Arkansas is a kayaker’s paradise, offering everything from scenic flatwater paddles to challenging whitewater rapids. With over 9,700 miles of streams and rivers, plus countless lakes, the Natural State provides exceptional kayaking opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly float trips in Northwest Arkansas or adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures in the Ozarks, this comprehensive guide covers the 20 best kayaking spots in Arkansas.
1. Buffalo National River – Newton, Searcy, and Marion Counties
The Buffalo National River is Arkansas’s most iconic kayaking destination and America’s first National River. Stretching 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains, this free-flowing river offers stunning limestone bluffs, clear water, and pristine wilderness.
Best Launch Points: Steel Creek, Ponca, Kyles Landing, Pruitt, Buffalo Point
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Nearby Towns: Jasper, Harrison, Mountain View
The upper Buffalo near Ponca features Class I-II rapids perfect for intermediate paddlers, while the middle and lower sections offer gentle float trips ideal for families and beginners.
2. Mulberry River – Franklin and Johnson Counties
The Mulberry River is Arkansas’s premier whitewater kayaking destination, particularly in the spring when water levels are high. This 70-mile river flowing through the Ozark National Forest provides thrilling Class II-IV rapids.
Best Launch Points: Turner Bend, Redding Recreation Area, Fane Creek
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best Season: March through May
Nearby Towns: Ozark, Mulberry, Clarksville
The stretch from Turner Bend to Mulberry offers the most exciting whitewater, with rapids like Jailhouse Rock and Wildcat Rapids challenging even experienced kayakers.
3. Cossatot River – Howard and Polk Counties
Known for its technical whitewater and scenic beauty, the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area protects one of Arkansas’s most challenging kayaking rivers. The Cossatot features boulder gardens, ledges, and the infamous Cossatot Falls.
Best Launch Points: Ed Banks Access, Brushy Creek Access
Skill Level: Advanced
Best Season: Winter and Spring
Nearby Towns: Wickes, Mena, Umpire
Cossatot Falls is a Class IV+ rapid that should only be attempted by expert kayakers. The river’s name comes from a French word meaning “skull crusher,” reflecting its challenging nature.
4. Lake Ouachita – Garland and Montgomery Counties
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest lake at 40,000 acres, offers exceptional flatwater kayaking with crystal-clear water and over 200 islands to explore. Located near Hot Springs, this lake is perfect for multi-day kayak camping trips.
Best Launch Points: Denby Point, Brady Mountain, Shangri-La Resort
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round (April-October optimal)
Nearby Towns: Hot Springs, Mountain Pine, Royal
The lake’s Three Sisters Springs area provides unique kayaking opportunities to paddle over underwater springs with visibility up to 30 feet deep.
5. Caddo River – Montgomery and Clark Counties
The Caddo River offers one of Arkansas’s most popular kayaking experiences, combining beautiful scenery with gentle Class I-II rapids. This 70-mile river is perfect for beginners and families.
Best Launch Points: Caddo Gap, Glenwood, Alpine
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Nearby Towns: Glenwood, Caddo Gap, Norman
The stretch from Caddo Gap to Glenwood is particularly scenic, featuring clear water, gravel bars perfect for picnicking, and moderate rapids that provide excitement without overwhelming novice paddlers.
6. Kings River – Madison and Carroll Counties
The Kings River in Northwest Arkansas is a favorite among local paddlers for its reliable water flow, beautiful scenery, and accessibility. This spring-fed river maintains paddleable levels even during dry summers.
Best Launch Points: Rockhouse Access, Kings River Falls Access, Trigger Gap
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round
Nearby Towns: Eureka Springs, Berryville, Huntsville
Kings River Falls Natural Area features a scenic 30-foot waterfall and excellent kayaking on the river below, with Class I-II rapids and deep pools.
7. White River – North Central Arkansas
The White River system provides diverse kayaking opportunities, from tailwater sections below Bull Shoals Dam to the scenic lower White River. The cold, clear tailwaters are famous for trout fishing, while lower sections offer warmer water and abundant wildlife.
Best Launch Points: Bull Shoals Dam, Rim Shoals, Batesville
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round
Nearby Towns: Mountain Home, Cotter, Batesville, Newport
The section below Bull Shoals Dam to Cotter offers calm water kayaking through spectacular canyon scenery, while the lower White River near Clarendon provides excellent birding opportunities.
8. War Eagle Creek – Benton County
War Eagle Creek in Northwest Arkansas is a beautiful, spring-fed stream perfect for beginner kayakers. The creek flows through the War Eagle Cavern area and eventually joins the White River.
