How much $$ to float the Illinois River? Amazing Kayaking Adventures.

Updated June 2024

Ready to float the Illinois River? Prices to float the Illinois River vary ($0-$150) depending on how and where you choose to float. Here are your options…

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$$ Quick Summary

If you bring your kayak and shuttle yourself, it can be free (in Arkansas) or $1 (in Oklahoma). Some outfitters charge a fee of $5-$10 to use their sight as a landing zone.

If you bring your own kayak and use a shuttle service, prices range from $10-$30. If you use an outfitter for the full experience, tubing can be as low as $15, kayaking runs $20-30, and rafting starts around $30 per person.

Prices vary depending on which outfitter you use, on the floatation device (tube, kayak, raft), and the length of the float.

$$ Float the Illinois River: Your equipment + public access points

The method with the lowest cost to float the Illinois River is floating in Arkansas with your own equipment, with the use of public access points. This option is 100% free.

The next method with the lowest cost to float the Illinois River is floating in Oklahoma with your own equipment and the use of public access points. This will cost $1 because you are required to purchase a private float permit.

If you have your own equipment and are able to shuttle yourself but choose to use an outfitter as a launch or landing, there will be additional fees. Some outfitters charge $5-$10 to use their sight as a launch or landing zone.

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GRDA

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is an agency of the state of Oklahoma created to control, develop, and maintain the Grand River waterway.

Per GRDA guidelines, visitors with their own tube, kayak, canoe, raft, or other floatation device require a private float permit.

A day-use wristband is $1 per device per day and can be purchased at GRDA Scenic River Operations Office, Sparrow Hawk Camp, Hanging Rock Camp, and GRDA Scenic River Operations Police. Annual use permits are $10 and good from January through December.

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$$ Float the Illinois River: Your equipment + shuttle service

If you have your own equipment, but don’t have a second vehicle or a way to shuttle, some outfitters along the Illinois River offer shuttle services.

The shuttle services range from $10-$30 depending on the outfitter and the distance they are shuttling you. Call an outfitter to get their shuttling prices and methods before you go.

$$ Float the Illinois River: Outfitters

The highest cost to float the Illinois River is using an outfitter for all of your needs. But it’s also the easiest. Most outfitters offer tubes, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, and rafts. Prices vary depending on the outfitter, the method of floating, and how long the float is.

Prices can be as low as $15 (tubing with Riverbend Floats). The average cost to float the Illinois River with an outfitter is $25-$35 with kayaks and canoes for half or full-day floats. High range cost to float the Illinois River is an all-day float on a raft. The cost may be just $30 per person, but it requires a 4-person minimum, making the raft cost $120 to float.

For a full comparison and breakdown of all outfitters on the Illinois River with their prices and options, check out my float guide. Also included is an easy-to-understand linear map with all access points and outfitter plotted, with river (float) miles listed). Even more, there are quick one-click links to all outfitters and free public access points.

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Floating The Illinois River FAQ

Can you float the Illinois River with your own raft?

Of course!

Do you need a permit to float the Illinois River?

In Arkansas, no. In Oklahoma, yes

How long does it take to float 8 miles?

Generally speaking, you can float the Illinois River at 2mph. So an 8-mile float will take roughly 4 hours.

Can kids float the Illinois River?

Yes! The Illinois River is generally slow-moving and easy to float. However, all children will vary in their abilities and should be well-trained in river kayaking safety before going.

Where is the best part of the Illinois River to float?

For solitude, float the Illinois River in Arkansas. It’s less crowded and has more wildlife. For fun stops and interaction with other kayakers, float the Illinois River in Oklahoma.

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