Summer Camp Touring Program

[redrock438]

I have posted a similar post before but am trying to finalize the details of a program.

I run a Boy Scout Camp in northeast Arkansas and currently have a very active high adventure program. We offer high ropes, whitewater, climbing, and many other adventures. I am trying to develop a weeklong touring kayak program. I have researched a few options but cant seem to come to any conclusions as to the locations.

What I'm trying to offer:

A weeklong paddling experience (4-5 days) were the Scouts and staff will have a wilderness experience, carrying their own food and shelter materal. We would replenish supplies mid-week. They would carry 2 days of provisions. We would prefer rustic camping (no established campgrounds with RV's etc) Wilderness experience is a must (at least most of the time)

The group size would be small (6-8) and 2 staff.

One paddler suggested that we use Beaver Lake. While this looks like a great "large" lake. I'm concerned with camping spots and also about the potential urban setting.

Is the eleven point suitable for touring boats? What about the current? I have also heard about the white river.

The program takes place in the summer so flows must be considered. Some have suggested swamps and they are facinating but camping is a concern given the large volume of mosquitos and snakes in warm weather.

Any help is appreciated. I'm trying to bring this to a conclusion within two weeks and actually take a paddle on a couple of the suggested spots.

Thanks
Drew A

[Richard]

How far away from NEA are you willing to go?
Will they be earning the 50 miler award?
When do you plan to go?

Here are my recommendations assuming the 50 miler:
Buffalo River.
It is a natural for scouts. You can arrange a service project with the park rangers.
Woolum to Rush is 50 miles. If the river is low you could go from Spring Creek on the Buffalo(37miles) to Norfork on the White(13miles).

If it is a lake you are considering, either Bull Shoals (I am not sure if they allow camping outside the campgrounds) or Lake Ouachita. In the case of Lake Ouachita, you can camp just about anywhere along the shoreline or better yet camp on the islands. You could start on the Ouachita River and finish up on the lake. Its a great place for snorkling.

The White River in the Summer is nice. You will see a lot of john boats. The downside is that it is almost all private land so you would be campground camping. Have you thought about having a crew participate in the White River race? Scouts who have not tried this are missing out.

The Eleven Point is close to "home" and is pleasant in the summer. You would most likely start at Greer Access and finish in Arkansas.

I would not recommend either the Current or the Spring because of their reputation as party rivers.

Swamps, Scouts and Summer is asking for disaster.

In all cases, avoid the weekends.

[redrock438]

The lake Quachita area looks promising. It would be nice to combine a week long touring program with mountain biking, snorkeling and island camping. I may have to get to that lake and do some paddling myself. Thanks for the info!

[dan valovich]

lake ouachita is a gem. this is north shore near buckville



this is the south shore near crystal springs. no houses and you can camp anywhere you want
notice the lack of civilization!!

[seark]

For a summer program I would definitely do Lake Ouachita. Starting at Dragover and paddling down the river into the lake. As others have pointed out, you can camp anywhere along the Corps of Engineers or National Forest shorelines, which is most of the lake. Another option would be to plan a route that would let the boys do the Ouachita Geo Float Trail. I recommend contacting James Wilborne, Assistant Supt. at Lake Ouachita State Park. He has organized several overnight group kayak trips on the lake and could advise you. He also is a certified Leave No Trace instructor.

If you were doing a winter program - I would do the White River National Wildlife Refuge.

[redrock438]

I've tried contacting the park several times with no answer? Any ideas? I would love to do a weekend trip on this lake to explore the program possibilites. Is this a commonly paddled area? Does the Arkansas Canoe Club takes trips here? What about specific individuals that may want to paddle for a weekend here. Any hosts?

Drew A

[Beverly]

HI Drew -

You will love Lake Ouachita. Anywhere on the lake is good. I haven't paddled any part of it that was not fascinating. If you are wanting to do Mtn. Biking or hiking as well there is a newly constructed trail that you can access from the Thompkins Bend area. This lake is amazing. I live in Hot Springs so it is my main paddling destination. I never get bored of it. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions if I can.

[Richard]

Drew,
If any paddler had the right to claim the Ouachita as their own and had the most knowledge, I would say it would be Beverly, She was the one who introduced me to the Buckville area. One evening just before dark we were slowly paddling in a cove. Beverly glided in behind a beaver swimming in the cove. I was right behind her and when the beaver looked back we all got soaked by the spash of its tail.
Beverly is a wealth of knowledge.