Ponca SP Nature Activities

Ponca SP Camping
The park has 14 modern, two-bedroom, air-conditioned housekeeping cabins. Each has two double beds, bedding, towels for four, bathroom with shower, kitchenette and large screened porch. Kitchenettes are furnished with a range, refrigerator, cooking utensils, dinette, dishes and tableware for six. Rollaways and cribs are available for an additional charge, but no more than eight people and two extra beds are allowed per cabin. No camping is permitted in the cabin area. Lodging usually is available from late April through November. Cabins are available for spring turkey and fall pheasant and deer hunting.

Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance for two or more nights and will be confirmed with a deposit for two nights lodging. Deposits can not be refunded under most circumstances. Checking out after only one night will result in a forfeit of the second night's deposit. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Check-in time is 4 p.m., and check-out time is 11 a.m., unless other arrangements are made in advance with park superintendent. While no advance reservations are accepted for one night's lodging, cabins might be available first-come, first-served for overnight stays. To make reservations or to request additional information, call the Ponca State Park office.

Ponca SP Nature Activities
Ponca State Park has an on-site naturalist to help guide and educate visitors on the history, biology, ecology, astronomy and geology of the area. Daily and nightly events will be planned for adults and children. Activities include star-gazing, owling, Lewis and Clark studies, rocks and fossils, nature hikes, bugs and butterflies, and flora and fauna identifications.

The dense woodlands offer a haven for many types of woodland wildlife. During the day, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys often are seen throughout the area. Toward evening, the howls of coyotes and "who-who-are-you" of the barred owl echo through the hills. Red foxes, gray foxes (an uncommon relative of the red fox), bobcats, raccoons, opossums and other small mammals also occasionally are seen by visitors.

Bur oaks are the predominant tree species at the park, but they are liberally interspersed with walnut, elm, basswood, Kentucky coffeetree and hackberry. Almost at the heart of the park is the "Old Oak Tree." In 1964, this ancient specimen was officially aged at 320 years old. It was a sapling 24 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock.

On summer nights, the repetitious call of the whippoorwill and a chorus of tree frogs and crickets echo through the bluffs and canyons. Turkey vultures can be seen soaring overhead during warm summer days. In late June, snow-like showers of cotton from nearby cottonwood trees signify it is time to catch catfish in the nearby river.

In fall, the skies are filled with migrating ducks, geese and other birds. In winter, the park is home to bald eagles, often seen roosting, soaring and now nesting along the river. Winter is also a great time to view a variety of hardy songbirds at the park's bird feeders.

Ponca SP Trails
With more than 17 miles of trails, the park provides hikers and bikers with ample opportunities to explore and view the diverse flora and fauna close up.

Experienced wranglers guide organized horseback rides through the scenic woodland bluffs and river overlooks.

Ponca SP Swimming
In summer, swimmers can cool off at the modern pool, where lifeguards are on duty. Fees are charged for adults and for children 7 to 16 years old. Children 6 years old and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. Swimming is not allowed in the river because of the swift and unpredictable currents.

Ponca SP Boat Access
A boat ramp is located just north of the park headquarters for access to the Missouri for boaters and anglers. Anglers will find good action on catfish and other river species.

Ponca SP Cross Country Skiing
More and more snow lovers are discovering the wintertime fun found at the park. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing are becoming a popular way to enjoy many of the park's trails.

Ponca SP Golf
The Highland Oaks Public golf course is located on the southern boundary of the park. The challenging 9-hole course offers spectacular park vistas and a luxurious clubhouse.

Ponca SP Group Activities
Hayrack rides are available by reservation (groups of 15-25) in spring and summer. In the fall, hayrack rides run on weekends. Haunted hayrack rides are scheduled for two weekends in October.

Cookouts are scheduled every summer holiday weekend and during other special events. Call the park office in early spring for a schedule.

Two shelter houses are available for family and business get gatherings. A fee is charged for reservations, but the houses also are available on a first-come, first-served basis.