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NWA RIVERS
- Dad Squatch
- Aug 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 1
The summer months may be coming to an end, but the heat here in Northwest Arkansas is sure to last a little while longer. The Natural State is home to a number of beautiful rivers, many of which are open to float even after August comes to a close—some located right in our own backyard!
White River
The closest river to our Wanderland rental is the White River. This river provides a completely free floating experience with several float options ranging from a few hours to overnight. Because there are no outfitters, floaters can bring their own tubes, kayaks, or canoes and save on rental fees, and/or check out our OTG Adventure Upgrades page to see our shuttle rates and what rentals we have to offer! This also means there are typically fewer Game and Fish wardens, fewer floaters, and more fish! However, because of this, there may also be more debris to navigate and if the water levels aren’t just right, you may find yourself having to drag your boat more than you might like.
The White River is also a bit different from the other NWA rivers because it is not part of a National Forest, most of the river banks are privately owned properties. It has never caused any issues for us but we always make sure to be aware of where we stop, pay extra attention to leaving nothing behind, and just make an intentional point to respect those land owners.
White River Fun Facts:
The White River National Wildlife Refuge is located along the river, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The White River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, flowing through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Combs Bridge to:
Patrick Bridge
Thompson Cut - use dirt road backway for pickup/dropoff
Springston Ford
Elks Park
Hwy 74 Bridge
Lake Sequoia
Mulberry River
The Mulberry is a great option for those looking for a little more adventure and a little less people and/or those looking to experience great fishing. You can choose between two different outfitters for boat rentals and camping options along the river. It’s important to watch the water levels and be aware of your surroundings on this one, though—there is a large rock known as “The Sac” about halfway down the river route that has taken out even experienced floaters. I recommend doing a quick FaceBook or YouTube search on it so you get an idea of what you are going into and I always prefer/suggest walking the boats around this area of the river.
**Insider Tip: When the waters are low, you may be able to swim behind the rock and see all kinds of treasures people have lost on their journeys!
Mulberry River Fun Facts:
The river is known for its challenging whitewater rapids, making it a popular spot for experienced kayakers and rafters.
The Mulberry River offers stunning scenery, including dense forests, rocky bluffs, and clear waters.
The river is also a great spot for fishing, with abundant populations of smallmouth bass and other species.
Wolf Pen to:
Little Mulberry 2 Mi
High Bank 4 Mi
Indian Creek 6 Mi
Byrds 8 Mi
Redding 12 Mi
Turner Bend 16 Mi
Campbell Cemetery 27 Mi
Mill Creek 40 Mi
Check out the Mulberry River Outfitters Websites for water levels and more Info!
Kings River
One of our personal favorites because it’s a more laid back, slow float and fish, long day on the water kind of river. The Kings has options for both day trips and multi-day trips, so you can choose the experience that best fits you! We love to go on an overnight float from Marshall Ford to Rockhouse for my birthday (in late May) each year for a number of reasons: the fishing is always top notch, there’s plenty of spots for picnics or swimming breaks, it’s family friendly, the water is clear, and the views are amazing. We have found that right under the King’s River Overlook is the perfect spot to set up camp for the night, it offers a somewhat flat spacious campsite with amazing views of the breathtaking bluffs. There’s always wildlife to see, keep an eye out for snakes and sometimes the gar will even swim under your boat! I have tried to catch a gar for years now, with no luck, but have seen others that did! They claimed they were friendly, but they didn’t reach their hand in to get the hook out either! Our favorite spot to camp on the Kings is under the bridge at Trigger Gap (especially in a surprise storm!).
Kings River Fun Facts:
The Kings River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, with both calm and rapid sections.
The river is known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
It features several beautiful swimming holes and gravel bars, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
Marble to Rockhouse 27 Mi
Marshall Ford to Rockhouse 16 Mi
Rockhouse to Trigger Gap 8 Mi
Trigger Gap to McMullen Farm 5 Mi ** OUTFITTERS ACCESS ONLY
Trigger Gap to Hwy 62 13 Mi
Be sure to visit the outfitters’ websites for water levels and more information!
