helpful in giving recommendations for things to do. We stayed in the Crossbow cabin and it was perfect. We'll be back!"

Vikki B.