Best Launch Points: War Eagle Bridge, War Eagle Mill
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Nearby Towns: Rogers, Springdale, Hindsville
The paddle near the historic War Eagle Mill offers picturesque scenery, especially during fall foliage season, with gentle currents suitable for families.
9. Beaver Lake – Benton and Carroll Counties
Beaver Lake’s 487 miles of shoreline in the Ozark Mountains provides excellent flatwater kayaking with numerous coves, bluffs, and clear water. Located in Northwest Arkansas, it’s easily accessible from Fayetteville and Bentonville.
Best Launch Points: Prairie Creek, Dam Site, Hickory Creek
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: April through October
Nearby Towns: Rogers, Bentonville, Eureka Springs
The lake’s upper reaches near Hobbs State Park offer protected paddling through quiet coves, while the main lake provides more open water for experienced paddlers.
10. Illinois River – Arkansas and Oklahoma Border
The Illinois River flows through Northwest Arkansas before crossing into Oklahoma, offering one of the region’s most popular float trips. The crystal-clear water and scenic bluffs make it ideal for leisurely kayaking.
Best Launch Points: Savoy Bridge (Arkansas side)
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Nearby Towns: Siloam Springs, Fayetteville
While most of the Illinois River float is in Oklahoma, the Arkansas section near Siloam Springs provides excellent paddling with easy access from Northwest Arkansas communities.
11. Little Red River – Cleburne and White Counties
The Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam offers outstanding kayaking on cold, clear tailwaters. This scenic river is famous for trout fishing but also provides excellent paddling opportunities.
Best Launch Points: JFK Park, Ramsey Access, Pangburn
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round
Nearby Towns: Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, Pangburn
The section from the dam to Pangburn features gentle current, crystal-clear water, and beautiful scenery, making it perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
12. Strawberry River – Sharp, Fulton, and Lawrence Counties
The Strawberry River offers excellent kayaking through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, with both upper whitewater sections and lower flatwater stretches.
Best Launch Points: Evening Shade, Saddler Falls, Poughkeepsie
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (depending on section)
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Nearby Towns: Evening Shade, Melbourne, Hardy
The upper Strawberry near Evening Shade provides Class II-III rapids during high water, while the lower sections near Poughkeepsie offer calm water perfect for beginners.
13. Greers Ferry Lake – Cleburne County
Greers Ferry Lake, with over 40,000 acres and 300 miles of shoreline, ranks among Arkansas’s premier kayaking lakes. The Little Red River arm and numerous coves provide protected paddling areas.
Best Launch Points: Sugar Loaf Mountain, Devil’s Fork, Narrows Dam
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: April through October
Nearby Towns: Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, Quitman
The lake’s clear water and scenic limestone bluffs create an ideal environment for kayak fishing, camping, and exploration.
14. Saline River – Saline, Grant, and Bradley Counties
The Saline River in South Arkansas offers remote, wilderness-style kayaking through cypress swamps and bottomland forests. This blackwater stream provides a completely different paddling experience from Ozark rivers.
Best Launch Points: Bauxite Access, Jenkins Ferry, Coleman Creek
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Season: Fall through Spring
Nearby Towns: Benton, Sheridan, Warren
Paddlers should have good navigation skills as the Saline River winds through remote areas with limited access points, but the solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional.
15. Spring River – Sharp and Fulton Counties
The Spring River flows from Mammoth Spring, one of the world’s largest springs, providing consistent water flow and excellent kayaking conditions. The cold, clear water supports rainbow trout and offers scenic paddling.
Best Launch Points: Mammoth Spring, Hardy, Williford
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round
Nearby Towns: Hardy, Mammoth Spring, Cherokee Village
The section from Mammoth Spring to Hardy features gentle Class I rapids, clear water, and is popular with families and beginner kayakers.
16. Lake Dardanelle – Pope, Yell, and Johnson Counties
Lake Dardanelle State Park on the Arkansas River provides excellent flatwater kayaking with 34,300 acres to explore. The lake’s protected coves and the scenic Pontoon Bay area offer calm water ideal for beginners.
Best Launch Points: Russellville Parks, Dardanelle State Park, Spadra
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: April through October
Nearby Towns: Russellville, Dardanelle, Dover
The lake’s Spadra area and numerous islands create interesting routes for kayak exploration and fishing.
17. Big Piney Creek – Pope County
Big Piney Creek in the Ozark National Forest offers pristine kayaking through a protected wilderness area. This scenic stream features clear water, limestone bluffs, and Class I-II rapids.
Best Launch Points: Long Pool Recreation Area, Treat Access
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Nearby Towns: Russellville, Clarksville, Dover
The paddle through the Big Piney watershed provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and camping on remote gravel bars.
