buffalo river float trips arkansas

Ponca to Kyle's Landing

This short section offers an introduction to the upper buffalo’s striking scenery and challenging whitewater. the highlight of the trip is paddling beneath roark bluff, one of the most iconic blufflines along the entire buffalo river..

Erbie to Ozark

A serene, 5.4-mile stretch of the buffalo river winds between erbie and ozark and offers excellent opportunities for solitude and wildlife watching..

Pruitt to Hasty

The 7 mile float from pruitt to hasty is a popular alternative when conditions upriver are too low for paddling. this section flows past geologic curiosities, shaded swimming holes, and cool, dripping springs as the river veers southward in its journey., local outfitters.

Lost Valley Canoe

We have been outfitting the upper buffalo river for over 35 years. we’re a small, family owned business proud of our commitment to environmental stewardship of the beautiful buffalo river..

Buffalo River Canoe

Buffalo river canoes is an authorized canoe concessioner of the national park service, department of the interior.  we rent canoes, kayaks, rafts, and provide shuttle services. our staff brings over 25 years of outfitting experience on the buffalo national river. give us a chance to make your next trip to the ozarks unforgettable.

Riverview Motel & Canoe

Enjoy the beauty of the buffalo national river from a canoe or kayak. we offer shuttle service to and from the river in our vans, so sit back and let us take you to the river. life jackets and paddles are provided. we can also tell you where to find the wonderful trails along the river and where the locals say the fish are biting we offer one-day and multi-day trips..

Rio Buffalo Outfitter

Established in 2020, rio buffalo outfitter’s staff enjoys helping folks discover the wonders of the buffalo national river as well as the spectacular ozark mountains and streams surrounding the river.  we do this by providing quality canoes, kayaks and rafts as well as shuttle services for not only paddling adventures but for hiking and mountain biking..

Buffalo River Outfitters

Buffalo river outfitters provides canoes, kayaks and rafts for floating the buffalo national river. we offer shuttle services to almost anywhere on the river and can outfit one day or multiple day float trips. no matter what route you choose, we guarantee you will experience the wonderful, natural beauty the buffalo has to offer..

Wild Bill's Outfitter

Wild bill's offers more canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes and fishing boats than any other outfitter. the lower buffalo national river is rated class 1, ideal for inexperienced floaters when conditions are favorable. we offer basic floating instruction for first time floaters. those that would prefer more assistance can hire one of our experienced guides..

Float the Buffalo

Float the Buffalo River

Plan your trip

Embark on your river adventure with our canoes, kayaks, and rafts selection! Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, there's something for everyone. Keep in mind that the majestic Upper Buffalo's allure may vary each year, influenced by the whims of rain and river levels. Stay updated and excited about your trip by checking the live river levels and temperature data thoughtfully provided by the USGS.

Steel Creek to Kyle's Landing

Ponca to Kyle’s Landing

Pruitt to Hasty

Ponca to woolum.

Ponca to Pruitt

Pruitt to Mt. Hersey

Ponca to Buffalo City

Glass containers and Styrofoam are prohibited on and near the river.  You must have a koozie for aluminum cans or plastic bottles while floating on the Buffalo River, so bring them or you can purchase at our store.  You are required to secure all your gear to the vessel, so you’ll need to bring your own straps or purchase them here.  Keep all of your gear in a waterproof bag or container. Trash or plastic bags often leak and are not “dry bags.” 

All-day floaters must reach the designated take-out landing by 6:00 P.M. (no later than 7 P.M.) Excessive lateness will be charged a late fee.

To make a reservation, give us a call at the store (870) 861-5522. A crew member will help take information for the date(s), boat(s), contact info, and credit card information for the cancellation policy. We do not run the card for a deposit but hold it for the cancellation policy. 

Getting Ready

Rentals & Shuttles

Water Levels

What Ever Floats Your Boat

Buffalo river float trips, reservations required  , book online now, 870.439.2372.

River Level

Silver Hill Float Service

An arkansas ozarks original,   buffalo national river float trips.

          Buffalo River Group Float Trips

Silver Hill Float Service provides rental of canoes, kayaks and rafts as well as shuttle services on the Buffalo National River. Our knowledgeable and customer oriented staff will provide the personal assistance you need to help ensure your Buffalo River float experience is enjoyable. Groups of all sizes are welcome.

Located at Silver Hill on Highway 65 next to Tyler Bend

We do the hard part you just have fun and experience the beautiful scenery of America’s first national river. One of the few remaining free flowing rivers the Buffalo River cascades through the Ozark Mountains with unrivaled views of massive bluffs and amazing foliage. We can provide information on camping, hiking, fishing or exploring.

Silver Hill Float Service is an authorized canoe concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

Buffalo River comment form

How To Float The Buffalo River + Arkansas Float Trip Family Guide

How to float the Buffalo River, Arkansas family float trip. Where to rent canoes or kayaks and what to expect. Plus a float trip packing checklist.

An Arkansas float trip down the Buffalo River, was high on the list of things to do when we first moved to the area. But as much as I like going on adventures, I also get nervous about how things like that work. Especially with two small children.

So when a friend said she was taking her family floating down the Buffalo River and invited us, I was in! Because sometimes you just need a little push to finally book the trip.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

This is our own personal experience. Be sure to exercise caution and always wear a life vest .

Table of contents: Buffalo River Float Trip Arkansas + Family Guide

• Where to rent canoes and kayaks
• From Bakers Ford to Grinders Ferry
• Three to a canoe
• Can kids go on a float trip
• Float trip checklist
• Three things we’d do differently

We looked up a few different places and decided to float down the Buffalo National River. With it being less than two hours away, and having rentals available to us, it was a great option for a day trip.

