need recommendations for over night float with 11yr old son

[wgonfan]

Within the next weekend or two id like to take my son on an over night canoe trip. We had planned on going to the buff the spring, but I'm not really up for the drive. Can anyone recommend a river closer to texarkana with legal and safe camping on the banks? We have our own gear so don't need a rental, but may need some kind of shuttle service. I'm guessing we'd paddle 3 to 5hrs a day.

[panicman]

Ouachita river has several float camps along its stretch and is at flotable levels a lot. That time of the year you probably have to worry about to much water rather than not enough.

Probably not the best river to just find a random gravel bar to camp though. Good fishing stream.

[Jim Krueger]

The Caddo River from Glenwood to Amity is one suggestion I would offer. This is about ten miles and has some nice gravel bars along the way. Although all the land along that stretch is private, I've never heard of anyone objecting to the occasional 'considerate' float-camper. Some of the gravel bars are in the flood plain and not good choices but many more are adjacent to various farm fields and are handy to both the river and to safe egress to higher ground.
If you're interested , I can email two or three pictures from along that stretch.
Ron at Caddo Canoe Outfitters in Glenwood or John at Arrowhead Canoe Outfitters at Caddo Gap would be the ones to visit with via email or phone call. Either of them will be glad to provide shuttle. In addition, both also offer nice paid campgrounds along the river at their businesses.
Check it out if you like, and let me know if I can answer any questions.


Best Regards
Jim

[GN YAKN]

Two really good suggestions in relatively close proximity to Texarkana.

Cautionary note: Might want a bigger group just in case you need assistance or extra gear!