https://www.reddit.com/r/Arkansas/comments/1j4zard/buffalo_outdoor_center/
created by Professional_Emu952 on 06/03/2025 at 16:24 UTC
7 upvotes, 7 top-level comments (showing 7)
Hi all. Family and I are doing a mini road trip from south TX to Arkansas. 'm looking to rent a cabin at the Buffalo outdoor center with the intent of being able to star gaze from our cabin.
Anyone that has stayed there, Is it truly a dark night sky? Seeing all the starts and possibly milky way? Either here or maybe Colorado?
Comment by FearlessEgg1163 at 07/03/2025 at 02:32 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It will be good and dark. Very nice cabins. And probably about a 15 minute drive to utter darkness
Comment by IlexIbis at 06/03/2025 at 18:21 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I've never stayed at any of the BOC cabins but I know that some are pretty close to Ponca and may be subject to whatever light pollution is there, although Ponca is a very small community.
The Buffalo National River is a Dark Sky park which requires certain measures like minimal lighting and downward-facing lighting be used to ameliorate light pollution within the park boundary.
Ponca and the BNR are relatively close to northwest Arkansas and Harrison so there may be some light pollution from those areas, particularly if there are low clouds reflecting it back.
While the BNR area may be relatively "dark" it won't be nearly as dark as truly remote areas. The darkest skies I've ever seen were at Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas.
Comment by BLITZandKILL at 07/03/2025 at 07:02 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I have stayed there before and they have a decent dark sky, but a lot of trees. Best dark sky I have seen is between Marshall and Gilbert.
Comment by superdupermensch at 07/03/2025 at 00:53 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
You may find darker skies in the Ouachitas. East or west of Men, Arkansas is perfect for stargazing.
Comment by TybeeGordon at 07/03/2025 at 02:37 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Georgia’s okefenokee swamp park in winter is a dark sky alternative
Comment by 710AlpacaBowl at 07/03/2025 at 00:10 UTC
6 upvotes, 2 direct replies
It's all closed. Try again when the park isn't getting fucked by DOGE
Comment by subbychub at 07/03/2025 at 01:45 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I've stayed out there twice in the Balloon cabin and I thought it was great. I don't seem to remember any light pollution really