SILOAM SPRINGS KAYAK PARK FAQs
Siloam Springs Kayak Park is designed for kayakers to enjoy the rapids best between 200cfc and 600 cfs. Weekend afternoons are often busy with tubers and families and can make kayaking and canoeing difficult.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE PARK AMENITIES?
Two engineered rapids class I to II, family swimming area, climbing bolder, picnic area, changing area, accessible riverbank, ADA-accessible pit toilets, and parking lot.
WHAT IS THE COST OF USING THE PARK?
Most of the year, the Kayak Park is free to all users. However, beginning in 2023, the Kayak Park will move to a paid-entry model on summer weekends to reduce over-crowding and increase safety for park visitors.
From May 19th, 2023 to Labor Day, 2023, Entry is $10/car on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
ELECTRONIC PAYMENT ONLY - Credit, Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App
WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION?
The park is open from Sunrise to Sunset
WHAT IF THE PARK IS FULL?
On summer weekends, when the parking lot is full, the park will be considered at maximum capacity, and no one else will be allowed to enter until more parking spaces open up. Staff encourage visitors to arrive early on Saturdays to ensure a spot.
CAN I PARK ON THE ROAD IF THE PARKING LOT IS FULL?
There is no parking on or along Fisher Ford Road. Anyone parked illegally on or along the roadway may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.
WHY IS THE CITY LIMITING CAPACITY IN THE SUMMER?
The Siloam Springs Kayak Park cannot safely accommodate an unlimited number of visitors. In the past, overcrowding has led to undesirable outcomes for visitors, parks maintenance staff, and neighboring landowners, not to mention the damage caused to park infrastructure. To improve visitor experience, increase safety, reduce illegal parking, and protect park infrastructure, the City of Siloam Springs will limit park capacity to the number of cars and visitors that the park was designed to safely accommodate.
CAN I DROP OFF MY CAR AND FLOAT?
Yes, but on the weekends, visitors must pay the $10/car parking fee.
CAN I DROP OFF FRIENDS OR FAMILY IF THE PARKING LOT IS FULL?
No. Once the parking lot is full, the park will be closed to additional visitors.
CAN I ENTER THE PARK BY BICYCLE IF THE PARKING LOT IS FULL?
Yes. There will soon be a paved trail connecting WOKA Whitewater Park to AR Hwy 59, near the Siloam Springs Kayak Park. Visitors arriving by bike do not currently have to pay a parking fee.
HOW DO I GET TO THE PARK?
From Highway 412 in Siloam Springs, take Lincoln Street (Highway 59 South) south 1.9 miles to Devor Road. Take a left on Devor Road and travel .4 miles to Fisher Ford Road. Turn right on Fisher Ford Road and follow it all the way to the park. Address is 19253 Fisher Ford Road.
CAN I RENT A KAYAK AT THE PARK?
At this time, no. There is not a commercial outfitter at the facility.
CAN I BUY FOOD AND DRINKS AT THE PARK?
At this time, no. Concessions are not available at the site. That means users need to bring their own food and drinks to the park, including bottled water. Please remember that the consumption of alcohol is prohibited on Park property.
WHAT TYPES OF VESSELS ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PARK?
Kayaks, canoes and even tubes are acceptable. However, all users are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets. It is also NOT RECOMMENDED to “free swim” through the rapids.
CAN I SWIM IN THE RAPIDS
The features of the park were designed for whitewater paddlesports, not for free swimming. As such, there are strong currents and seams which are liable to push a swimmer under water, especially younger or smaller swimmers. DO NOT attempt to free swim through the rapids.
ARE LIFE JACKETS AND PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES AVAILABLE ON SITE?
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, 2023, the Illinois River Watershed Partnership will offer a Life Jacket Loaner Program for those who do not have life jackets.
IS THERE A LIFEGUARD ON DUTY OR A FIRST AID STATION AT THE PARK?
No. There is no lifeguard on duty or first aid station. All users need to use safety precautions.
ARE LIFE JACKETS MANDATORY?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission can issue citations for boaters and tubers not using lifejackets. All children under the age of 13 are required to wear lifejackets.
IS STAFF LOCATED AT THE PARK?
There are no lifeguards on duty at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park. However, during the Summer, the Siloam Springs Kayak Park is staffed by the Illinois River Watershed Partnership on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sunrise to Sunset. At all other times, the park is not staffed.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED AT THE KAYAK PARK?
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on City property. The use of charcoal or wood burning grills is prohibited. (Gas/propane grills are OK). Parking in the grass or restricted areas is not allowed. Violations of the code can result in a citation.
IS THE PARK NATURAL OR ENGINEERED?
The rapids have been engineered. Additionally, the shoreline has been altered in some areas.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A KAYAKER OR CANOER TO VISIT?
The park is designed for kayakers to enjoy the rapids best between 200 and 600 cfs. Weekend afternoons are often busy with tubers and families and can make kayaking and canoeing difficult. The Park will close when the Hwy 16 gage reaches 2,500cfs. This means the park could close earlier due to advanced flood notices.
WHERE CAN I GO TO MONITOR THE RIVER LEVELS?
Click the following links to check the water levels: HIGHWAY 16 | HIGHWAY 59
WILL I SEE SNAKES AT THE PARK?
Since the Park is situated along the Illinois River and along a river bank, it is possible that snakes will be present. Please use caution.
