Austin Paddlers NEED HELP and ADVICE!

[nvaughan]

hey all.

I was arkansas born but its been a good 9 years since ive been back to float the buffalo. I am brining 12 guys from austin in my camping group. We are all active dudes- ages 28-38. we have done Yosemite, Zion, Big Bend, Tahoe, Glacier... and now we are onto ARKANSAS! My mom's friend Larry Crane (mine too) suggested this website and thank goodness its here!

we are trying to do a float trip on thurs/friday at the end of May. We want to set up camp wed... ANYWHERE that allows 12 folks to get a little louder. Maybe float down 10-15 miles on Day 1 to the campsite, stay and get up and float down another 10-15 miles and then drive back to the campsite. Break it down on saturday morning and stay a night up in the ozarks elsewhere.

suggestions on where to start?
where to rent?

next beer is on me... promise!

thanks in advance

[Cadron Boy]

Wanna get loud?

#1 - Spring River. Predictable water level, lots of revelry and unhibited girls. Arkansas' foremost party river! Get loud!!

#2 - Mulberry River. I'd lean towards Byrd's campground as it has hosted many a wild weekend and is a bit more "off the grid". Great place to kick back and join in the festivities -- sprited water to boot. .

#3 - Streams that flow mostly across private property and where law enforcement and families with kids are less prevalent -- this would include such places as Caddo, Saline, Kings, Cadron and to some extent the Little Missouri and Ouachita, etc. -- Anything goes as long as it is copasetic wth the land owners on whose place you might camp, Even much of the Piney is fine albeit the public campground at Longpool may be unreceptive to a bunch of boys out having fun.

#4 - Buffalo -- Just because it's a national park and rangers seem to appear from nowhere from time to time doesn't mean you can't have a bunch of fun. Screams, shouts and cursing echos are common occurrences -- and when camping on a gravel bar in the middle of nowhere you can kick your heels pretty high. Below Rush the crowds thin out and you can still find a lonely campsite even in May and June. Many would consider the Buffalo to be Arkasnas' river "masterpiece".

Lastly by the end of May -- some of our rivers become very rain dependent -- the Buffalo (lower) and Spring are always a "go" but for some of the other streams you'll have to look at the current guages before you leave to assure you've made the right choice or make any last minute changes.

[MissEllie]

You can always check http://www.AmericanWhiteWater.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for river levels if you don't already. I found that on the Buffalo you need to allow that real levels might be "just a tad" lower than listed.

My vote is on the Buffalo but sooner than later because of water level.

[nvaughan]

well - I know its only two replies but man... thank you!!!

awesome stuff. I hope it keeps coming. We were thinking the famous upper buffalo trip- Ponca to Kyles and then Kyles to Pruitt. Stay all 3 nights at Kyles.

The rain has been good this year- but who knows in the month of may. Has the upper been lasting through May in the past few years?

this is invaluable. I really appreciate it and knew I could count on Arkansans to be awesome hosts.

THANKS

[nathan richard]

last year the upper buffalo was dry as a bone in the middle of May, but the year before it flooded in May.

i would say Kyle's Landing is the "party" campground on the upper buffalo.

[Dustman]

If you are looking at the end of May, keep in mind that Wakarusa Music Festival will be taking place at Mulberry Mountain just north of turner bend May 30th, 31st/June 1st, 2nd. This will be about 20,000 hippies hanging out in this area of the Mulberry. May or may not be the place for your crew!~

[mgood]

If you are looking at the end of May, keep in mind that Wakarusa Music Festival will be taking place at Mulberry Mountain just north of turner bend May 30th, 31st/June 1st, 2nd. This will be about 20,000 hippies hanging out in this area of the Mulberry. May or may not be the place for your crew!~

...including the one and only Snoop Lion. This should be the place for your crew.