BUFFALO RIVER FLOAT TRIP ARKANSAS

Where to rent canoes and kayaks.

We called a few days in advance and booked our rental canoes with Buffalo River Outfitters .

If you plan on going on a weekend, be sure to call further in advance as they do get very busy.

CHECK-IN AT BUFFALO RIVER OUTFITTERS

Friday morning we loaded up the cars and were on our way by 8am to meet everyone there by 10am. Check-in is between 9am-12pm at the Buffalo River Outfitters building. Here they have restrooms and a changing room to get yourself situated.

They also offer a private vehicle shuttle service . Meaning that for an additional fee , they will drive your vehicle from the starting location to the end location so that it will be waiting for you when you finish your trip.

It’s a great option if it’s just one family going, however, if you have more than one family joining you, you can skip this extra service.

It was a little bit of a shuffle but we dropped off one vehicle at the end location and made our way in two vehicles to the starting point. At the end of the trip, 3 adults went back to the starting point to get the other vehicles while the 4th adult waited at the end with the rest of the party.

BAKER FORD TO GRINDER’S FERRY

Depending on the water level you may float different parts of the Buffalo National River . For this trip we floated from Baker Ford to Grinder’s Ferry. It’s an 18 minute car ride from one location to the other and a 5.4 mile float trip down the river.

Normally you can do this trip in 3-4 hours, but we stopped for lunch and a couple of other times to swim. In the end it took us 6 hours to float from Baker Ford to Grinder’s Ferry but it didn’t feel like it!

THREE TO A CANOE

Booking the trip they let us know that the rules are 3 to a canoe . Since we’re a family of 4 we brought a float to tie to the back of one canoe.

It was a brilliant idea until we hit a low water spot with fast moving water and the float tried to go beside us as we were stuck on some rocks. After that, our oldest caught a ride in our friends canoe and we kept the float for the slower areas only.

You also need to make sure that everyone has a United States Coast Guard approved life vest . They do provide life vests for those renting that are 35lbs and over. Otherwise you need to be prepared to bring your own life vest for children under 35lbs .

CAN KIDS GO ON A FLOAT TRIP

I tried to get a clear answer as to what age is the youngest they allow to float. But the answer I received was “as long as they have a United States Coast Guard approved life vest that fits properly.”

Between our two families we had children ages 5, 6, 9 and 10 and they all did great! Not once did they mention being tired or bored. Our oldest even got to try kayaking while her friend took a break and caught a ride in the float tied to our canoe.

FLOAT TRIP CHECKLIST

We overpacked! The dry clothes stayed in the car along with half the towels, but where we really overpacked was the food. We had too many chips and snack options when really we could have pared that down to turkey subs, one bag of chips and drinks.

Glass bottles are not allowed down the river so be sure to keep that in mind.

Click the link below to view larger or the download button to use this list as a guide.

THINGS WE’D DO DIFFERENTLY

In the end we were gone for a totally of 12 hours! A little longer than we had anticipated leaving our two dogs back at home.

The shuffling of the vehicles took an additional 40 minutes. It might be worth paying for the shuttle service to save time and get back sooner.

Flip flops are not ok for a float trip! Even with a small current, walking in the water with flip flops is a nightmare. Next time we’ll have water shoes for kids and water shoes for adults .

A waterproof cell phone pouch is a must for all cell phones so you can stay in contact at the end of the trip while moving vehicles around.

Although we call this a float trip, this is not an area you can set a tube in and just float down . At this time of year we needed to be paddling most of the time to keep moving. It wasn’t overly tiring and the kids even took turns paddling from the front.

We absolutely had a great time on this Arkansas float trip! The kids loved seeing what was around each corner and swimming at different slow spots. Even though it took our families six hours for this section of the Buffalo, it was only because we stopped four times, and I promise it didn’t feel like six hours!

From Little Rock it’s just about a two hour drive one way, but the scenery and back roads make this a beautiful drive. So book the trip! And know that the staff at Buffalo River Outfitters make everything a breeze.

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Swimming and floating in Arkansas can be dangerous. Always be prepared and understand your limits and skill level. The content on this website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. This website, and person writing this post, is not responsible for any accidents, inconvenience, injuries, rescues, or loss of life by anyone who swims or floats this river and park. Swim at your own risk.

Top 14 Best Float Trips in Arkansas

Are you searching for the best rivers to float in Arkansas? Look no further! Arkansas is a haven for float trip enthusiasts, with picturesque waterways covering the state from the Ozarks to the southern Delta.

Being from nearby Missouri, one of our favorite things to do is go on Arkansas float trips in the summer. Every time we go on a float trip in Arkansas we are spoiled with stunning scenery, wildlife spotting, and best of all, unplugged time with family and friends.

We have been on many of these float trips below so we’re going to give you our personal advice on where to rent float trip equipment, where to camp, where to stay, and what section of the river we’d recommend floating.

So whether you’re looking for a family-friendly float trip in Arkansas or a more challenging experience down some rapids, let us help you discover the best float trips in Arkansas!

14 Best Float Trips in Arkansas

1. buffalo river.

The Buffalo River is by far one of the most popular rivers in Arkansas  to float and has some of the best float trips near Fayetteville, AR. Buffalo River float trips are hands down one of our favorite ways to spend a summer weekend.

Fun fact: the entire river is protected by the National Parks Service and was America’s first river to be designated a national river!

