Shuttle companies

[fettsway]

I am only familiar with NW Ark (or Fort Smith Area) because of internet and forum research, so I have a question that hopefully the natives can help with.

I am looking for outfitters that will shuttle my kayak, small dog, and gear up river and let me float down to their campground or property where my truck will be left. I am only talking about a day float, with light gear, in calm waters. No white water trips. I am a one man kayaker and hope to find some outfitters that will provide this service while leaving my truck in a safe place at their place. I fully expect fees, so no worries there.

Please keep in mind my ignorance of the area, so precise directions or weblinks to outfitters is nearly a must.

Thanks all.

[Jim Krueger]

Fettsway,

Do you have a specific river in mind? Many streams will have at least some small shoals or riffles but there could be several suggestions.

Best Regards
Jim Moose

[Richard]

If you are looking for calm water day tripping, I would suggest a lake. No shuttle required.

[fettsway]

Fettsway,

Do you have a specific river in mind? Many streams will have at least some small shoals or riffles but there could be several suggestions.

Best Regards
Jim Moose

I was mainally thinking of the Buffalo, White, Elk...never been to any of them.

[fettsway]

If you are looking for calm water day tripping, I would suggest a lake. No shuttle required.

I heard about Beaver Dam having a nice lake spot, can you provide any feedback, maybe a putin spot or directions?

Thanks.

[Richard]

For Beaver Lake, I would suggest contacting either Eric Esche or Painter Bob
Eric Esche: http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/mem ... ile&u=1008" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Painter Bob: http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/mb/mem ... file&u=499" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Buffalo is divided into three sections and depending on which section you float you would have to contact an outfitter serving that section. http://www.nps.gov/buff/canoe-rentals.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For the White River, contact one of the boat docks near the area you want to float.

[coolhand]

Upper runs on the North Cadron are pretty mellow and even an uper or lower runs on the East Cadron. If you parked your ride at a takeout I might could shuttle you. I live real close to the upper parts of both.

Luke.

[painterbob]

there are a few i use, like cozy camp on the elk, on the upper section. and cow skin on the lower below the dam at noel. for the white river below the dam you have spider creek, and river view. or put in at housemans access and go up stream (no shuttle needed) .you also can paddle lake leatherwood (no shuttle needed.) the buffalo ,you have to pick a section upper, middle, or lower,i work with kellers(that just changed names to buffalo river canoe) they service the upper and middle section to woolum, below that i use wild bill's.. whats on your mind ? fill me in. so i can help you out!!

[rcowen]

Also,

Don't forget about kings river outfitters. They offer shuttle services, camping, etc. It's a great little river for casual floating and fishing. It's about as flat as a river can be from rockhouse down. And it is a beautiful float, no matter which section you choose.

Link: http://www.kingsriveroutfitters.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[fettsway]

thanks for the feedback, i think i will start scoping out the area for some spring and summer trips. the illinois river section that i most frequent in OK gets really crowded and obnoxoius in the summer months. The intent of my post was to find an AR outfitter or resort to do more peaceful camping at that had river access in their campground as well as shuttle options up river with my kayak.

[fettsway]

Well, I visited King's River Outfitter a few weeks and it seems like a good place a good place to start.

I have my own boat and plan to park at Rockhouse and launch, then float to Kings River Outfitter (at Trigger Gap?). Then have Kings shuttle me up river to my truck. Told that parked vehicles at Rockhouse are pretty safe, will only be parked there during the daylight. Suppose to be about 8 miles by water. Never fished for small mouth bass, and told that is the choice of Kings, what about catfish?

This will be my first float trip on the Kings, looking forward to it.

[fishhomer75]

Jimmy Walker on crooked creek is not to far from you. He is only about a mile from the put in and campground at snow. he will talk your ear off though. If you are willing to go a little farther, the south fork of the spring is a great and easy float. Call the south fork resort in Saddle. I think the guy's name there is Josh. These will both be much less crowded than the Buffalo. They are similar in size to the King's, although not as senic.

[fishhomer75]

Crooked-Jimmy Walker-870-404-6054
Southfork resort-870-895-2803

[sugarmtngal]

Hi fettsway,

I was just on the Kings last week; it was beautiful and relaxing!

I understand that the shuttle costs $20. Enjoy your trip with your canine friend!

What does fettsway mean?

[fettsway]

Fettsway is taken from Boba Fett, the Star Wars character...just make it up and it's stuck with me.

Went to the Kings River saturday for the firs time and was very pleased with how great the river looked, clear and clean. The water was just right for a hot day and the scenery was beatuiful.

here are some times.