When the weather warms up, the one thing that should be on every Arkansan’s summer bucket list is a float trip or two. Maybe you’re wanting to tackle the wild rapids of the Cossatot or relax and cruise down the Ouachita. There’s one particular trip that embraces every skill level and makes for a full day of floating fun, and it offers some of the best tubing in Arkansas. Let’s slather on the sunscreen and see what’s just around the river bend!

Buffalo Outdoor Center is located in Ponca, Arkansas, and offers all sorts of outdoor and water recreation experiences. Whether you’re looking to rent a cabin along the Buffalo River, are looking to canoe, kayak or perhaps even zipline, it’s a great local business that’s as passionate about the state as you are. It’s been outfitting float trips since 1976, and offers some of the best tubing in Arkansas.

Our journey begins at Kyle's Landing, a recreation area and campground that's found right on the picturesque Buffalo River. As you travel along the river, you may find yourself face to face with everything from smallmouth bass to wildlife along the river's edge.
TripAdvisor/Trout-Tuff
The Buffalo River may be the best spot for float trips and tubing in Arkansas as there are primitive camping spots located all along the river. This float easily fits into a longer weekend vacation or just as a one-day getaway. Here’s a map of today’s float. To reach Kyle’s Landing, use this map.
Boat rentals, including canoes and kayaks, are available from the Buffalo Outdoor Center, and you can choose to do the day-long trip that comes in at 13.3 miles, which is roughly about 8 hours.
Flickr/OakleyOriginals
Bring your own tubes or rent a canoe, kayak or raft from the Buffalo Outdoor Center before you hit the river. They're located at 4699 AR Highway 43, Ponca, AR, 72670. You can also schedule a shuttle pick-up spot through them.
The first leg of the trip is from Kyle's Landing to Erbie. This is the msot gentle portion of the trip and is about 5.6 miles long, which makes it easy for you to experience the beauty of Arkansas and its clean rivers. You can set up camp or just stop for a swim break.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
Kayak rentals are roughly $55 per kayak, though there are specials depending upon the number rented and the amount of days they're meant to be used, and the same goes for wet suit rentals. Raft rentals are usually $35 per person, per day. Keep in mind that three adults or two adults and one older child are required to succesfully paddle the raft. We'd highly, highly recommend that you make reservations online ahead of time due to limited inventory.

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Erbie to Ozark is about 5.5 miles and will take floaters through more exciting waters. You probably won't spill your drink, though! Keep in mind that Ozark also has camping spots available.
Google/Andrew Edgerton
You can check online for reservation availabilities from everything from a solo kayak to an RV to a cabin. Buffalo River Outfitters makes sure that there are all sorts of opportunities available, making it a great spot for tubing in Arkansas.
The entire trip is gorgeous and versatile to fit your party's needs. Stick to a carefree float or run ashore for hiking, camping, fishing, or capturing that perfect shot.
Google/Cydney Alexis
There really is no better place for rafting, kayking, canoeing and tubing in Arkansas. What a beautiful part of the country, and what a neat place to experience for folks who come from out of town.
The day-long float ends at Pruitt's Landing, which is 2.1-miles from Ozark and has a canoe take-out spot.
TripAdvisor/MommaRose03
Take your scheduled shuttle or camp for the night and sleep sound knowing you've experienced the best tubing in Arkansas. You can visit Buffalo River Outfitters for yourself at 4699 AR Highway 43, Ponca, AR, 72670, but make sure to check them out on their official website beforehand.

To check rental rates, visit the Buffalo Outdoor Center website.

Address: 4699 AR Highway 43, Ponca, AR, 72670

We would love to hear about your perfect Buffalo River float trip! Share with us in the comments below.

You may want to stop by and see where the buffalo roam near the Buffalo.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Tubing In Arkansas

Meghan O'Brien | July 28, 2019

Where is the best place to go tubing in Arkansas?

There are all sorts of great spots for tubing throughout the state of Arkansas. Known as, "The Natural State", it's only expected that there would be all sorts of recreational opportunities. Outdoor recreation is one of the state's shining stars, its proudest aspect, and companies like Caddo River Camping, Buffalo River Float Service and Kings River Outfitters do a great job making sure folks have ample chances to capitalize on tubing along Arkansas rivers.

What else can I do besides tubing at the Buffalo River?

The Buffalo National River has all sorts of diverse opportunities for recreation both in the river and along its banks. Whether you're looking to tube, kayak or float, it's both clean and picturesque. Both tourists and locals love to indulge in everything from fishing to hunting, hiking, camping, and horseback riding along its beautiful banks. Make sure to research the historic districts and bird-watching events that are great to experience. Though there are no mountain biking trails, there are quite a few biking opportunities throughout the Ozark mountains.

Does Arkansas have clean rivers?

Yes, Arkansas does have beautifully clean rivers. It's located in the heart of the south, and locals have access to all sorts of gorgeous natural areas, beautiful forests, and pristine waterways. You'll find a myriad of family-friendly activities on the water, and the Arkansas water report ranked it as one of the cleanest states in the nation. There are no impaired waterbodies, and surface waters remain clean and great for activities. With roughly 56 watersheds in the state, the number of reported problems remains close to zero.

 

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