There are three main sections to choose from when floating the Buffalo River , The Upper, Middle, and Lower Buffalo from west to east.

The entire river is rated anywhere from “easy” to “medium” and each of the mentioned sections offers something different and unique. Floating on the Buffalo River is by far our favorite river to float in Arkansas and since we’ve visited numerous times, we’ll tell you all our recommendations for floating it below.

The Upper Buffalo River

This section of the Buffalo River is one of the prettiest sections of all the Arkansas rivers to float. It has some of the most jaw-dropping amazing bluffs that you will ever see on a float trip. It’s also home to some of the most charming Buffalo River cabins that you can rent.

But it’s also the most rain-dependent section of the river so it’s not uncommon for this section to either be too low to float or flowing too fast for an enjoyable float trip.

We visited before in the late fall and the river was too low to float, so be sure to call ahead and confirm the water levels before heading to the area.

• Where to Rent – Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging

Lost Valley is a great outfitter if you’re looking to float the Upper Buffalo River. They rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts. They provide shuttle services and have a great general store.

• Where to Camp – Steel Creek Campground

We stayed at Steel Creek Campground when we visited the Upper Buffalo River and it was absolutely beautiful. The bluffs on the other side of the river are just spectacular. There are 26 tent campsites and 14 horse campsites. No RVs unfortunately.

• Where to Stay – Adorable Boho Cabin

This adorable cabin is newly built with the perfect boho touches so you’ll be relaxing in style. The bathroom is my favorite with a soaking tub, rain shower, and for a sweet touch, the host leaves luxurious toiletries. Of course, the best part is this cabin is super close to the Buffalo River and has amazing views out over the valley.

The Middle Buffalo River

This is the area of the Buffalo River near Tyler Bend. This section still has some amazing bluffs, but the water is a little bit more consistent which will give you more flexibility when planning your Arkansas River floating trip.

The Middle Buffalo River also has great stopping spots like Grinder’s Ferry and various other swimming holes and spots for cliff jumping.

Our favorite swimming hole along this section of the Buffalo is at Shine Eye Campground- it has a long gravel bar perfect for a lunch stop and nice deep water for swimming.

• WHERE TO RENT –  BUFFALO RIVER OUTFITTERS

Buffalo Camping Outfitters is the perfect option if you plan to float the middle section of the Buffalo River. They have floats ranging from 4-12 miles and they have a cute shop with fun souvenirs and float trip gear.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  TYLER BEND CAMPGROUND

Tyler Bend is the perfect place to set up camp if you’re planning to float the middle section of the Buffalo River. They’re open year-round and are the entire area’s primary Visitor Center. They have tent sites, group sites, RV sites, and more.

• WHERE TO STAY –  AMAZING A-FRAME CABIN

This A-Frame Cabin has some of the coolest wood touches with tables made from trees on the ranch, a neat spiral staircase, and a gorgeous rain shower. You will feel right at home staying in this cabin. It has gorgeous views and is only minutes away from 3 outfitters who will get you set up to float the Buffalo River.

The Lower Buffalo River

The Lower Buffalo River is the section near Buffalo Point. This lower section of the river is much more consistent and is generally speaking floatable year-round .

It’s also normally the area of the river with the fewest floaters so it’s great if you’re looking for a little more solitude on your float.

There are lots of popular sections of the river to float, but on our most recent trip down the lower Buffalo River, we floated from Spring Creek to Dillards Ferry. There were incredible bluffs and we saw turtles, snakes, and a bald eagle!

There’s also a nice stopping point where you can park your kayaks or canoes and walk to a cold swimming hole up a stream. We didn’t go very far past the swimming hole, but others said the hike is neat the further back you go.

There was a lot of algae along this part of the Buffalo River when we floated, making the water not very clear. Some sections are worse than others, but overall we didn’t find it off-putting but others might.

Overall, the Lower Buffalo is one of the best sections for Buffalo River float trips due to its beautiful scenery, more consistent water levels, and plenty of outfitter and camping options.

• WHERE TO RENT –  BUFFALO RIVER FLOAT SERVICE

Buffalo River Float Service is our pick for the best Lower Buffalo River outfitter. They rent tubes, kayaks, rafts, and canoes and provide shuttle services. They have single-day and multiple-day float options and even some guided fishing trips!

• WHERE TO CAMP –  BUFFALO POINT CAMPGROUND

If you’re visiting the Buffalo River in your RV then the Lower Buffalo River and Buffalo Point Campground is where you want to head for your Buffalo float trip! Buffalo Point is the only park campground with electric and water hookups for RVs. Buffalo Point has over 80 sites so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your weekend on the river!

• WHERE TO STAY –  BUFFALO RIVER CABIN WITH HOT TUB

This beautiful cabin is the best location for a lower Buffalo River float trip. It’s also only 7 miles away from 2 river access points with numerous outfitters nearby to help you have a great time floating down the Buffalo River.

2. Kings River

The Kings River is one of the best rivers in Arkansas for a float trip. It has over 90 miles of waterways to explore, starting in the Boston Mountains and flowing north until it ends at Table Rock Lake.

The Kings River is usually divided into two sections: the Upper Kings and the Lower Kings.

The Lower Kings is a pretty easy float with most sections being rated as Class I (easy). While the Upper Kings River is a bit more intense with several areas being rated as Class III (intermediate). 

Most of the banks along the Kings River are a mixture of massive rock bluffs and lots of trees. There are also plenty of gravel bars and deep pools all along the Kings River which makes it a great river if you’re looking to chill along the banks and swim for a while.

