Floating in Arkansas is generally a springtime activity, however, there are a few rivers that can be floated all year long. One great choice is the Ouachita River below Remmel Dam to the whitewater park in Malvern. The great thing about the Remmel to Rockport float is that Entergy takes kayakers into consideration when generating in the summertime.
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Dam controlled float
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Entergy releases 36 cubic feet a second from Remmel Dam from noon to 5 p.m., according to AmericanWhiteWater.org‘s description of the float. AmericanWhiteWater.org lists the cutoff time at 3 p.m., but a sign at the dam says 5 p.m. That website is also a great resource for the float and has links to current levels. Always check Entergy’s release schedule and water levels so you don’t accidentally get in over your head.
When Entergy is generating, the six-mile float takes about an hour and a half to two hours.
One Memorial Day weekend, I floated with a group of friends on the Sunday before Memorial Day. I mistakenly budgeted about two hours for float time, however they were not generating as much so there was little flow being released from the dam. That particular float took us four hours. We got off the river just as it got dark.
However, we were not the only ones who made that mistakes. We pasted several groups of people. Unfortunately most of them were in tubes and did not have any way to self propel. They were literally up a creek (or river) without a paddle, and I just hope they made it out OK.
Ouachita River
There are three dams on the Ouachita River and all three lakes are adjacent. The Ouachita River flows into Lake Ouachita at Mountain Ida, which flows into Lake Hamilton at Mountain Pine and then into Lake Catherine at Hot Springs. From Remmel Dam at Jones Mill (the halfway point between Hot Springs and Malvern) the river flows freely again. However it leaves the mountains and widens out.
A great float above the lakes is the Dragover float.
There are a few rapids along the Remmel to Rockport float with one big one (for a novice) at the end, which is the white water park.
Remmel to Rockport also has some long pools that are great for fishing or swimming.
It is a great beginner paddle. I’ve seen people tube the river tethered to another inner tube that is floating their cooler – that should tell you the type of float it is.
Another great aspect to the Remmel to Rockport float is that it is an easy shuttle.
Finding the put in and take out
You put in just below Remmel Dam, which is located at the end of Remmel Dam Road off of Highway 270 in Jones Mill. The take out spot is at the Ouachita River Whitewater Park, located at 904 Riverview Drive, Malvern, Ark.
From Highway 270, just east of Interstate 30, turn onto River Creek Road, like you are going to Walmart. River Creek Road snakes around and takes you behind Walmart toward the Holiday Inn Express. It then ends at Riverview Drive, where you will turn right and drive under I-30.
Although the float takes you through private land, it is mostly wooded and there are some great riverbanks to get out and swim.
When I’m floating and get to the whitewater park, I always stay to the left when going over the ledge. Mostly because the takeout is right after the ledge on the left. I also stay on that side, because I know it and know what to expect.
The first time I went over the ledge I attempted to take out before it because I wasn’t sure of my skill. This however failed me epically. I couldn’t stop the boat, and a man thrust his paddle toward me, which I was able to grab. However, the force of the water was still too strong and I ended up going over it BACKWARDS!
Fortunately, I didn’t tip, just took on a ton of water. But it was kind of fun, so I hauled my boat back up to above the ledge and went down – the right way this time – a few more times.
One year, I did tip. You can read about that trip here.
Remmel to Rockport
The whitewater park is a great place to hone your kayaking skill. It is also a great float for beginners or those who just want a lazy float.
Nice guide, thanks! Going there next weekend, so this is perfect, helps me know what to expect.
Thank you! I hope you have a great float!
Where exactly do you go for the drop off point at Remmel dam? I found a place to park with a boat ramp but then noticed the dam was blocking the way we would need to go.
You want to go around, below the dam. Follow the road past the boat ramp and park. It makes a curve, and the you’ll see a parking lot on your right and a gate if you go straight. Go through the gate and the road drops down and goes below the dam. I hope that helps!
Is there a shuttle service from the Whitewater Park back to the Remmel Dam site?
I am not aware of any shuttle service ?
I have family members who do not want to float to very end where it drops off, in fear of turning over. I’ve seen where you can stop prior to it on the left but it’s a steep hill to walk up and they will be in kayaks. Is there a location where it would be easier to get out and end their float?
The boat launch is a petty steep hill too. If you look for the start of the sidewalk as you approach the end, you should be able to take out and walk your boats along that sidewalk to the boat launch.
Whitewater Park back to the Remmel Dam site., if you drop in up stream where do you park or how do you shuttle?
Hi Wanda! At Remmel you follow the paved road until it ends. It will snake around below the dam. I always just park on the gravel bar. You’ll see a lot of cars. I don’t know if any shuttle service, but that doesn’t mean they’re not out there. If you find one let me know! I go with family and we leave a car at both ends. If you don’t have two vehicles that can haul boats, you can leave your boats with some to watch them or use a bike lock to lock them up.
Hi again Wanda! I have a shuttle service for Rmemmel to Rockport. https://www.arkansas.com/malvern/sports-recreation/orbi-rentals