Where to float with a youngster near NW Ark?

[Jaytee]

My seven y/o nephew is coming for a few weeks and has asked for a paddlin'. :)



He saw my pictures from Paddle Georgia and wants to go on a river. I'll take him in either a tandem kayak or canoe, or perhaps I guess I could take him somewhere where they'd put him in an inner tube.

So, I want to find a place near NW Ark with some rental and shuttle assistance. I fear the atmosphere at the Elk (I've only floated it in the off-season and hear horror stories about the summer behavior) and am open to suggestions. I've never been to the Illinois over by Tahlequah and if you have, give me the scoop.

Otherwise the Kings is probably a reliable standby there and not normally too full of drunk college students asking each other to show body parts. Not adverse to folks playing music and drinking beer, just wanting to keep it PG or cleaner and not drive too far.

[Richard]

I would think a seven year old would love a lake just as much as a river. A lake has one big advantage. No shuttle required. It should be easier to avoid problem people as well.

[Mike_P]

I've taken my 7 yr old to Big Sugar Creek. It's too low right now. Ideal would be 3.5 to 4.0 feet.

http://www.sugarislandcanoe.com/Canoeing.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07188653" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lupe]

I did the Illinois quite a few times when I still lived in Oklahoma. Although it's pretty crazy on the weekends, I think as long as you could go during a week day (maybe not Friday though), then it shouldn't be too bad. It would be a pretty friendly float for you and a youngster, and plenty of outfitters along there for either a canoe rental or shuttle service if you have your own boat. A couple different sections you could do, as well, and water is cool and clear.

I wouldn't recommend going there on a weekend during the summer though...

Hope you have fun with your nephew on some water some where!

[fettsway]

how neat to be a 7 yr interested in hitting the river that has an uncle willing to take him.

Don't go to the Illinois on the weekend! It's mad busy with the R rated crowd. If you go, go during mid week. Check out Eagle Bluff Resort, they have a 6 mile that puts in at Peavine Hollow and a 12 mile that puts in near Round Hollow...both trips conclude back at the resort where your vehicle is parked.

I would recommend the Kings. Sounds like you are already considereing it. The Kings during the week would not be crowded. Even during the weekend it's nothing compared to the Illinois.

If you go to Kings, take him googles, the water is super clear and you can find water turtles sometimes on the bottom of the river in 2 feet of water. That is if he knows how to hold his breath.