The Siloam Springs Kayak Park is designed for kayakers to enjoy the rapids, which run best between 200 and 600 cfs. Weekend afternoons are often busy with tubers and families, which can make kayaking and canoeing more difficult. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the park amenities?
Two engineered rapids (class I to II), a family swimming area, a climbing boulder, a picnic area, a changing area, an accessible riverbank, ADA-accessible pit toilets, and a parking lot.
What is the cost of using the park?
Most of the year the Kayak Park is free. On summer weekends it moves to a paid-entry model to reduce overcrowding and improve safety — entry is $10/car on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Electronic payment only (Credit, Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App).
What are the hours of operation?
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
What if the parking lot is full?
On summer weekends, once the lot is full the park is considered at maximum capacity and no one else may enter until spaces open up. Arrive early on Saturdays to ensure a spot. There is no parking on or along Fisher Ford Road — illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
Can I drop off my car and float?
Yes, but on weekends visitors must pay the $10/car parking fee. Once the lot is full, the park is closed to additional visitors.
Can I enter by bicycle if the lot is full?
Yes. A paved trail connecting WOKA Whitewater Park to AR Hwy 59 near the park is planned; visitors arriving by bike do not currently pay a parking fee.
How do I get to the park?
From Highway 412 in Siloam Springs, take Lincoln Street (Hwy 59 South) 1.9 miles to Devor Road. Turn left and travel 0.4 miles to Fisher Ford Road, then turn right and follow it to the park. Address: 19253 Fisher Ford Road.
Can I rent a kayak, or buy food and drinks?
Not at this time — there is no commercial outfitter and no concessions on site. Bring your own food and drinks, including bottled water. Alcohol is prohibited on park property.
What types of vessels are acceptable?
Kayaks, canoes, and even tubes are acceptable. All users are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets, and it is NOT recommended to free-swim through the rapids.
Can I swim in the rapids?
The features were designed for whitewater paddlesports, not free swimming. Strong currents and seams can push a swimmer underwater, especially younger or smaller swimmers. Do not attempt to free-swim through the rapids.
When is the best time to visit?
The rapids run best between 200 and 600 cfs. The park closes when the Hwy 16 gage reaches 2,500 cfs, and may close earlier due to advance flood notices.
Safety Comes First
- Wear your life jacket, even when swimming. Most drownings occur when boaters stop and swim — never swim alone.
- Do not overestimate your ability. Do not try to swim or wade across the river; currents are strong and drop-offs are steep.
- Wear shoes to protect against glass and slippery rocks.
- Never tie your life jacket to your boat. Do not stand in your boat — kneel through rapids to avoid capsizing.
- If you capsize, don't panic. Save people first; retrieve gear only if it is safe to do so.
- Always stay with your group, and guard against sunburn with a hat, light clothing, and high-rated sunscreen.
- Children under 13 are required to wear life jackets. There is no lifeguard on duty or first-aid station on site.
