Float Trips

The Kings River

One of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the country, the Kings River in Arkansas begins in the Boston Mountains of the Ozark National Forest and flows northward for more than 90 miles, where it empties into Table Rock Lake at the Missouri state line.

This family friendly river flows casually past massive rock bluffs, shady tree-lined banks, crystal clear pools, and sloping gravel bars. You will discover wonderful spots for Canoe Trips, swimming, picnicking, fishing, camping, snorkeling, hiking, and observing wildlife. Ozark rivers and streams are teaming with over 59 different native species of fish. In the Kings River it is the small mouth bass fishing that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Kings River Outfitters provides canoes, kayaks, shuttles, and guide services.

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Canoe and Kayak Rentals

$80.00 per Canoe or Kayak per day
$100.00 per Tandem Kayak per day
Includes life-jackets, paddles, trash-bag
Shuttles Included in price:
Rockhouse to Trigger Gap
Trigger Gap to McMullen Farm

Premium Fishing Kayaks

We specialize in premium fishing kayaks from Jackson Kayak. The Cuda, the Coosa, and the Cruise are all go to transport for the serious angler looking for his next big catch.

The Cuda -$100.00 per day
The Coosa - $100.00 per day
The Cruise - $100.00 per day

For the fisherman wanting a little more room, with a lot more stability, the Big Rig is the way to go. A unique vessel, the Big Rig brings you the stability of a boat, while maintaining the agile maneuverability of a kayak. You will have no problem fishing from its stable platform.

The Big Rig - $150.00 per day

Shuttle Prices

AR Highway 74 $140
Boatright Creek $130
Marble $130
Marshall Ford $120
Rockhouse $35
Farm $35 + $5 Access Fee
Rockhouse-Farm $55 + $5 Access Fee
62 Bridge $55
Grandview $60 + $5 Access Fee
Stoney Point $80
Romp Hole $130
86 Bridge $140

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Day Floats

Rockhouse to Trigger Gap (7.7)

One of our most popular floats on the Kings, the majority of this quiet stretch of river runs through land owned by The Arkansas Nature Conservancy. You will find plenty of gravel bars and deep swimming holes to relax by, as well as some notable rock features.

This scenic 8 mile stretch takes an average 5-6 hours, which is dependent on water levels and the pace of each individual paddler.

Trigger Gap to McMullen Farm (4.7)

Another popular day float, this stretch of river carries you through gentle snake-like curves. A part of the trophy section, floating to McMullen Farm is a great choice for fishermen looking to catch some small mouth bass.

This 5 mile float takes an average 3-4 hours, dependent on water levels as well as the pace of each individual paddler.

Preparing For Your Day Float

Even though the Kings is a Class I river, great for kids and beginners, it is still a wild river. Click on the links below to read about how to be safety and legally fully prepared for you trip down river. Never underestimate the wilderness or the power of moving water.

Floating with Kids

It is our policy at Kings River Outfitters that Children be 6 years and older and know how to swim in order for us to put them on the water.

It is our suggestion that you should already have floated the section of river before you take children on it.

We also suggest that you have one adult per child on the float trip.

It is The Law that any child under the age of 12 must wear their PFD at all times when floating the river.

Having their own perfectly fitted type 3 PFD is also recommended.

*You alone can determine your experience level and whether or not you should take your child on the river. You are responsible for the lives of any children you bring into the wilderness.*

Overnight Floats

Whether you are planning an overnight adventure or multi-day endeavor the Kings River offers a scenic gravel bar around every bend. Overnight and Multi-day float trips on the Kings River can make memories that last a lifetime. Planning a multi-day float requires a higher skill level and a larger degree of preparation.

Trigger Gap to 62 (12.9)

The float from Trigger Gap to the 62 Bridge is considered the trophy section. Perfect for the fisherman looking for their next big catch. Any small mouth caught must be over 18'' in order to keep.

Marshall Ford to Rockhouse (15.7)

The float from Marshall Ford to Rockhouse is full of beautiful bluffs. This 16 mile float will take you through breathtaking scenery far from any man made development. Because of the distance between access points, the Marshall Ford float is ideal for the floater looking for a more private time.

Off-Season Floating

Floating during the off-season can be an adventure. Bald eagles roost on the Kings during the winter. The eagles usually arrive in November and can stay until April. Give us a call at (479)253-8954 to see what we can set up for you.

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*THE LAWS DESIGNATED BY THE STATE OF ARKANSAS HAVE BEEN SET IN PLACE TO KEEP ARKANSAS WATERWAYS SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL FOR CURRENT AS WELL AS FUTURE GENERATIONS OF TRAVELERS.*

The use of glass or styrofoam is prohibited within the banks of Arkansas waterways.
The presence of a PFD (personal flotation device) is required. Children under the age of 12 are required to wear their PFD at all times while floating.
Coolers and other containers used for transporting food must be secured in a way that in the event of a capsize you will not litter the river.
State regulated mesh trash bags that can be securely closed are required.

