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Truth be told, it's not hard to find a natural water park in Arkansas. After all, with over 2,000 lakes and thousands of unnamed swimming holes, any of them can become an outdoor playground. Take, for instance, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park in Malvern that we are featuring today. With raging rapids, picnic tables, and walking trails, this Arkansas aquatic park is where pro and beginner paddlers can spend the day on the water. Even if you're not paddling, this pet-friendly park has enough activities to keep you and your family busy on a warm summer day. Pack a picnic, watercraft, and a fishing rod to enjoy this summer day trip spot in Arkansas.
What Makes Ouachita River Whitewater Park a Natural Water Park in Arkansas
At over 500 miles long, the Ouachita River is a scenic waterway surrounded by the rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains and stretches from Arkansas to Louisiana. Along the river in Arkansas, you’ll find class I rapids, so kayakers have made this their summer playground for many years. Located in Malvern, just 20 miles southeast of Hot Springs, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park is a great spot to access the flowing river.
Unlike your typical water park, there are no towering neon slides, no wave pools, no long lines, and no admission fee at this outdoor recreational spot in Arkansas. This means families, friends, visitors, or anyone who enjoys the water can make this park one of their budget-friendly things to do in Arkansas in the summer. The best part? You can float the river on your own along the Lower Ouachita River Paddle Route, or book a float trip with a local outfitter in Malvern and let them take care of all the logitics for you.
Things to Do at This Arkansas River Adventure Spot
What I like about this whitewater park is that visitors can enjoy it in more than one way. Whether you’re kayaking, rafting, tubing, or you simply want to take a dip in this swimming hole in Arkansas, you can do that and more. Spend a lazy day tubing on the water, while you drift through lush forests teeming with wildlife. Or for an adrenaline-packed day, you can kayak or raft along the rapids. When the water levels are high, the rapids can be too much for kayakers just getting their feet wet. That said, there are lots of places where the river flows gently.
The park is fun for all ages and for all skill levels. So, as long as you love the water, consider visiting this natural waterpark this summer. Don’t leave the pup at home; they’ll love floating on the river, too, in a boat or canoe. If you prefer not to cool off in the water, there is more to do here. You can find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the scenery. Or take a stroll on the paved trails that meander through the park while spotting the wildlife that call this river home.
If you would rather just spend the day fishing on the river, it’s got plenty of bass, crappie, and catfish waiting to bite. Be sure to pack a picnic, as there is a pavilion with picnic tables for large gatherings. Plus, there are more picnic tables scattered throughout the park. You can easily spend the day exploring the area on the trails and then cooling off on the Ouachita River at this natural outdoor playground in Arkansas.
What to Know Before Visiting
Before you leave for this or any natural waterpark in Arkansas, you should always check water levels. Since the float begins near the Remmel Dam, you should make sure the dam releases enough water, as this could mean the difference between a three-hour leisure float and a five-hour excursion trying to maneuver around the rocky river bed. The float trail is about five miles long, but you can find plenty of places to stop and take short breaks. Bring a trash bag, wear your life jacket, apply sunscreen, and be prepared to get wet. Most importantly, com
Are you ready to take your summer to the next level at this natural water park in Arkansas? If so, visit the Ouachita River Whitewater Park Facebook page to learn more about the outdoor playground. If you’re searching for more adventure this summer, how about you try this Stand Up Paddleboard tour on Beaver Lake? We believe you’ll love it, especially if you enjoy spending time on the water.
