Buffalo Outdoor Center
4699 AR 43 HWY PO Box 1, Ponca, AR 72670
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About
#1 of 5 Specialty lodging in Ponca
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.8
Value
4.2
Travelers' Choice
BOC is a log cabin resort in Ponca near the Buffalo National River. We rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts during the spring canoe season. We have the Buffalo River Canopy Tour which is the 1st in Arkansas. The cabins are for couples, families, corporate groups, weddings, honeymoons, and family reunions on the upper Buffalo River. This is one of the most scenic places to visit in middle America!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Internet
Hot tub
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Convenience store
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
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Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Location
40Car recommended
Grade: 40 out of 100
1Restaurantwithin 5 miles
3Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
4699 AR 43 HWY PO Box 1, Ponca, AR 72670
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This is for travelers in their late 60’s. If I were 10 years younger I would have given it five stars. We stayed in the Buffalo River Cabin. It has excellent views and is a nice cabin except it was over 90 degrees this weekend and the cabin was difficult to cool. With the ac on 64 we had all windows covered at all times and all the lights off. The upstairs was unusable until after dark and early morning and we requested and got a fan for those times. If you are older be aware the staircase is a winding metal narrow one. The wifi was almost non existent and is not good enough to stream. Cell service is scanty as warned so be aware if you need to keep contact with anyone. Also at this price I don’t think the guests should be asked to strip the beds and wash the dishes. Otherwise if you are a perfectly heathy elderly specimen or younger this is a fantastic place and you will have a grand time.…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Our visit to the Buffalo River was awesome! The BOC has great accommodations, and we would definitely book through them again. We stayed at the Compton Mountain Cabin, and the view is amazing! We also rented some kayaks with them, and they made the whole process quick and easy. For trails, we recommend Lost Creek, Buffalo River Trail (access at low water bridge), Hemmed in Hollow, and Centerpoint. We bought groceries in Harrison, AR (which has an awesome splash a btw) but picked up a few items at the BOC. Looking forward to our next adventure in Ponca!
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
We had an amazing time on the Buffalo river and the lodging with BOC was excellent. Very nice two bedroom cabin overlooking the valley. (Arkansas Cabin). Only negative is the fire place doesn’t draw well, you will need to open a window or door. The staff was excellent to work with. While we were there in late April I can only imagine Sept/Oct. for dinner, the Low Gap Cafe is a must! 5 star food!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My wife and I stayed four nights in one of the couple cabins. The cabin was much more than advertised and we will definitely go back. Everyone was helpful and professional. This is a first-class operation in the middle of nowhere.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The BOC operates a small, but well sited RV park near Ponca, Arkansas. It sits atop the hills with 20 mile views of the Buffalo River Valley. This is an official DARK SKY location, so expect to get incredible views of the stars and planets. The RV park is, as mentioned, sited well and while relatively small (14 spots) this keeps your stay a bit more intimate. Each of the 14 spots are pull through and the concrete pad for the RV is perfectly level. They provide power and water. In addition you are given a passcode for the super-clean shower and bathroom amenities. Lastly, the crew at the BOC in Ponca are super nice, helpful and go out of their way to make your stay a pleasant one.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Cleanliness
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Feb 3, 2022
How kind of you to write such a thorough review of your RV park experience! Thank you SO very much for taking the time to do so and for pointing out a variety of helpful attributes that newcomers to our park can take confidence in. Again, we deeply appreciate the kind words and being given the chance to have earned them!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our party of 5 adults just completed a stay at the Balloon Cabin. Everything about our stay was just wonderful! The trip definitely exceeded our expectations! Booking with BOC was very easy. The website provided very detailed information about each cabin. We selected our cabin based on the secluded location, mountain top views, hot tub, front porch swings, indoor fireplace, and dark sky. All of these features turned out to be just as advertised. The night sky was especially amazing - possibly the most stars we have ever seen! The cabin was very clean and the furnishings were cozy and comfortable. There was even a Christmas tree and a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator! Although the website said there was no cell service, we were all able to use our cell phones with no issues. And the WiFi was reasonably fast and dependable. The staff at the office were very friendly and welcoming. They provided detailed directions to the cabin and recommended several excellent hikes in the area. Our favorites were Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley. December proved to be a great time to visit because the trails weren't crowded at all and the weather was unseasonably warm and sunny. We would love to return when we can stay even longer!…
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Date of stay: December 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: I would not recommend the cabins on the main highway, but all of the other cabins seemed...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Feb 3, 2022