Public Vs. Private Water

"All property below the OHWM or ordinary high water mark on navigable water is public. Adjacent landowners only own the property above that mark."

"Navigable waterway" means any navigable river, lake or other body of water used or susceptible to being used in its natural condition by canoe, kayak, inner tube, or other vessel easily susceptible to swamping, tipping, or rolling and located wholly or partly within this state.
OHWM or ordinary high water mark is found by "ascertaining where the presence and action of water are so common and usual and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil of the bed a character distinct from that of the banks, in respect to vegetation, as well as in respect to the nature of the soil itself."

In 1992, the Arkansas State Supreme Court expanded the definition of navigability to include recreation after a legal battle over the Mulberry River in which a landowner fought to prevent canoeists from floating the section of the river that floated through his property. The Supreme Court ruling meant that once legal access has been gained, a boater has legal easement to travel the river.

Click for more information on Arkansas Boating Laws

Canoeing Safety Tips

Always be aware of current river conditions. Check out our Weather Page and give us a call at 479-253-8954 for the most accurate information on river levels. Flooding and cold weather are serious elements to contend with while in the wilderness.
Never float during a flood
You must be an experienced swimmer to get on the river.
Know your ability. Don't float outside of your skill level.
Wear Your Lifejacket: it is required by law that anyone under the age of 12 must wear their PFD while floating. Check out Arkansas State Laws >
Know the River:
What class of river is it? Difficulty ranges from Class I being the easiest to Class IV being the most difficult. Most rivers vary in class on different sections so know where you are floating and don’t overestimate your own ability.
Ask about specific obstacles on the section you are floating such as low water bridges that may be hard to see. The Upper Kings River has 3 lower water bridges you should be aware of when floating that section.
Give other floaters plenty of room when passing obstructions in the water. Getting in a jam may cause multiple parties to flip.
Walk Around Don’t Drown: Get out and portage your canoe around anything you aren’t sure about.
Stay away from fallen trees in the water. Getting pinned is how people drown.
Do not drink river water unless properly filtered and made safe to drink. Click here for More Information on avoiding Giardia and other diseases found in watershed areas.
Two People per canoe if there are only two seats.
Don’t take anything that can’t get lost or wet, especially car keys.
Kneel down in your canoe for better stability.
Arrange your shuttle ahead of time and know the landmarks for your takeout.
Stay sober while paddling. Intoxicated individuals are more likely to suffer from hypothermia.
Never float barefooted. You should always have adequate footwear. Water shoes like Chacos and Tevas are best. But an old pair of tennis shoes will work as well.
Prepare to get wet. Bring appropriate clothing.
Do not dive or jump into the river. There are rocks that may be hidden
Do not hang or swing on rope or vines. You could lose a finger.
Arkansas rivers are home to the poisonous Copperhead and Cottonmouth. Do not put your hands or feet where you can’t see. You could get bit.
*You alone can determine your experience level and whether or not you should take your child on the river. You are responsible for the lives of any children you bring into the wilderness.*

Camping on the River

While camping on the gravel bar does the least amount of impact on the environment, make sure you select an easily accessible back door to higher ground in case of flooding. Click here to check out more tips on Leaving No Trace in the Backcountry .
Weather Awareness is a vital part of being prepared while camping in the wilderness. Getting caught in a flood or freezing temperatures is an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal mistake. Place a stick on the water’s edge and pay attention to the water level. If it begins to rise rapidly, get to higher ground well above the floodplain.
When setting up camp always look up for a dead tree branch. Don’t set your tent up where a potential snag could come down in the middle of the night.
Make sure all of your fires are out when you leave. Pack out what you bring in.
Do not camp on private property. Respect the rights of landowners when paddling. Do not engage landowners, especially if they are in possession of a firearm. Click here to learn more about Arkansas State Waterway Laws.
Do not underestimate the river. Most rivers vary in class depending on different sections and current water levels. Know where you are floating and don't overestimate your own ability.
The Upper Kings River has 3 low water bridges you should be aware of when floating the upper section.
Secure your food when not eating. Depending on where you are camping, you may even need to string up your food at night or use designated food containers if they are available. Check with your local outfitter to see what the protocol is or wildlife in the area.
Always tie your canoe up at night. You don’t want to wake up and find your means of transportation gone in the morning.

Canoeing With Children

It is our policy at Kings River Outfitters that Children be 6 years and older and know how to swim in order for us to put them on the water.

It is our suggestion that you should already have floated the section of river before you take children on it.

We also suggest that there is one adult per child on the float trip.

It is The Law that any child under the age of 12 must wear their PFD at all times when floating the river. Having their own perfectly fitted type 3 PFD is also recommended.

Book Now