18. Fourche LaFave River – Perry, Yell, and Logan Counties
The Fourche LaFave River offers diverse kayaking experiences, from whitewater rapids in the upper section to gentle floats through the Ozark National Forest in the middle reaches.
Best Launch Points: Nimrod Dam, Hollis, Ola
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Nearby Towns: Ola, Danville, Plainview
The river’s name comes from French trappers and provides scenic paddling through relatively remote areas with good access points.
19. Ouachita River – Central and South Arkansas
The Ouachita River flows over 600 miles from the Ouachita Mountains to Louisiana, offering flatwater kayaking through diverse ecosystems. The sections near Hot Springs and through the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge provide excellent paddling.
Best Launch Points: Remmel Dam (Hot Springs), Camden, Felsenthal
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: Year-round
Nearby Towns: Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Camden
The Ouachita River Water Trail provides marked routes and primitive camping opportunities for multi-day kayaking adventures.
20. DeGray Lake – Clark and Hot Spring Counties
DeGray Lake near Arkadelphia offers 13,800 acres of clear water kayaking opportunities with scenic forested shorelines. DeGray Lake Resort State Park provides excellent facilities and access.
Best Launch Points: DeGray State Park, Edgewood Bay, Iron Mountain
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: April through October
Nearby Towns: Arkadelphia, Caddo Valley
The lake’s numerous coves and islands create protected paddling areas perfect for beginners, while the main lake offers more challenging conditions for experienced kayakers.
Planning Your Arkansas Kayaking Adventure
Best Times to Kayak in Arkansas
Spring (March-May): Peak season for whitewater rivers with high water levels. Rivers like the Mulberry and Cossatot are at their best. Weather can be unpredictable.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for lake kayaking and spring-fed rivers. Many Ozark streams may be too low for comfortable paddling.
Fall (September-November): Excellent conditions with comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Water levels begin to rise with autumn rains.
Winter (December-February): Tailwater rivers remain paddleable year-round. Some whitewater rivers flow well after winter rains.
Essential Kayaking Gear for Arkansas Waters
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – required by Arkansas law
- Paddle and spare paddle for longer trips
- Dry bag for personal items
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with strap)
- First aid kit
- Whistle (required safety equipment)
- Drinking water and snacks
- River map or GPS device
- Throw rope for whitewater sections
Arkansas Kayaking Regulations
Arkansas requires all kayakers to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children under 13 must wear their PFD at all times while on the water. All watercraft must have a sound-producing device (whistle or horn). Kayakers should check local regulations as some areas may have additional requirements.
Safety Tips for Kayaking Arkansas Rivers and Lakes
River Safety: Always check water levels before launching. Arkansas rivers can rise quickly after rain, creating dangerous conditions. Never paddle alone on remote rivers, and always file a float plan with someone onshore.
Lake Safety: Be aware of wind conditions on large lakes like Ouachita and Beaver. Afternoon winds can create challenging waves. Stay close to shore if you’re a beginner.
Wildlife Awareness: Arkansas waterways are home to water moccasins, alligators (in southern regions), and other wildlife. Give animals space and never approach or feed them.
Weather Monitoring: Arkansas weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts before launching and be prepared to exit the water if thunderstorms approach.
Finding Kayak Rentals and Outfitters in Arkansas
Most popular kayaking destinations have local outfitters offering rentals, guided trips, and shuttle services. Areas around the Buffalo National River, Caddo River, Mulberry River, and major lakes have multiple outfitter options. Many Arkansas state parks also offer kayak rentals and launch facilities.
Arkansas Water Trails
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains several designated water trails with marked routes, camping areas, and published guides:
- Buffalo National River Water Trail
- Ouachita River Water Trail
- White River Water Trail
- Caddo River Water Trail
These trails provide excellent infrastructure for multi-day kayaking expeditions.
Experience Arkansas by Kayak
From the whitewater rapids of the Mulberry and Cossatot Rivers to the peaceful waters of Lake Ouachita and the Buffalo National River, Arkansas offers kayaking adventures for every skill level. The Natural State’s diverse waterways wind through the Ozark Mountains, flow past stunning limestone bluffs, and meander through pristine wilderness areas.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging whitewater run near Ozark, a family-friendly float trip near Hot Springs, or a multi-day expedition through the Buffalo River wilderness, Arkansas’s 20 best kayaking spots deliver unforgettable paddling experiences. Plan your Arkansas kayaking adventure today and discover why paddlers from across the country consider the Natural State a premier kayaking destination.
Ready to paddle? Check water levels, pack your gear, and explore these incredible Arkansas kayaking destinations. The rivers and lakes of the Natural State are waiting for you.