If you’ve ever wanted to go white water rafting, there’s something else you should try first. Find out why locals and visitors alike flock to Siloam Springs Kayak Park. Plan your first Kayak Park trip using our guide below.
The Ozarks are all about the water. Whether it’s the lakes, rivers, swimming holes, or waterparks that you love—the Ozarks have it all.
The Ozarks are home to some very unique outdoorsy things to do that you’d never encounter elsewhere. The Ozarks have a Mountain Bike Preserve, a Kayak Park, and haunted hotel tours. I had never even heard of these things until I found them here.
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Let’s dig into what Siloam Springs Kayak Park is all about.
Jump ahead
What is a Kayak Park?
A kayak park is a specialty park usually located along a river. It’s for people who love to play in the water with a little adventure on top. At a kayak park, you can bring your own kayak, canoe, or tube and enjoy some rapids and other water features. Sometimes parks have rentals available, but oftentimes not.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive tubing trip with rentals, drop-offs, and pickups, check out our floating page. We'll also share an outfitter below that runs through the Siloam Springs Kayak Park.
These parks are usually engineered to provide a variety of obstacles and fun areas for boaters and swimmers. The purpose is to have fun while also practicing your skills.
Where is Siloam Springs Kayak Park?
Siloam Springs Kayak Park is located along the Illinois River in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. You can find the exact location on the map below:
What’s Inside?
Here’s what you can do at Siloam Springs Kayak Park.
The Siloam Springs Kayak Park has multiple (2) engineered rapids. Gypsy Camp & Canoe is a nearby outfitter whose trips go through the Siloam Springs Kayak Park. You can also visit the park on your own. There's more to do here than just kayaking.
If you don’t have a kayak or canoe of your own, you can still enjoy the park. Inflatable tubes are welcome—if you don’t have a tube, here’s one that is fit for the river and here’s a rechargeable air pump that will make transportation a breeze.
Here's what else you’ll find inside.
Images courtesy of Google Maps users.
Family Swimming Beach
There is plenty of shoreline that is safe for families. There is also an outdoor changing room to get into your swimwear and out of wet suits into dry clothes when you’re all done. Be sure to bring a waterproof beach tote bag to keep all of your things together and dry on the shore.
Climbing
If your kids enjoy exploring and climbing around on rocks, Siloam Springs Kayak Park is the place to be. There are endless boulders as those are what’s used to create the engineered rapids. There are boulders everywhere here.
Fishing
Currently, fishing is allowed inside the park. Be careful to avoid swimmers, floaters, and boaters and make sure you have an Arkansas fishing license. If this is your first fishing trip, check out our beginner’s fishing guide.
Know Before You Go
Here are the basics to know before you go to Siloam Springs Kayak Park.
Hours
Usually open sunup to sundown
Check if it’s open before you go (daily) - Look for the green banner!
Cost
It’s FREE Monday through Thursday year-round
There is a $10 per car fee on weekends (Fri-Sun) and holidays from May through August
Safety & Enjoyment
📆 The busiest days are summer weekends
▶ An ideal rate is between 200-600 cfs
🛶 You’ll need to bring your own kayak or tube as there are no outfitters on site
🦺 Do not swim through the rapids (they are for vessels only)
15 Things to Bring to the Kayak Park
Here’s our packing list for a day at the Kayak Park.
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or tubes
Picnic Backpack with lunch
Rechargeable Air Pump (for tubes)
Paddles
Swimming shoes for adults and kids
Swimsuits
Change of Clothes
Life Jackets (there are some free loaners at the park)
Towels
Cooler with beverages (only non-alcoholic, no glass bottles)
Dry Bag & Waterproof Phone Case
Waterproof sunscreen
Shade Canopy
Fishing equipment, bait and licenses
Camping chairs