The area of the Kings River between Rockhouse and Trigger Gap is the most popular area to float. Our favorite swimming hole is right by RiverDream Camps- it’s shallow here but there’s a nice gravel bar to have lunch at.

• WHERE TO RENT –  TRIGGER GAP OUTFITTERS

Trigger Gap Outfitters is a great family-owned business that has everything you need for a float down the Kings River. They rent everything from canoes and kayaks to SUP boards and rafts so you can hit the river however you like and go on one of the best floats in Arkansas.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  KETTLE CAMPGROUND

Kettle Campground is the perfect place to set up camp for a weekend of floating the Kings River. They’re pet-friendly and have tent sites, cabins, and RV sites with both 30 and 50amp. They also offer military as well as Good Sam discounts!

• WHERE TO STAY –  RIVERFRONT CABIN WITH GRAVEL BAR

This riverfront cabin is the best if you’re looking for the ultimate float trip cabin. Cabins that are located ON the river with a gravel bar are hard to find, and this one has that plus so much more.

It has 3 bedrooms and a loft so it can sleep 10 people and has dirt roads for 4-wheeling. The cabin itself is beautiful and even has a hot tub on the back deck.

3. Mulberry River

The Mulberry is one of the best floating rivers in Arkansas and is a great option for anyone looking to take things up a notch! The Mulberry River has areas ranging from Class I (easy) to Class III (intermediate).

The water of the Mulberry River is exceptionally beautiful and has a greenish-blue tint to it. The entire river is 70 miles long but the area near Mill Creek and Wolf Pen is the most popular area to float.

Most of the water comes from runoff & streams from the Boston Mountains, so if the mountains haven’t had rain in a bit the river can get a little low at times, making for a not-so-great Arkansas floating experience.

But don’t let that deter you from checking out this river! It’s just important to know that the best time to float on the Mulberry River is between October to June.

Mulberry River float trips are also a great opportunity to try whitewater rafting! But be warned it can be a little difficult to plan your trip too far in advance though. 

Outfitters in the area start and stop trips based on the river conditions for safety reasons so be sure to stay in close contact with your outfitter leading up to your trip so you know what to expect from the river.

• WHERE TO RENT –  TURNER BEND

Turned Bend is a great outfitter for the Mulberry River. They rent canoes, kayaks, and a few different size rafts. The water on the Mulberry can also get a bit cold, but Turner Bend also rents wetsuits to keep you nice and toasty while you’re out on the river.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  REDDING RECREATION AREA

Redding is operated by the USDA. They have 27 campsites and all of them are first come first served, so make sure you arrive plenty early so you’re sure to get a great spot! They have water spigots throughout the campground, a canoe launch, and a bathhouse.

• WHERE TO STAY –  AMAZING CABIN ON MULBERRY RIVER

If camping isn’t your style, that’s okay! Check out this cozy, gorgeous cabin instead. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Mulberry River steal the show in this 3 bedroom cabin. You can hang out on the porch and cook out on the grill or swing from the hammocks overlooking the river.

4. White River

The White River is 720 miles long and offers everything from small sections that are fun to navigate through to larger easy-going sections.

The area near Buffalo City where the White River and the Buffalo River meet is one of the most popular areas to float.

The White River is a great option for anyone who has floated the Buffalo River before and is looking for something new. 

The White River still has many of the spectacular bluffs like the Buffalo River, but also more open homestead areas. It’s one of the best rivers in Arkansas for fishing, particularly trout and smallmouth bass.

You can find a variety of float trips here, anything from a short float to 12-14 hours or even multi-day trips .

If you want to keep it simple you can always check out  this awesome tour  that cruises around the beautiful White River. They’ll also teach you all about the wildlife on the river.

• WHERE TO RENT –  RILEY’S OUTFITTER

You can’t go wrong with Riley’s for floating the White River in Arkansas. They have kayaks and canoes and shuttles of course, but if you’re looking for something a little bigger they also rent boats and provide guided fishing tours.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  WHITE RIVER CAMPGROUND

The White River Campground offers both camping and cabins. The perfect place to stay during a float trip on the White River.  They have 50 full hook-up RV sites and 5 tent sites. They do also have kayaks for rent so you can head out on the river right from the campground.

• WHERE TO STAY –  RIVE RFRONT CABIN

This beautiful home right on the banks of the White River is great for a group of people looking to float on the White River or even go on a fishing trip. The house has a large wrap-around porch with river views and all the amenities you might need for a weekend away.

5. Spring River

The Spring River gets its name because it’s fed by Mammoth Spring.  Since most of the other floating rivers in Arkansas are fed by rainwater, this means the Spring River is quite a bit different.

Being spring-fed makes going on Spring River float trips much more consistent because the river isn’t so dependent on rainwater. The water is also much clearer, making it great for spotting fish and swimming.

It’s also generally much colder than other rivers  in the area which makes float trips on the Spring River a great way to beat the summer heat!

Spring River Arkansas float trips offer plenty of variety for everyone. Whether you’re a float trip first-timers or a seasoned veteran, you’ll love the Spring River.

If you’re floating the Spring River in Arkansas, it has sections ranging from Class I (easy) to Class III (intermediate).

The area of the Spring River between Mammoth Spring and Hardy Arkansas is the most popular section of the river to float and for Arkansas canoe trips.

• WHERE TO RENT –  RIVER WILDERNESS SPORTS

River Wilderness Sports is conveniently located right in Hardy, perfect for floating the Spring River in Arkansas. They’ll shuttle you upriver and you can float right back to your car.

