Boat Rental Information

We rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts for paddlers to float the Buffalo National River. The typical floating season is March through June, but the majestic Upper Buffalo varies each year depending on the rain and river levels.

Check the current river levels and temperature data posted here  live by the USGS   . As National Park Service Concessioners we are required to screen paddlers during  a “High Water Level”. We also follow the Park’s safety recommendations and do not allow any children under the age of five on this upper section of the Buffalo River.

All paperwork and payments must be completed at our Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging Historic General Store before you launch. Please remember, you will need to plan time to complete the paperwork at the store, drive to the launch area, and be ready to be on the river by 12 noon.

We have a one-day float option launching from Ponca or Steel Creek and taking out at Kyles Landing.  From Ponca or Steel Creek to Kyles Landing is approximately 4-6 hours of paddling, but can easily take longer depending on river levels, sightseeing and stopping for a swim or a break.

Once river levels become too low to float the Ponca to Kyles Landing section, we’ll move down river with a one-day float option launching from Pruitt and taking out at Hasty.

The Upper Buffalo River has spectacular scenic vistas with the longest continuous bluff line and the most rapids of any section.  On the Ponca or Steel Creek to Kyles Landing section, you can take a hike to Hemmed in Hollow (the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies at 210 ft).  Rapids on this section of the Buffalo River vary from Class I to Class II, depending on rain fall amounts. 

GETTING READY

Glass containers and Styrofoam are prohibited on and near the river.  You must have a koozie for aluminum cans or plastic bottles while floating on the Buffalo River, so bring them or you can purchase at our store.  You are required to secure all your gear to the vessel, so you’ll need to bring your own straps or purchase here.  Keep all of your gear in a waterproof bag or container. Trash or plastic bags often leak and are not “dry bags.”  All day floaters must reach the designated take-out landing by 6:00 P.M. (no later than 7 P.M.) Excessive lateness will be charged a late fee.

To make a reservation, give us a call at the store 870-861-5522. A crew member will help take information for the date(s), boat(s), contact info, and credit card information for the cancellation policy. We do not run the card for a deposit, but hold it for the cancellation policy. 

CANOES

Our canoes are Top of the Line, Old Town Discovery Canoes. We allow only two boaters per canoe. We give a 10% discount for 6 or more boats (excluding Saturdays) or for 2 or more days on the river.

Canoes rent for $70.00  per boat, per day.


KAYAKS

Our rental kayaks are Old Town and Jacksons. We offer sit-on tops, sit-in, and tandem kayaks. We’ll help you select a style to fit your needs, or you can request a specific model when you make your reservation. Note: On ALL Saturdays during canoe season kayak selections are given on a first come, first served basis. We give a 10% discount for 6 or more boats (excluding Saturdays) or 2 or more days on the river.

Solo kayaks rent for $65.00 per day.

Tandem kayaks rent for $70.00 per day.

Sit Ins
Sit On Tops
Tandems
Old Town Vapor 10′ or 12′ Old Town Helix 10′
Jackson Riviera
Heron 10′
Old Town Twister 12′
Jackson Day Tripper 12′  Jackson Rivierra 12′

RAFTS

When the river level is high enough, we rent rafts to groups of at least 3 capable adult paddlers. The largest rafts can hold up to 8 people. This is not a guided raft service, but a day rental for your own use, just like canoes or kayaks.

Whitewater rafts are $40.00 per person per day plus tax.


SHUTTLE RATES with RENTALS

We offer vehicle shuttles to take-out points along the whole length of the river for float trips or hiking. Shuttle prices vary depending on put-in & take-out destinations. For the safety of your vehicle, we suggest bringing an extra set of keys.

We run vehicle shuttles while guests are on the river. You’ll set up your shuttle when you fill out your paperwork at the store. Then you drive your own vehicle to the put-in location on the river. Once you’re there, take the copy of your paperwork to the Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging crew members at the river. They’ll get you set up with the boat(s) you rented, and move your vehicle to the take-out point for you while you’re floating the river.

If you plan to be on the river for multiple days, we will bring your vehicle back to the LVC store parking lot overnight. Then, on the day you requested it to be delivered, our shuttle drivers will transport it to the take-out point you requested.

We also offer private vehicle shuttles if you have your own vessels, or if you’re hiking or bicycling.  Click here for prices.

Access Points 2022 Shuttle Rates WITH RENTAL
Steel Creek $30.00
Kyles Landing $40.00
Erbie $105.00
Ozark $60.00
Pruitt $55.00
Hasty $55.00
Carver $65.00
Mt. Hersey $80.00
Woolum $85.00
Hwy 65 Bridge $90.00
Tyler Bend $95.00
Gilbert $95.00
Buffalo Point $225.00
Buffalo City $250.00

Canoes, Kayaks, or Rafts — Cancellation Policy —

We float rain or shine, unless water conditions are considered dangerous or closed by the National Park Service.  We have a fourteen-day cancellation policy.  If you cancel within fourteen days of your reservation, you can be charged up to the full price of your reservation.  If you cancel within twenty-four hours of your reservation, you will be charged the full price of your reservation.

Please Note: If you cancel your canoe reservation because of weather or water conditions, it does not exempt you from your cabin reservation.  Cabin rentals require a separate cancellation policy.

NO cancellations via email or messages via Facebook! 
YOU MUST CALL US at the office at 870-861-5522 to CANCEL any reservation. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Lost valley Canoe & Lodging is authorized to provide boat rentals and 4Color Reverse-Horizontal-Backgroundtransportation services within the Buffalo National River.