Kings River Outfitters: Canoes, Shuttles and Guide Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What class of river is the Kings?
A: The Kings is a Class I river, meaning the easiest of all on the rating scale. It's a family friendly river. However, it's still a wild river that sometimes requires challenging maneuvers to navigate it. The Kings has mostly shoals rather than rapids.
Q: Are your canoes for 2 or 3 people?
A: Most of our canoes have 2 seats. We have a limited number of canoes with 3 seats, but they cost more per day to rent.
Q: Do you shuttle float trips during the weekdays?
A: Yes.
Q: On your front webpage there is a picture of the river with canoes. Where is this spot on the river?
A: The picture comes from the upper section of the river. You'll see many alcove bluffs from Marble to Rockhouse.
Q: Where is the best place to put in and float downstream and camp for a week on a gravel bar?
A: Your best camping depends on river conditions and water levels when you come. We can put you on the river at the optimal location for your week of camping depending on when you float.
Q: Where do I park my vehicle?
A: We can take care of your vehicle at our office at Trigger Gap where it will be watched 24 hours a day. You park at your own risk, but we usually have someone around 24 x 7 to keep an eye on things.
Q: What about pets?
A: You can bring dogs as long as they behave well. They should not threaten people, especially children. Also, they should not threaten, harass or disturb the wildlife. You must always keep dogs on a leash when at a landing, a parking area or a campground. Some people want to bring cats or other pets. The same rules apply for all pets as for dogs. Where a leash does not apply for your pet, you must use some other form of restraint.
Q: When is the Kings floatable?
A: It depends on rainfall, but usually you can float the Kings from late April until early August. You can also float the Kings at other times, if we get enough rain. To float during off season, you would need to keep in touch with us to let you know when we have enough rain to float. Some people call October, "the secret season" for fishing; we have some of the best fishing all year on the river during October. Also, the Kings can provide a beautiful winter wonderland float as long as you dress warm.
Q: What is a good Kings River depth, and how long will it hold?
A: It depends on what you enjoy and river conditions. For example, a whitewater play hole at Trigger Gap provides good kayak surfing at flood stage. It's impossible to predict river conditions, because it depends too much on rainfall. We keep up with the river on a daily basis and can put you in at the most optimal floating site on the river for any given day.
Q: Where can I find information about the water level?
A: The best way to find out about the water level is to simply call us at 479-253-8954. If you don't get an answer, leave a message and we will call you back. The gauge at Grandview sits at the lower end of the river, but it does not give an accurate reading for the headwaters of the watershed. The Grandview gauge should read somewhere over 3 feet to give you a good float. However, even when it does read over 3 feet, that does not tell you what is happening in the upper headwaters. It's too far downstream to tell you very much. You can compare the upper Kings River conditions by the gauges in the upper Buffalo and other Ozark river watersheds. They tell you more about rain in the area than the Grandview gauge. Visit The Ozark Whitewater Page to access gauge information.
Q: Are there campsites along the river?
A: Yes, you will find lots of spots to camp on the gravel bars along the river. Located on private property, these campsites do not require any fees or special permission. The property owners know that floaters commonly camp on the gravel bars. As long as the riverbank property does not have posted signs, you can camp there.
Q: Can you recommend a fishing guide?
A: Cal Hensley is the best fishing guide for the Kings River. You can call Cal at 417-271-3980.
Q: Do you have a tackle shop?
A: You will not find a bait shop or a tackle shop anywhere on the Kings River. You should bring what you will need. We do stock at our office a few items including some of the best lures that the fishing guides recommend. However, we do not stock a full line of supplies and equipment.
Q: Is Osage Creek floatable and how good is the fishing on Osage Creek?
A: Yes, you can usually float Osage Creek during the floating season. It's a popular hot spot for smallmouth bass fishing. The Osage is the largest tributary to the Kings, joining it a quarter of a mile above the U.S. 62 bridge. An articl in the Arkansas Sportsman Magazine says Osage Creek "has an excellent population of 12- to 14-inch smallmouths, according to AGFC biologists who sampled fish populations there in recent years. "In Search of a Stream"
Q: Do you provide services for any other rivers in the area?
A: Yes, we can help you plan a trip and set up shuttles on other rivers as well. We provide shuttles for all nearby rivers except the Buffalo River. Shuttles on the Buffalo require a special permit that we do not have, but we can arrange for your shuttle service on the Buffalo. Just give us a call.
Q: Is there a pavilion or picnic area available?
A: Sorry, no pavilion, but some groups have used the Highway 221 bridge, located near our office at Trigger Gap, for protection from the rain. You can swim and picnic at several sites along the river as well as at the Trigger Gap landing.
Q: Is there a sandpit volleyball area?
A: Sorry, no. The banks of the river at Trigger Gap have mostly river rock rather than sand.
Q: Do you ever have any used canoes for sale and if so how much do they normally sell for?
A: Yes, we do sell used canoes. They usually range from $300 to $400 depending on the type and size of the canoe. We don't usually have many solo canoes, but we do occasionally.
Q: Do you offer any discounts for scout troops?
A: Yes, we offer a 10% discount for all scouts.
Q: Do you offer any discounts for large groups?
A: Yes, we offer various discounts depending on the size of the group.

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