They have tubes for all your tubing in Arkansas fun, canoes, kayaks and so much more. They even offer a shuttle-only service if you have your own equipment and just need a ride upriver.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  SPRING RIVER OAK

Spring River Oak is the perfect option for camping when you float the Spring River. They have everything from tent sites to RV sites with water and either 30 or 50-amp electricity. Most of their sites are right along the river.

• WHERE TO STAY –  RIVERFRONT GETAWAY

If you’re planning to float the Spring River in Arkansas, this awesome cabin is right on the river’s banks and a great option for a group of friends or family looking to have a fun weekend floating on the Spring River.

The cabin comes with kayaks, paddles, and fun floaties so you can enjoy paddling around the river right from the cabin. The cabin is cute, comfy, and reviewers report there is good fishing right from the cabin.

6. Little Maumelle Water Trail

Arkansas float trip lists often overlook the Little Maumelle and that’s too bad because, in our opinion, it provides some of the most unique scenery, amazing camping opportunities, and is one of the most gorgeous rivers in Arkansas to float.

The Little Maumelle Water Trail is located in Pinnacle State Park just outside Little Rock Arkansas. Even though it lacks exciting rapids, the Little Maumelle more than makes up for it in the amazing sights you can see along the way.

Along the banks of the Little Maumelle are beautiful cypress trees growing up out of the water creating a super unique float trip experience. 

The wildlife is also particularly great along the Little Maumelle. Bald Eagles, Barred Owls, Bever, White-tail Deer, and even the occasional freshwater alligator can all be seen in the area!

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience like no other, we recommend spending a night out on the floating platform! It’s just like it sounds, a floating platform complete with porta-potty bathroom facilities.

You can make a reservation on the  Arkansas Watertrails Partnership website . Just bring your tent and gear with you on your float and get ready for a night out in nature that’s unforgettable!

• WHERE TO RENT

We recommend you bring your own canoe, or kayak to float the Little Maumelle Water Trail since there aren’t many outfitters that service that area.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  MAUMELLE CAMPGROUND

Maumelle Campground is a great place to camp if you plan to float the Little Maumelle River. It’s the perfect place to stay for river floats in Arkansas. They have 128 sites that have electricity along with 8 large group picnic shelters, a shower house, a boat ramp, and more! There are no walkup sites available so make sure you make a reservation here before you go.

• WHERE TO STAY –  CUTE COTTAGE ON POND

This cute little cottage is situated on a 10-acre lake and is only a few miles away from Pinnacle State Park. This cottage has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay and is highly recommended!

7. Big Piney

While the Big Piney Creek might be a creek by name, this 67-mile long beautiful body of water deserves to be on this list as much as any other. It’s a top-notch option for floating in Arkansas!

There are some small rapids on the Big Piney but they’re mixed in with plenty of slower more relaxing areas. All through beautiful scenery that’s a mix of spectacular bluffs and hardwood forests  and perfect for those looking for amazing rivers to float in Arkansas!

The Piney flows from the Ozark National Forest down to where it joins the Arkansas River. The further upriver you go the more remote and fewer people you’ll find. The area around the Long Pool Recreation Area is one of the most popular sections to float.

The Big Piney provides plenty of great places to stop, swim, and hang out which makes it a great option for groups looking to start and stop as they go. Anytime from September until mid-June is usually the best time to head out for Big Piney float trips.

• WHERE TO RENT –  MOORE OUTDOORS

Moore Outdoors is a great outfitter for floating the Big Piney River. They rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts as well as provide shuttle services. They’ve been open for over 40 years so it would be tough to find a group of people who know more about the Big Piney than the great folks over at Moore Outdoors.

• WHERE TO CAMP – LONG POOL RECREATION AREA

Long Pool is one of the best places to set up camp if you’re looking for a weekend of floating on the Big Piney. All of their campsites are first-come-first-served so be sure to get there early so you can grab the perfect spot! Long Pool is located inside of the Ozark National Forest and so the campground is operated by the USDA.

• WHERE TO STAY –  OZARK MOUNTAIN CABIN

This cabin is absolutely beautiful and super conveniently located. It’s just outside the Ozark National Forest and a great place to bring all your friends and family for a getaway floating the Big Piney River. It’s located only two miles from Long Pool so you don’t have to spend your weekend driving around.

8. Saline River

The Saline River is usually just referred to as “The Saline” and it’s a great river for floating near Hot Springs, Arkansas no matter what your skill level is.

The entire river is 202 miles long but most people choose to float the section between Benton, Arkansas and where the Alum Fork, North Fork, and Middle Fork combine just south of Highway 5.

A float trip down the Saline will treat you to an amazing variety of scenery and is a great option if you’re looking for a float trip with not only beautiful, wooded areas but also sections that are more open so you can enjoy the sunshine. It really is one of the best rivers to float near Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The Saline is located about an hour and a half from Hot Springs, Arkansas and it’s usually best to float the Saline between April and July. If you’re looking for Hot Springs Arkansas float trips, The Saline River is the place to float.

• WHERE TO RENT –  SALINE RIVER CANOE RENTAL

Located just north of Benton, Arkansas – Saline River Canoe Rental has everything you need for canoeing in Arkansas down the Saline. They offer two different floating options that take around 2-4 hours depending on the float you choose. They also have a canoe race that takes place in May.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  J.B.’S RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND

J.B.’s is located just south of Saline River Canoe Rental so it’s just a short drive up I-30 when you’re ready to head out on the river. They have 30/50amp full hook-up RV sites that are pull-through. They also have a bathhouse and a dump station on site.

