Float Suggestions - Near Fort Smith

[Shea]

Hello,

My wife and I recently moved to Fort Smith. We have guests in town through Wed and would like to float Monday and Tuesday. We have our own canoes, but are unsure where to go. We were originally looking at the Mulberry, but the water is at 1.5 and seems to be a bit low. Does anyone have any suggestions for float trips within 2 hours of Fort Smith that would be somewhat exciting under current water levels? Additionally, we will be car camping so a good campground nearby will also be necessary. Thank you for your suggestions.

Shea

[Tmuse]

Your best bet is to go to the buffalo.

[Jim Krueger]

Shea,

At the present time and local water levels, I can suggest the Buffalo River and camping at Tyler Bend as an option. If you look on the Recreational Page you'll see several posts on the Buffalo, and various floats in the area I mentioned. I know it's a pretty good drive but if you want to show your friends the most fun & comfort (campground-wise), that's one recommendation. As we're moving into Summer now, and the rains becoming more sparse, the Middle and Lower Buffalo will continue to be floatable for awhile.

Best Regards
Jim

[Shea]

I was thinking that would be the most likely suggestion. The Buffalo it is. Thanks!

[Michele Jackson]

Shea,
Welcome to Fort Smith! I hope you'll join the River Valley (RV) chapter to meet some fellow paddlers. It sounds like you'll be out paddling, but we're having a picnic this Tuesday, June 9th. The details are posted as a "sticky" on this forum.

Michele

[Flapjack]

My vote would be for Dragover on the Ouachita River near Mt. Ida nice short run with nice short shuttle not near the crowd. Really much better at lower levals.

[Jim Krueger]

Dragover is also a good suggestion! The Upper Ouachita at Dragover is good down to about 2 feet. The length of this section is 3.5 miles but you can expand this somewhat with a little help from the local outfitters. Camping at Ouachita River Haven or Rocky Shoals Outfitters, or other private campgrounds in the area would be very close and handy. In addition there is camping on the Caddo River, about thirty miles away at Arrowhead Outfitters in Caddo Gap and Caddo River Outfitters in Glenwood. I think either the Middle or Lower Buffalo ,or Upper Ouachita will be comparable driving-wise from Fort Smith.
Best Regards
Jim