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How to Plan an Epic Arkansas Kayaking Adventure
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Updated April 9, 2024
Kayaking is a fun and adventurous way to spend the day (or half a day) but will require a little bit of planning.
If you are new to kayaking, you have found the right place. Here are 4 steps to ensure the BEST kayaking day ever! To plan an Arkansas kayaking adventure…
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Table of Contents
1. Arkansas Kayaking Adventure: Weather
The weather doesn’t have to be perfect for the perfect Arkansas kayaking adventure. Of course, sunny and warm days allow more water play! But cloudy, cool, and a little rain are okay too.
The weather BEFORE the trip is more important. If there have been recent heavy rains, the water levels could be high and dangerous.
If there has been NO rain, there may be such low water levels, that you will spend more time dragging your kayak along the river than floating it.
Some river levels are more susceptible to rain than others. Check-in with someone who knows the rivers well in the area (kayak outfitters, etc). If the river levels are good, move on to step 2!
2. Arkansas kayaking Adventure: Location
In Arkansas, we have some of the most beautiful kayaking options! Lakes of any size are fun to explore.
Arkansas is blessed with some beautiful rivers- Mulberry River, King’s River, and the Elk River are a few.
My personal favorite, due to proximity, is the Illinois River. Arkansas’s most well-known river is the Buffalo National River, which was the first designated National River in the United States (1972) and spans 153 miles of gorgeous scenery.
Float the Illinois in Arkansas
What to expect on this beautiful adventure.
Float the Illinois in Oklahoma
Floating the Buffalo River
What to expect on this bucket list worthy kayaking trip.
3. Plan kayaking drop off and pick up
If you choose to explore a lake for your Arkansas kayaking adventure, this isn’t an issue. Park, and GO! If you are visiting a more popular river, there will be outfitters along the way that can give you information, and assist you with shuttling.
If you are floating without the assistance of an outfitter, you will have to plan your drop-off/pick-up locations and shuttling. I have a guide of the Illinois River and Buffalo River that lists all outfitters available at different sections of the rivers. The guide is super helpful and can keep you from getting overwhelmed with all the outfitter and access point options on the internet.
float guide
Buffalo National River
Everything you need to plan your adventure on the Buffalo.
float guide
Illinois River
Everything you need to plan your Illinois River float!
4. Pack your kayaking adventure essentials
Depending on the type of Arkansas kayaking adventure you choose, the essentials can vary. If you are a one or two-time-a-year kayaker, you can find a rental that supplies most of what you need.
For more frequent kayaking, it’s beneficial to have your own equipment.
The basics, of course, are a kayak and a paddle. A personal floatation device and sunscreen are at the top of the list also.
As with any activity, there are plenty of accessories that can make kayaking more fun/comfortable.
Kayaking is a great hobby with the perfect mix of activity, relaxation, and nature! Depending on the setting and planning, it can be swayed toward more active or more relaxing.
Either way, an Arkansas kayaking adventure is a great way to get outdoors in the natural state and enjoy nature with someone you love.
Illinois River Access Points
all public access points with map locations!
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I used to Kayak all of the time! This makes me miss it so much! I need to get back into it
You should! It’s such a unique way to connect with nature!
Great article! I love the supplies checklist, I feel like I always forget something important when I go out kayaking or hiking!
Saaaaaame! That’s why I have a list for EVERYTHING!
I’ve really got to get into kayaking! My sister and brother-in-law go all the time. Your posts inspire me to join them on their next kayak adventure.
You absolutely should! It’s such a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature!