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Buffalo Float Alert

Floats / Upper District · 2.7 mi

Ponca to Steel Creek

Good
ModerateFamily-friendlyShort, but upper-river water is quick — fine for kids with a confident adult steering. (our judgment)
Tents at Steel Creek campground
NPS Photo/Terra Fondriest · credits
Steel Creek: campground

Camping

Gravel-bar camping needs no permit (NPS). Camp well above the water and away from the channel — a storm upstream can raise the river overnight. Pack out everything; glass is banned within 100 ft of the river.

  • Steel Creek: Steel Creek campground ($20, reservations in season)

All NPS campgrounds & fees →

Side hikes & stops

  • Buffalo River Trail Ponca–Steel Creek (dogs allowed on this section)

More hikes nearby →