War Eagle- Withrow Springs
This gentle float in Huntsville is a 6 mile trip for when you have a little bit more time on your hands, but not enough for a multi-day adventure like the Kings. It usually takes 3-4 hours to complete. Here, you’ll get to float in peaceful waters with breathtaking views and great fishing. Keep your eye out for the Ozark trillium, a rare flower that grows in the state park!
Buffalo River
Popular for a reason, the Buffalo is a beautiful float that certainly lives up to its hype. This river is typically more crowded on weekends, so I recommend planning your visit on a weekday if you’re able. Fishermen can expect well maintained conditions on the water, though Game and Fish are usually more present, so be sure to have your fishing license on you at all times. The Buffalo has many launch sites to choose from, ranging from 4-6 hour day trips to 10 day journeys over many, many miles. It is one of the few undammed rivers remaining in the United States, and was the first National River to be designated!
Buffalo River Fun Facts:
It was the first national river to be designated in the United States, established in 1972.
The river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, towering bluffs, and abundant wildlife.
This wild river is a hotspot for wildlife. The park harbors Arkansas’s only elk herd, which can often be spotted grazing in Boxley Valley during dawn or dusk.
Ponca to:
Steel Creek 2.7 Mi
Kyle’s Landing 10.7 Mi
Pruitt 23.9 Mi
Hasty 30.7 Mi
Mt. Hersey 41.7 Mi
Woolum 50.3 Mi
Buffalo City 125.4 Mi
Check out the Buffalo River Outfitters Website for water levels and more Info!
Elk River
Just a short drive up to Missouri! Often regarded as a “party river,” the Elk is actually home to several peaceful creeks and streams to float in. I’ve even had great luck on Indian Creek with some of my best fishing to date. You can enjoy a pleasant float almost the whole way through, until about the last mile when you hit the high energy of the rest of the river. There are several outfitters and rental companies that provide shuttles at nearly every bend of the river, so there are plenty of options for putting in.
Elk River Fun Facts:
The Elk River springs to life near Pineville, Missouri, where Big Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek meet.
Stretching about 35 miles, the Elk River offers ideal conditions for floating—boasting Class I to Class II rapids, clear water, gravel bars perfect for picnics, and shallow swimming spots.
The Elk River forms a 1,032-square-mile watershed across parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma before joining the Neosho River and eventually flowing into the Mississippi.
Hwy 71 Bridge (Big Elk, Kozy Kamp, or Gracies) to
Trestle Park 6 Mi
Mt. Shira Access 7.5 Mi
Wayside 12 Mi
Indian Creek Campground to
Elk River 7.7 Mi
Trestle Park 8.5 Mi
Mt. Shira Access 10 Mi
Wayside 14.5 Mi
Illinois River
Usually dependable for good water levels and fun quick float. With outfitters from Tahlequah, OK to Siloam Springs, AR you are bound to find the adventure (and prices) you are looking for! You can choose between kayaks, canoes, and even rafts for your float. Different spots have more rapids, so be sure to research where you’re floating so that your trip can be tailored to your preference and experience level. This river is great for the hot, end of summer days when other rivers have dried up!
Illinois River Fun Facts:
The river is popular for its clear waters and scenic landscapes, making it a favorite spot for canoeing and kayaking.
The Illinois River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass and catfish.
The river's gentle flow and beautiful surroundings make it a great spot for a relaxing float trip.
Siloam Springs, AR
Chamber Springs to:
Siloam Springs Kayak Park 8 Mi
Gypsy Camp 12 Mi
WOKA Whitewater Park 15.5 Mi
Gypsy Private Takeout 16 Mi
Taleqhah, OK
Edmondson Public Access to No Head Hollow 5.6 Mi
No Head Hollow to All American 14 Mi
These rivers are only a few of the adventures the Natural State has to offer. When planning your trips, be sure to check the weather, research water levels, bring lots of water, and be ready to make some unforgettable memories!
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