• WHERE TO STAY –  BEST WESTERN IN BENTON

This Best Western in Benton is the perfect place to stay while floating on the Saline River. It’s close to Little Rock & Hot Springs which is great because there will be no shortage of things to do in the area when you’re done with your float trip!

9. Caddo River

The Caddo River is a great river in Arkansas to float and is just over an hour and a half southwest of Little Rock , Arkansas. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a little more of a relaxing canoe trip in Arkansas or a river that’s good for family-friendly river floating in Arkansas.

The entire river is rated Class I – Class II (easy to moderate), so no matter what your skill level is you’ll have no problem floating down the Caddo.

The section of the river between Caddo Gap and Glenwood is the most popular area of the river to float and for good reason! With a mixture of forest, rocky outcroppings, and great places to stop and swim, the Caddo has a little something for everyone in the group.

March until June is typically the best time of year for Caddo River float trips, but since the river is a little more consistent than some other rivers in Arkansas, you can sometimes float into September depending on the rain levels that year.

• WHERE TO RENT –  CADDO RIVER CAMPING AND CANOE RENTAL

Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rental has everything you need for a great trip out on the river. They rent canoes, but also kayaks and rafts as well as tubes so you’re sure to find a setup that works best for you! They also have several different route options just in case the river is a little bit low.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  ARROWHEAD CABIN & CANOE

Arrowhead has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins and they even organize float trips. All of their RV sites are full hook-ups and you have 30 amp and 50 amp to choose from. Their tent sites are dispersed and first-come-first-served.

• WHERE TO STAY –  GORGEOUS CABIN ON THE RIVER

This cabin is perfect for a family trip or a group of friends planning on floating down the Caddo. It has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Caddo River as well as all the amenities you could want. Enjoy relaxing on the porch and listening to the sounds of nature and take the stairs down to the river right out your backdoor.

10. Ouachita River

Two sections of The Ouachita River are great for floating. There is the section west of Lake Ouachita near Oden Arkansas and there is the section east of Lake Ouachita between Rockport Arkansas and the Remmel Dam.

No matter which section you choose, the Ouachita River is certainly one of the best rivers to float in Arkansas and offers some of the best canoeing in Arkansas too.

Remmel Dam – Ouachita River

This area of the Ouachita is by far the best option if you’re looking for an easy float that you can do on your own!  Most floaters bring their own canoe, tube, or kayak  and put- in near the Remmel Dam.

From there it’s a 6-mile float that takes about 3 hours to get to Rockport. Ouachita River Whitewater Park is a great place to stop and get out. The Remmel Dam also releases water regularly making the Ouachita River a great place to canoe or kayak around almost all year long.

We recommend you bring your own tube to float from Remmel Dam to Rockport since there aren’t many outfitters that service that area.  This tube  is our favorite for all the float trips we go on!

• WHERE TO CAMP –  LAKE CATHERINE STATE PARK

Lake Catherine State Park is a perfect spot to set up camp if you’re going to do some tubing or floating near Remmel Dam. They have over 70 campsites to choose from and many of them are along the lakeshore so you’re sure to find the perfect spot with a great view.

• WHERE TO STAY –  GLAMPING TREEHOUSE

We are huge fans of treehouses and this treehouse is one of a kind with its gorgeous porch and views looking out over the forest. We love the cute touches of this treehouse and the huge windows so you have views even from the couch!

Oden – Ouachita River

The Oden area of the Ouachita is the best river in Arkansas for a more traditional style float. This is a wide, beautiful section of the Ouachita that will bring you through some of the best landscapes Arkansas has to offer.

There’s also no need to have your own equipment to float this portion of the river since there are outfitters in the area.

If you have your own equipment and don’t want to deal with moving your car, fear not! Most outfitters will also be happy to shuttle you along with your equipment to the put-in for a small fee.

• WHERE TO RENT –  RIVER VIEW CABINS AND CANOES

River View is top-notch if you’re looking to rent equipment near Oden or if you’re looking for float trips in Arkansas with cabins en route. They have kayaks as well as canoes and they have shuttle service to several put-ins in the area so you’ll have plenty of float options to choose from.

• WHERE TO CAMP –  OUACHITA RIVER HAVEN

Ouachita River Haven has everything you need in a campground for a weekend at the river. They have 14 tent campsites and 4 RV sites with water and electricity. Many of the tent sites are right on the water and they’re spread out nicely so you’ll have some privacy at your site.

• WHERE TO STAY –  OUACHITA RIVER CABIN

This cabin right on the Ouachita River is a great option for anyone looking to get away from it all. The cabin is newly remodeled and has all the luxury amenities you could want at a very affordable price. It also has a game room, a gorgeous view, and a hot tub on the back deck.

11. Cossatot River

The Cossatot River, known for its thrilling rapids, is a hidden gem for adventurous floaters in Arkansas.

The best section to float is the Cossatot Falls area, a 6-mile stretch featuring Class III-V rapids, making it more suitable for experienced paddlers. This river’s difficulty level is higher than most on this list , so you will need to have whitewater rafting skills before attempting this float.

The best time to float the Cossatot is from late fall to early spring, particularly after rainfall when the water levels are higher.

It’s crucial to check water conditions beforehand, as the rapids can be impassable at certain times. This river’s natural beauty and exhilarating rapids make it a top choice for thrill-seekers in Arkansas.

12. Eleven Point River

Most of the Eleven Point River is located in southern Missouri with some flowing across into northern Arkansas and eventually meeting up with the Spring River.

