Arkansas Waterways

The Arkansas River, America’s sixth-longest at 1,469 miles with about 300 floatable Arkansas miles, enters near Fort Smith from Colorado’s Rockies and flows southeast to the Mississippi River near Arkansas Post. In Arkansas, it offers varied paddling from swift currents to calm stretches. Access points include Maumelle Park, Murray Lock and Dam, Toad Suck Ferry, and Rock Town (Little Rock). Camping is available at: Maumelle Park (tent and RV, full amenities), Toad Suck Park (tent and RV), and dispersed sites in rural sections. Its length and diversity cater to all paddling styles.

Big Piney Creek, a 67-mile waterway, begins in the Ozark National Forest of Newton County and flows southwest to the Arkansas River near Fort Smith. Celebrated for its Class II-III rapids and scenic bluffs, it’s a hidden gem for kayakers and canoeists seeking a challenging float. Access points include Hwy 123 Bridge, Long Pool, Twin Bridges, and Hwy 164 Bridge. Camping is available at: Long Pool Recreation Area (tent and RV, basic facilities), Moore Outdoors campground (tent sites near the creek), and primitive sites along the creek’s forested banks. Its remote setting and swift waters appeal to adventure enthusiasts.

The Buffalo National River, established in 1972 as America’s first national river, is a free-flowing, undammed river stretching 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. It begins at the Main Prong of Big Buffalo Creek, approximately 15 miles above the park boundary in Newton County near Fallsville, and flows eastward, eventually joining the White River at Buffalo City on the Marion-Baxter County line. Known for its scenic beauty, the river features steep gradients and rapids in its upper section, transitioning to slower, quieter pools as it progresses. The river offers over 20 access points for activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Key access points include: Upper District: Boxley Bridge (Hwy 21), Ponca (Hwy 74), Steel Creek, Kyle’s Landing, Pruitt, and Carver (Hwy 123). Middle District: Tyler Bend (off Hwy 65), Grinders Ferry (Hwy 65 bridge), and Gilbert (Hwy 333 off Hwy 65). Lower District: Maumee North and South, Buffalo Point (Hwy 268), Rushland, and Buffalo City. Camping is available at numerous locations along the river, ranging from primitive to developed sites. Notable campgrounds include: Upper District: Steel Creek (tent and horse sites), Kyle’s Landing (tent only), Erbie (tent and RV, no hookups), Ozark (tent, seasonal water), Carver (small, no trash service), and Mount Hersey. Middle District: Tyler Bend (tent and RV, some amenities). Lower District: Buffalo Point (full RV hookups, water, electricity, reservable sites). Backcountry camping is also permitted on gravel and sand bars along the river, outside restricted areas like Hemmed-in-Hollow or within 100 feet of trails or watercourses, with no fees or permits required. The river’s diverse offerings make it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Caddo River, a serene 40-mile stream, originates in the Ouachita Mountains of Montgomery County and flows southeast to DeGray Lake near Arkadelphia. Known for its clear water and gentle flow, with occasional small rapids, it’s a favorite for family-friendly kayaking and canoeing trips. Key access points include Norman, Caddo Gap, Glenwood, and Hwy 8 Bridge. Camping options feature: Arrowhead Cabin & Canoe campground (tent and cabins), Caddo River Camping & Canoe campground (tent and RV sites), and primitive sites along the river, especially near public access areas. The Caddo’s accessibility and calm nature make it a relaxing paddling destination.

Cadron Creek, a 38.5-mile stream, starts near Clinton in Van Buren County and flows south to the Arkansas River near Conway. With mild rapids and wooded banks, it’s a scenic choice for kayaking and canoeing close to urban areas. Access points include Hwy 65 Bridge, Pinnacle Springs, and Cadron Settlement Park. Camping options feature: Cadron Creek Outfitters campground (tent sites), and primitive sites along the creek. Its accessibility makes it a local paddling favorite.

The Cossatot River, dubbed “Arkansas’s wild river,” stretches 89 miles from the Ouachita Mountains near Wickes in Polk County to Gillham Lake, then the Little River. Famous for its Class III-V rapids, especially at Cossatot Falls, it’s a thrill-seeker’s kayaking and canoeing destination. Access points include Hwy 246, Ed Banks Bridge, Cossatot Falls (via park), and Hwy 4. Camping options feature: Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area (Sandbar Area, tent sites), and primitive sites near the falls and along the river. Its rugged terrain and whitewater make it a standout for experienced paddlers.

The Illinois River, a 145-mile stream with a floatable Arkansas section, originates near St. Joe in the Ozark Plateau and flows northwest to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. Its Arkansas portion features clear waters and mild rapids, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Access points include Hwy 59 Bridge, Riverside Park (Siloam Springs), and Fisher Ford. Camping is available at: Riverside Resort campground (tent and RV sites), Lazy B Canoe campground (tent sites), and primitive sites along the Arkansas banks. Its proximity to urban areas makes it a convenient paddling spot.

