Water Activities

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have many recreation opportunities that involve water: boating, floating, and canoeing on it; fishing, swimming, and wading in it; camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking, driving, and watching wildlife and enjoying nature near it.

Of the six Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Ozark National Forest, five offer whitewater: the Mulberry with class II-IV is one of the state's wildest in spring; the Big Piney with class I-III rapids and names like "Roller Coaster"; the Upper Buffalo with class III-IV water (for very experienced boaters) immediately after rain storms; and Richland Creek, with numerous class II-IV rapids and waterfalls, flows through the Richland Creek Wilderness Area. Canoe access to Upper Buffalo and Richland Creek is more difficult than the other rivers. Sylamore Creek is usually floatable only during high flow levels in April and May and is better known for its scenic quality and fishing. Canoe rental and shuttle services are available on Big Piney Creek and Mulberry River. Launch sites locations are indicated on National Forest maps.

Many creeks and rivers flow through the forest and one of the more scenic and floatable is the Middle Fork of the Illinois Bayou.

Another extremely scenic, easily floatable river is the White River. This portion of the White River is located below Bull Shoals and the portion along the forest located along the boundary of Sylamore Ranger District is below Norfork Lake and Dam. Discharge of water from deep in both these lakes while producing hydroelectricity brings very cold water into the White River and creates habitat for one of the best trout rivers anywhere. Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout are available. Purchase of an Arkansas Trout Stamp is necessary when fishing for trout in this state.

Caution! Water levels in the Ozarks can rise very quickly after a heavy or long rain. This "high water" has taken many visitors by surprise when they have found themselves capsized and pinned against a tree or rock with the water rising, or watching as the tent, camera, car keys and the Land Rover are swept away from their camping site. Please view each situation carefully. Heed the advice given by the experienced floaters and outfitters on the forest.

Lakes on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are great for fishing and swimming and are exactly where you will want to be in the summer when temperatures rise into the 90+ degree range. Boating and jet skis are allowed on Cove Lake. Boating is permitted on Lake Wedington, Shores, Bear Creek, Storm Creek, Spring, Mirror, and Horsehead Lakes, but motor size is limited to 10 hp. motor, and "NO WAKE" zoning exsts on all of these lakes.

Swim beaches are located at the following recreation areas: Cove Lake, Spring Lake, Horsehead Lake, Long Pool, Shores Lake, Lake Wedington, Bear Creek Lake and Storm Creek Lake. No lifeguards are present so "swim at your own risk."

The Ozarks are known for their clear mountain streams; however, always use a water filtering device before drinking.

Caution! Heavy rains may increase water volume in streams to dangerous levels unsuitable for crossing by foot, horse, OHV, or any vehicle. Moss-covered rocks above and below waterfalls and in stream beds may increase the liklihood of slipping and falling, especially in fast moving water.

Jet skis, boats, or any other motorized equipment are not allowed in the Wilderness Areas. The Game and Fish Commission offers information about boating rules and regulations.

DAY-USE / PICNIC

Several of the campgrounds have Day-Use areas in or near them. Some day-use areas have swimming beaches, picnic tables, and pavilions. Boat Ramp facilities are also considered day-use and are subject to the same fees as the picnic/swimming areas. These fees are usually $3.00 per day per car, truck, or passenger van. Fees are per person when entering by foot, bus, or other mode of transportation. Some concessionaires set the fees for their camping and day-use areas.

PLEASE PAY ALL FEES. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are participating in a Pilot Fee Program, which means any and all money that comes in through fees collected or the donation tubes located throughout the Forest will go directly to the area where the fees are collected. This means the facilities will be replaced, repaired, up-graded or maintained with these dollars.