Like the Buffalo River, the Eleven Point is also a National Scenic River and is protected by the National Park Service.

The best time for floating is from spring to early fall, with late spring being particularly ideal for enjoying the vibrant greenery.

The banks of the Eleven Point are mostly undeveloped and the river is never crowded, offering a peaceful floating experience for anyone looking to get away from it all!

13. Little Missouri

The Little Missouri River, known for its crystal-clear waters and numerous waterfalls, is a beautiful river for a float trip, but with a caveat.

There are two sections of the river that you can float when the water is high enough and one is much harder than the other.

The section near the Narrows Dam at Lake Greeson is a great float for experienced kayakers when the dam releases water creating a swift flow of water where floaters will experience class II rapids, big waves, and swift currents.

After about 5 miles the water calms down and there is a 10-mile jaunt with occasional class I rapids and scenic views, though caution is advised due to potential obstacles in the water.

If you’re interested in doing this exhilarating float when the water is released from the dam, get in touch with the members of the Arkansas Yakking and Kayaking Facebook group for more info.

14. Little Red River

The Little Red River in Arkansas offers some of the best fishing in the state. Known for its abundant and diverse trout population, if you love fishing this is the place to be.

This river is great for year-round fishing opportunities , with the best times being spring and fall when the trout are most active. The cold, clear waters from the Greers Ferry Dam create an ideal habitat for rainbow and brown trout, with the possibility of catching trophy-sized fish.

It’s important to know that fluctuating water levels due to dam releases can significantly affect fishing conditions- so make sure to check in advance!

Wrap-Up: The Best Float Trips in Arkansas

Arkansas, as highlighted by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission , is truly a haven for float trip enthusiasts with more than 90,000 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks.

With the miles and miles of pristine nature and beauty these rivers hold, it’s no wonder why Arkansas is called the natural state.

There are so many rivers to choose from when looking for the perfect Arkansas float trip. From family-friendly floats to challenging rapids, you’re bound to find a river that will float your boat!

We hope this article about the best float trips in Arkansas helps you decide which float trip to go on! We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here . Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!

Ron Sefcik is a co-founder of Unearth The Voyage. He enjoys outdoor adventures like camping and hiking as well as city travel. Over the last 10 years, he’s traveled to 14 Countries, 30 States, and 23 National Parks. His passion is sharing the things he has learned from his travels to help others make their travel dreams a reality as well.

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What do we do?

Canoe Rentals

Let Buffalo River Float Service provide you with a high quality rental canoe, kayak, tube, or raft to start your Buffalo River journey.

Shuttle Service

We offer shuttle services for all of our river trips and also from hotels and airports. Have your own boat or need a hiking shuttle? We have it covered.

Guided Fishing / River Tours

Let us take you on the Buffalo River fishing trip of your dreams or relax as one of our experienced guides takes you on a scenic river tour.

Buffalo River Float Service

A Family Owned Business

Buffalo River Float Service is family owned and operated.

Authorized Concessioner

Buffalo River Float Service is an Authorized Concessioner of the Buffalo National River.

A Wide Range Of Float Trips

From half to fourteen day trips, we offer canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals with shuttle services available on the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek.

Fishing Trips & River Tours

Guided fishing trips and scenic river tours are available at request.

Our Location

We are located just 3.5 miles from Buffalo Point on the beautiful scenic Highway 14 just south of Yellville Arkansas

What Our Customers Said

I like the family oriented atmosphere and the good folks that worked with us. Great people to do business with! Johnny Kirby

We have used these guys several times, always in a great mood, great stories, great history lesson! Dawn Cavano Stanley

Definitely recommend using BRFS. Very nice and can't beat the price. Want to float the buffalo? Call them. Jason Taylor

Want to talk?

Are you ready to float the Buffalo River? Contact us to book your adventure today!

Contact details

We offer guided day trips on the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek for smallmouth bass, and The White River for trout. The Buffalo River and Crooked Creek are nationally designated "Blue Ribbon" smallmouth bass streams. The White River is famous nationally for its huge trout, often weighing in the world record zone.

We offer overnight camping trips for sightseeing or fishing where all you have to do is relax and leave all the work to us. We can customize your trip depending on your needs and desires.

The Buffalo National River has more species of fish than any river in North America. The Buffalo River is known as a premier "Smallmouth Bass" fishing stream. Most anglers prefer to rent a canoe or kayak and go it alone, but we offer twenty-foot river boats with guides as well.

We have one of the most complete outfitter stores on the river. We sell bait, tackle and more. See our in-house experts for free advice.

* The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has introduced a new way for customers to purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses, please call the following number (1-800-364-4263) and the automated process will guide you through step-by-step.

DIRST CANOE RENTAL & LOG CABINS

Some days you just need to turn off the cell phone, step away from the computer, and toss your endless to-do list. When life gets a little too crazy and chaotic, it's time to get back to the basics and get back to nature. There's no place better to relax and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer than Dirst Canoe Rental & Log Cabins on the famous Buffalo National River. Float the Buffalo River, stay on the Buffalo River, and learn to relax again.   Whether it's an Arkansas float trip with friends, a once in a lifetime wilderness adventure, or a relaxing retreat in one of our fully furnished log cabins on the Buffalo, Dirst Canoe Rental & Log Cabins offers everything you need during your down time. Check out our day trips to float the Buffalo, and give us a call 870-449-6636 or contact us here  to begin your next outdoor vacation on the Buffalo River. 

5 Top Questions: Buffalo River Float Trips

What’s on the mind of Buffalo River paddlers?   This blog post shares the top floating questions currently coming from our river guests!