Wow! How kind of you to write such a thorough and complimentary review of your stay with us! We are delighted that you found your cabin and its natural surroundings to be everything you were expecting. Thank you also for recognizing our staff, who we feel truly care about the happiness of each guest. We truly look forward to your return and the chance to stargaze even longer---June is prime Milky Way month here in Ponca, so an excellent time to night sky watch!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked with BOC based on Trip Advisor reviews and had a wonderful experience! I like how BOC gives information (hot tub, dark sky, mountain top, no pets ...) so I was able to make the best decision for us. I believe the cabin was older, so not luxury appointed, but very spacious for 4 people. The furniture and beds were comfortable and the cabin was perfect for us -- secluded, quiet, dark sky, morning fog in the valley. And it has 2 baths rather than just the 1 bath stated on the website. The desk staff were very helpful regarding appropriate hikes for our abilities -- our favorites were Whitaker Point and Lost Valley. We visited mid-week in early October and there were no crowds. It was refreshing! We loved elk watching in the evening. The BOC website is very clear that there are no restaurants nearby, but I didn't pay close attention. So one evening we drove to Ozark Cafe in Jasper. We enjoyed the food, but the drive back after dark was tiring. Our cranberry salad lunch at the BOC deli was delicious! I rarely say I will return someplace -- so many places to see, so little time. But we will return. It's a 4-hour drive, but light-years away from the city.…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: We chose mountaintop view for seclusion. Loved the hot tub with full view of the night sky.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Oct 23, 2021
What a lovely (and thorough!) review you have written---truly, we are deeply honored. Thank you so very much for putting such great thought---not to mention time---into writing it! Most of all, we cannot express what your final paragraph means to us. As you say, there are so many places to see and so little time in which to get them all checked off the bucket list. However, there is only one Buffalo National River and Ponca, and we are delighted that you want to return. Thank you, again, for your generous words. By the way, we fixed that info error on the cabin's web page---thank you for pointing that out!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Definitely worth a stop. Great items (shirts, hats, etc.), but also friendly service. The woman working was so helpful, giving us great trail information. We were glad to have found this place, and hope to stay in one of their cabins on a return trip.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Oct 23, 2021
We are delighted that you enjoyed your time in our store and that you found our Adventure Staff to be welcoming and helpful! We look forward to that day when you can return and stay longer. Meanwhile, thanks SO much for the kind review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Every where we went was beautiful and all the staff were friendly and helpful. All facilities were super clean ( and I’m OCD so that’s saying a lot). The crew working the zip lines were awesome, fun, and patient, and made my first time zip lining memorable. Jeremy and Matt were amazing and Rachel and Josh were so friendly. Even the guys keeping the grounds were amazing, specifically Chad who helped my husband and I with a vehicle issue and was super nice about it. I would recommend the BOC to anyone and everyone!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Sep 27, 2021
Emily, your review is amazing! Such kind, kind words about our staff...and to know that you felt entirely comfortable that your cabin was spot-on clean, well, all of these things is what we get up every day and strive to achieve. THANK YOU for writing such a lovely review on our behalf. We hope we have earned the privilege of having you as a life-long BOC guest!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BOC never disappoints! The cabins on the mountain have amazing views from the deck and hot tub! The newer cabins like Morning Glory is spectacular with the wall of windows overlooking the valley. The staff are always kind, friendly, and helpful. We’ve been going to BOC for years and it keeps getting better.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Rhonda Mills, Owner at Buffalo Outdoor Center
Responded Sep 27, 2021
Teresa, THANK YOU so very much for writing such a lovely review on behalf of BOC and our wonderful staff. We are greatly honored by your kind words. Most of all, we greatly appreciate your years of loyal friendship and business. If we were ever to disappoint you, please do not hesitate to tell us immediately! Thanks, again, for taking the time to write such a generous review. We love hearing from our guests, but especially those who join us in Ponca year after year!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
buffalo outdoor hotel ponca, buffalo outdoor center ponca
LOCATION
United StatesArkansasPonca
NUMBER OF ROOMS
29
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Claim Your ListingBUFFALO OUTDOOR CENTER - Prices & Campground Reviews (Arkansas/Ponca)
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Outdoor Center
Which popular attractions are close to Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Nearby attractions include Buffalo National River Park (4.6 miles), Lost Valley Trail (0.4 miles), and Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls (4.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, a hot tub, and free internet access.
Which room amenities are available at Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Is Buffalo Outdoor Center located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Ponca.
Are pets allowed at Buffalo Outdoor Center?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Is Buffalo Outdoor Center accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.