Caddo River Rats

Cannot complain too much… yes, they nickel and dime you (parking, shuttle, trash bag, etc.).
if you bring your own float the shuttle price isn’t bad.
Once on the river the water is cool and clean about the same as the Buffalo (at least when we went 8−15−15).
This is a party river if you are offended by drunk people having drunk fun, then perhaps consider another river to float.

Yesterday, for July 4^th weekend, we made a 3 hour trip down to the Caddo River Rats to float. We brought our own tubes, and only had to pay for parking and a shuttle to drop us off.
Everyone was SO very nice, especially the lady that let us go even when the river was higher than normal (Bc the dam was letting water out earlier than usual); and our shuttle operator (Brayden?) was particularly extra nice, and made sure a our questions were answered, and that we felt comfortable before he let us go.
Since the river was high, it was flowing pretty quickly which ended our trip down river too soon. River Rats were nice enough to shuttle us back up to the drop off point, and let us float down again!
We’ll be definitely returning soon… And had a very fun, pleasant 1ST TIME experience floating down the beautiful Caddo river!

I used to love this place — it was just what Arkadelphia needed. The Caddo river is great, and this place was much better than the floating place that was there before. When they first opened, you could just rent a float and head down the river. It was awesome.
Over the years, however, I have grown more and more frustrated with River Rats. It seems that they have gotten greedy, being the only outfitter on the Caddo. First, they started charging for parking. Then, they increased their prices. Now, they charge you if you want to use a debit card. They’ll charge you again if you want a shuttle. Oh, and if you want a trash sack, which is required, that’ll be another charge. Essentially, what was a good, cheap, fun afternoon has turned into a frustratingly expensive trip.
Floating the Caddo is a blast, but expect to get nickel and dimed to death if you use River Rats.

Mean mean mean! Terrible staff. I saw one employee throw a girl into a picnic table. The same employee also choked out a guest that had fallen over an ice chest. I highly recommend not going. The police are on their side as well. Wouldn’t listen to a single guest complaint.

If you’re around Hot Springs or Arkadelphia and have group of folks looking for something to do on a sunny weekend or vacation weekday check this place out… They shuttle you up to a drop off point on the Caddo River and you float down to where you started… It’s a great way to spend a leisurely 5 hours just soaking up the sun and floating on the cool water… and sucking down copious amounts of booze… NO GLASS ALLOWED!!!
They’ll rent you tubes or canoes… my group brought our on tubes… I’d suggest you do that cause then you can get maximum comfort… hit your local Academy or other sporting goods store… bring a cooler and float for said cooler as well…
$ 3/​vehicle to park and $ 3/​person for the shuttle ride… can’t speak to tube or canoe rental costs… make sure to pack snacks and sandwiches cause there are 3 – 4 great spots along the float to pull over and chill… Also make sure you have a pair of water shoes… river bottom is rocky…
So to recap… bring your float, your cooler and accompanying float along with an appropriate trash receptacle, water shoes and make sure all beverages are in cans or plastic and get ready to have a lazy, lolling, kick ass relaxing time with your friends!

Caddo River Rats Canoe and Tube Rental is located on the beautiful Caddo River in Caddo Valley, AR. Caddo River Rats offers tube and canoe rentals, plus plenty of parking behind a fence with shuttles to take you to the beginning of the river. Caddo River Rats has on site restrooms and a picnic area in the shade. Caddo River Rats has built a dock on the bank of the river with a staircase to make it easier to climb the bank at the end of your float. Caddo River Rats also has great food provided by River Ridge Desserts.
Stop by and see Rowdy, Jordan, and Russell for your next Caddo River Float trip experience.
You can find Caddo River Rats by taking Exit 78 off I-​30 and turning South towards Arkadelphia. Caddo River Rats is just before the Caddo River bridge on the LEFT SIDE of Hwy ⁷⁄₆₇.