A little advance homework goes a long way toward enjoying a happy, hassle-free float trip on the upper Buffalo National River.  Here are some of the most popular questions our Adventure Staff is currently receiving from paddlers.

How do I know my launch site?

The upper Buffalo National River is rainfall dependent, so water level influences our launch site on a day-by-day basis, which is either the access at Ponca, nearby Steel Creek, or down river about 24 miles at Pruitt.  To check the river level, as well as the daily launch site, visit our Current Buffalo River Levels web page.  

How many hours does it take to paddle the day trip?

With average river conditions, you can generally factor a speed of about 2mph, which equals around 4 to 6 hours of paddling time for the typical 8- to 10.7-mile float trip.  Other factors also influence paddling time, such as water level, one’s personal paddling skills (or those of another person in your canoe), and how much extra-curricular activity—such as fishing or hiking—one does along the way.  Kayakers might see a quicker run but are also subject to many of the same influences as canoeists.

How does the car shuttle work?

For your convenience, we shuttle your vehicle to a pre-determined take-out access while you enjoy your float trip.  Come to the BOC store to arrange for your shuttle.  Once your paperwork and payment are complete, you’ll drive to the launch site and leave a set of car keys with our river staff.  We then move cars in the order in which the keys have been handed to us (basically, a first-come/first-serve process).  Please note that on high-demand Saturdays and Memorial Day weekend, all outfitters can experience delays in moving vehicles.  So, take your time floating on the Buffalo National River—that’s what you came for anyway!  (Get shuttle rates  here.)

What age minimum is recommended for floating the upper Buffalo National River?

We suggest a person be at least age six and able to swim, although there is no official National Park Service required age limit for paddling the river.  Be aware that in the state of Arkansas, children age 12 and under must wear a USCG–approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while on any vessel.  Click here more to learn more about  canoeing with kids , as well as other paddling safety tips.

Can I canoe with my dog?

Yes, you can!  Just please be aware, however, that dogs are not permitted on trails within the national park and must be kept on a leash at all times when in campgrounds. You do not have to leash your dog while it is riding in a canoe.  Need lodging for you and your 4-legged pal?  BOC offers terrific  pet-friendly cabins  for your Buffalo River adventures!  

Have more questions?  Visit our  Before You Float  web page!

Please Note:    Personal judgment always plays a significant role in the success of any river trip.   Choose safety first, always carefully considering the paddling skills and self-rescue limits of yourself and everyone in your party.

Similar Posts

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Multi-Day Float Trips

Multi-day float trips are great if you are wanting to get away for more than just one day! We offer multiple locations that show the beauty of the Buffalo, depending on how long you want to stay. No matter where you start, the beauty is in the journey of floating down the Buffalo! If camping out under the stars and being one with nature just isn’t your thing, check out our  one-day float trip page .

*Shuttle fees for floats listed below differ according to your choice of trip. For more information, visit our  Shuttle Services page .

Featured Multi-Day Float

Tyler bend to south maumee.

• One-night, two-day trip

At the very start of your float, at Tyler Bend, is Mill Creek. The water here is one of the coldest on the river. 1.5 miles into your float you will come upon Grinders ferry, highway 65 bridge. Here is one of the most popular swimming holes on the whole river. Another 4.3 miles into your float you will come into Gilbert. Right after Gilbert are massive pillars. They were once used for the Northern Arkansas and Missouri Railway. On down the river is red bluff.This marks an excellent spot to stop and set up camp for the night.

Additional Multi-Day Floats

One night, two day float trips.

• Woolum to Gilbert - 20 miles
• Grinder's Ferry to South Maumee - 16 miles

Two Night, Three Day Float Trips

• Carver to Grinder's Ferry - 31.7 miles
• Grinder's Ferry to Dillard's Ferry - 25.7 miles
• Carver to Baker Ford - 26.3 miles
• Pruitt to Woolum - 26.4 miles
• Mt. Hersey to Grinder's Ferry - 24.9 miles

Three Night, Four Day Float Trips

• Pruitt to Grinder's Ferry - 44.1 miles
• Grinder's Ferry to Rush - 28.3 miles
• Ponca to Carver - 32.8 miles

Four Night, Five Day Float Trips

• Ponca to Woolum - 50.1 miles
• Grinder's Ferry to Buffalo City - 52.9 miles

Full River Adventure Excursions, 7-10 Days

There are 132 miles of Buffalo National River to explore beginning at Ponca and ending at Buffalo City. There are many different adventures you can choose to do along the way. You can hike Hemmed-In Hollow to see the largest waterfall between the Mississippi and the Rockies or paddle up Davis Slough and catch a trophy largemouth bass. These are some of the adventures that Buffalo National River has to offer. To plan your trip, please contact us at 800-582-2244.

We will launch for a multi-day float trip anytime between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Keep in mind, the earlier you arrive in the morning the faster we can get you started on your adventure. If you have a special launch time in mind, contact us prior to your arrival time to schedule special requests.

These times are estimated based on the average float conditions and can change due to weather conditions and water levels. If you have a reservation, we will attempt to contact you in the event that water levels are too low or too high to float.

Pick Your Date

The calendar will display available dates to float. Select your desired date.

Select Your Watercraft

Select the number of watercrafts you need. Vehicle shuttles can also be booked.

Book Your Reservation

After reviewing your selections, add to your cart. Checkout from there and you're ready to float!

Choose Your Adventure

Two Day Float Trips

Three Day Float Trips

Four Day Float Trips

Five Day Float Trips