Map showing campground location near Ponca, Arkansas

Camper submitted image from Buffalo outdoor center

Buffalo outdoor center

Perched atop a mountain in the Arkansas Ozarks, Buffalo Outdoor Center sits 2.2 miles north of Ponca with commanding views across the Buffalo National River valley. The RV park features just 15 sites with full hookups for rigs up to 50 feet, spread across level concrete pads that prevent the crowded feel common at larger facilities. The elevated location means consistent wind exposure and minimal shade coverage across the camping area.

The mountaintop setting provides easy access to Buffalo River activities and area trails, though campers should prepare for the exposed conditions. Site 7 sits lower than others and can collect water during heavy rains, as Jennifer O. notes: "Be aware site 7 is low so if it's rainy you will have water in your spot." The facility includes clean restrooms with showers and maintains surprisingly reliable cell service despite the remote location.

Multiple access options accommodate different camping styles, from drive-in RV sites to walk-in tent spots. The on-site outfitter store stocks camping supplies and serves food, including their popular Sasquatch BLT. Campers can also explore nearby Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River for additional river access points. Reservations help secure preferred sites during peak seasons, and the pet-friendly policy welcomes four-legged companions on mountain adventures.

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Location

RV Park

Buffalo outdoor center is located in Arkansas

Coordinates

36.05522984 N
93.37049382 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/2/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/2/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 15 min from Fayetteville, AR
1 hr 34 min from Springfield, MO
2 hrs from Fort Smith, AR
2 hrs 20 min from Joplin, MO

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the mountaintop location with stunning views, large level sites, and clean facilities. Staff interactions varied significantly, and one major electrical incident damaged guest equipment.

Jennifer O.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2025

Most beautiful place in Arkansas

I love this area, we’ve enjoyed the cabins at BOC and brought our RV this time. I have zero complaints about the RV park except be aware it sits on top of the mountain. So wind can be an issue and there’s zero shade. Full hook ups, convenient to all the hikes and activities, totally level pads, and they don’t pack them in here like sardines- there’s only 15 spots. Be aware site 7 is low so if it’s rainy you will have water in your spot.

Site7

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

Jill M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Terrible Experience and Lack of Customer Service at Buffalo Outdoor Center

I am extremely disappointed with our recent stay at Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park in Ponca, Arkansas. After a 7.5-hour drive, we arrived on June 29, 2024, eager to enjoy a week-long stay. Unfortunately, our visit turned into a nightmare within just one hour of our arrival. While setting up our 5th wheel trailer, there was a loud pop followed by smoke pouring out of our TV. Thankfully, my husband was able to unplug it before our trailer caught fire. To our dismay, none of the outlets on one side of our trailer were working, and our TV, microwave, and fan were all fried and non-functional. We immediately contacted an employee who came to our site, inspected the outside meter post by looking at it, not testing it, and nonchalantly stated that since there was no smoke coming from it, the problem must be on our end. When my husband asked for immediate assistance, the employee told us we would have to wait two days, until Monday, and go to a nearby town to find someone to help us. This response was unacceptable and showed a complete lack of concern for our safety. Moreover, the employee had the audacity to shame us by asking if we had a GFI power surge protector plugged into the meter. None of the other RV sites had this, and in our 23+ years of camping, we have never encountered such an issue. Feeling unsafe and unsupported, we decided to pack up and drive the 7.5 hours back home, after being at the site for just one hour. The lack of assistance and options provided by the Buffalo Outdoor Center was disheartening, especially considering we were in a completely different state with no information on what we could do. Upon arriving home, we hooked up our camper at our local campground, and everything worked fine. We also went on another camping trip to a local RV campground, and again, everything worked perfectly. This clearly indicated that the surge was on Buffalo Outdoor Center's end. When we requested a refund, they refunded all but one day. This is unacceptable considering the distress, inconvenience, and financial loss we endured, including having to purchase a new TV, microwave, and fan. Our experience at Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park was nothing short of a disaster. The lack of customer service, concern for our safety, and willingness to provide immediate assistance was appalling. We will not be returning and cannot recommend this RV park to anyone.

Site8

Month of VisitJune

Keith R.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Location Location Location

Beautiful views and definitely wasnt crowded. Convenient location to nearby activities and very economical.

Month of VisitApril

lindsay

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

Amazing views + premium LIMITED spots

Full hookups, gorgeous views on top of mtn…just a short drive to Buffalo access points, food, supplies, outfitters, etc… Staff is super friendly too!!!!

Site#9

Month of VisitJune

Lizabeth T.

Guide

Reviewed May. 4, 2021

Amazing Views

This park is so unique. The view is amazing and it is quite literally on top of a mountain. Very clean restrooms and surprisingly good service for how remote it was. We unfortunately had awful weather but will be back in better weather because the area is gorgeous. Site was pull through and easy to access.

Site8

Month of VisitNovember

(5) View All

Stephen R.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 8, 2021

This place is awesome!

Stopped in here on a recent family vacation through the Ozarks. The Outfitter store has everything you could need and more. The staff was very friendly. The canoe rates and shuttle rates were very fair and the food in the kitchen was delicious. Try the Sasquatch BLT!

Shiela R.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2020

BOC RV Park the views go on for miles

This is a wonderful RV park. Easy to find, park and setup. Very large concrete pads to set up RV. Very clean bathhouse/restroom. We did not utilize their amenities because we were only there one night. It is great place if you have time to hike the trails sadly we did not for this trip. Ponca and the surrounding have many beautiful nature trails. Of course the wild Elk are a magnificent set to behold. We have a small motor home and there were areas along the road with plenty of room for us to pull-over and watch the Elk Bull and cows as they came off the mountain. If you park on the side of the road, which is a normal thing to do, please make sure to pull off the road away from the white line because you will get a ticket. There are a lot of people traveling on a small rural road so it’s important to be far enough off the road for everyone to stay safe. We make this trip every year and are so happy to have found the BOC RV park the manager and the store in town were great!

Site#9

Month of VisitOctober