The Kings River, a scenic waterway, flows 90 miles from the Boston Mountains in Madison County, Arkansas, northward to Table Rock Lake on the Missouri border. Starting in rugged highlands, it winds through limestone bluffs and lush valleys, ending in a reservoir known for recreation. Its gentle currents and occasional rapids make it ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Access points include Trigger Gap, Rockhouse, Kings River Falls, Dripping Springs, and Grandview. Camping is available at: Kings River Outfitters campground (tent and RV sites), Trigger Gap Campground (basic tent sites), and dispersed primitive sites along the riverbanks, especially in less developed stretches. The Kings River’s clear waters and tranquil setting draw paddlers seeking a peaceful float amid natural beauty.

The Little Maumelle River, a 15-mile stream, starts near Pinnacle Mountain in Pulaski County and flows south to the Arkansas River near Little Rock. Its calm, narrow waters wind through forested areas, offering a peaceful kayaking and canoeing escape. Access points include Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Two Rivers Park. Camping is available at: Maumelle Campground (tent and RV near the river mouth), and primitive sites within park boundaries. Its proximity to Little Rock makes it a convenient urban getaway.

The Little Red River, spanning 102 miles, begins near Clinton in the Ozark Mountains and flows southeast to the White River near Searcy. Below Greers Ferry Dam, its cold waters offer gentle paddling with some swift sections, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Access points include Lobo Landing, Swinging Bridge, Hwy 65 Bridge, and Pangburn. Camping is available at: Lindsey’s Resort campground (tent and cabins), and primitive sites near Greers Ferry Lake. Its cool waters and fishing appeal enhance the paddling experience.

The Mulberry River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, stretches 70 miles through the rugged Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas. It begins in Madison County’s highland forests and flows westward, joining the Arkansas River near Mulberry in Franklin County. Renowned for its challenging whitewater, especially after rain, the river offers thrilling rapids in its upper reaches and calmer pools downstream. Key access points for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing include Wolf Pen, High Bank, Redding, Campbell’s Cemetery, Turner Bend, and Lower Wolf Creek. Camping options range from developed to primitive sites, with notable locations including: Redding Recreation Area (tent and RV, basic amenities), Turner Bend Campground (tent and RV near the river), and Byrd’s Adventure Center (cabins and tent sites). Dispersed camping is permitted along the river’s banks in the Ozark National Forest, offering flexibility for paddlers seeking solitude. The Mulberry’s wild character attracts adventurers year-round.

The Ouachita River, stretching 605 miles total with about 100 floatable miles in Arkansas, starts near Mena in Polk County’s Ouachita Mountains and flows south, eventually reaching Louisiana’s Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. In Arkansas, it offers a mix of gentle stretches and mild rapids, perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Key access points include Hwy 379 (west of Lake Ouachita), River Bluff, Dragover, Fulton Branch, Hwy 298, Remmel Dam, and Rockport. Camping options include: Ouachita River Haven (tent and cabins), River View Cabins (cabins and tent sites), Two Spirits Ltd. (tent sites), and Dragover Recreation Area (basic tent camping); dispersed sites are common in forested areas. The Ouachita’s diverse scenery draws paddlers year-round.

The Saline River, a 202-mile Ouachita River tributary with floatable sections, starts near Benton in the Ouachita Mountains and flows southeast to join the Ouachita near Felsenthal. Known for its peaceful, meandering waters, it’s great for leisurely kayaking and canoeing. Access points include Lyle Park, Hwy 5 Bridge, Peeler Bend, and Riverside Park (Benton). Camping options feature: Saline River Canoe campground (tent sites), and dispersed primitive sites along the river’s banks. Its quiet charm suits paddlers seeking a laid-back float.

The Spring River, a 57-mile cold-water stream, begins at Mammoth Spring in Fulton County and flows south to the Black River near Black Rock. Fed by one of America’s largest springs, it’s a year-round kayaking and canoeing favorite with gentle currents and small rapids. Access points include Mammoth Spring State Park, Dam 3, Many Islands, Hardy Beach, and Saddle. Camping is available at: Riverside Resort campground (tent and RV), Spring River Camp & Canoe campground (tent sites), and Many Islands (primitive sites). Its consistent flow and scenic springs attract paddlers of all levels.

The White River, stretching 720 miles with about 200 floatable Arkansas miles, begins in the Boston Mountains near Fayetteville and flows east to the Mississippi River near Des Arc. Below Bull Shoals Dam, its cold waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Access points include Bull Shoals Dam, Cotter, Buffalo City, and Norfork. Camping options feature: Gaston’s White River Resort (tent and cabins), His Place Resort (tent sites), and Buffalo Point (tent and RV near Buffalo River confluence). Its trout-rich waters add to its paddling allure.