Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
ALL BOATS BACK TO GYPSY CAMP BY 6PM
LATE CHARGE OF DOUBLE YOUR RENTAL FEE AFTER 6PM
NO TYING OF ANY BOATS, RAFTS, OR TUBES TOGETHER Fineable offense
NO GLASS OR STYROFOAM ON THE RIVER OR CAMPGROUND Fineable offense
QUIET HOURS 10PM-6AM
NO LITTERING ON RIVER OR CAMPGROUND
RECOVERY FEE OF $100 FOR EACH CRAFT WE RECOVER
Cancellation Policy
All reservations and purchases are final. No refunds will be given. Rainchecks given in the event of Gypsy Camp determines unsafe floating conditions . Rain checks only valid for current season and do not roll into the next year.
Gypsy Camp & Canoe may cancel, increase pricing, change camping or floating type/availability/timing without advanced notice.
FAQs:
Hint: In order to find what you are looking for, press CTRL+F keys and type in the key words
Are dogs welcome to float?
Yes, dogs are welcome to float on all watercraft rentals except for rafts. Dogs are not allowed to float on rafts.
Can I pay cash for my rental?
Paying on line with a reservation ensures that we have a boat for you when you arrive. If you choose to pay cash on day of, you risk not having the boats you want available to you.
When does the current 2024 season end? Can I use my rainchecks next year?
On September 8th, 2024 Gypsy Camp & Canoe will end the current season. All rainchecks MUST be used before this date. We do not roll over rain checks from the previous year.
What is the youngest age that someone can float on the river?
The youngest age Gypsy Camp & Canoe will allow to float is 3. Any children under that age will not be put on the water.
Do you have lifejackets for the rentals to fit children?
Yes, we have 30-50 pound lifejackets or 50-80 pound lifejackets for the rentals. If you have your own for them that you know is comfortable for them, we recommend you bring it.
Who has to wear lifejackets on the river?
We recommend for everyone to wear their lifejackets on the river, but the law states that all children under the age of 12 must wear lifejackets at all times while on the river. You are required to carry a lifejacket while on the river.
What are the weight limits of your rentals?
Single Kayaks - 300 pounds
Tandem Kayaks (2 seats) - 450 pounds
Canoe(3 seats) - 750 pounds
Can I fish on the float?
Yes, you can fish if you have the appropriate Arkansas fishing licenses. You may not fish on the rafts.
Where do you put into the river at compared to where Gypsy Camp & Canoe is located?
You’ll begin your adventure here at Gypsy Camp & Canoe, where we will shuttle you on buses up river to the Siloam Springs Kayak Park (4 mile) or the Chamber Springs Public Access Point (12 mile.) Once you end your float, you will be back in the area you parked in. If you are doing the NEW 2024 floats to the Illinois River Yacht Club past WOKA, there will be a shuttle at the end of the trip as well.
Why is the Chamber Springs 12-mile float not an option on the website right now?
This float is only available Friday-Sunday at 9 am, and rentals are for kayaks only. Depending on the water levels or labor inventory, we will block off this long float for reservations. If you’d like to call us, we can answer any further questions.
What are the earliest and latest times you will send shuttles for rentals up river?
4 mile float :
Monday-Thursday: Shuttles run at 9:00 am, every 45 min. with the last shuttle going out at 1:30 pm.
Friday-Sunday: We begin shuttles at 9:00 am, every 30 minutes, with the last shuttle going out at 1:30 pm.
12 mile float: Friday-Sunday 9:00 am only!
6 & 9 mile floats: Friday-Sunday TBD
Do you shuttle vehicles or do shuttling after float trips to the Kayak Park?
No, these are services we do not offer. We can offer shuttles for personal kayaks before you float
We want to park at Gypsy Camp & Canoe and shuttle our own kayaks. What are the fees?
We charge $5 take out fee per boat that is taken out at our campground. We ask that you check in when you park to pay and receive your parking tag for the day.
We want to come swim there. Is this possible?
We do not currently have day use options. Check out the Siloam Springs Kayak Park for public access.
Do we need to make reservations?
We highly recommend you make reservations. Without a plan or inventory, we cannot always accommodate walk ins, though we try our best to help get you on the river.
Do we need to pay when we make reservations?
Yes, we will not accept reservations without payment. This is because it takes that rental item out of inventory.
It is raining today. Will you still let us float?
We still float rain or shine, but we do not float when it is lightning. Weather is unpredictable, and we try our hardest to make sure you get on the river when you are scheduled. We usually cannot answer questions about the weather until the day of your reservation.
What kind of campsites do you offer?
We have primitive and electric(30 Amp) campsites. The electric campsites do not have water or sewer hookups, but we do have full restrooms with showers near the cabins.
I want to float on a weekend. How far in advance should I make my reservation?
We recommend you make your reservation for a weekend float at least 3 days before. Walk ins on our busy days are not guaranteed to float.
Do I need to make a reservation if I bring my own personal boat and want you to shuttle?
Yes. We ask that you make the reservation because it allows our boat crew to plan ahead for room on the bus and trailer for you.
Can you float rafts or other inflatables on the 12 mile?
The 12 mile will only float our single and tandem kayaks.
Is your camping year round?
Our campsites close when the season ends. We do not offer camping outside of floating season.
I have my own personal boat, but I need to rent a paddle or lifejacket. Can I do that?
Yes. Our paddle rental fees or lifejacket rental fees are $25 each.
Will your office hold onto my personal items while I float? I don’t want to lose them on the river.
No. Our office is not guaranteed to be open after you end your float trip. We recommend you purchase a dry bag and keep it secured to your boat while you float to prevent personal item loss.
This is my first time floating. Is it an easy float?
Our 4 mile stretch of the river is a great beginner float. There are Class I and II rapids at the kayak park that can be avoided by walking your boat around them on the sidewalk if you choose to do so.
How long do we have our rentals?
We require all boats be back by 6 pm. You are more than welcome to enjoy the river until then. Any boats that arrive late will be charged a late fee (rental fee x 2) to the card on file.
Do you offer any discounts?
We do not offer any type of discounts at this time.
Will a cooler fit on my rental?
Small coolers can be strapped to the back of the single and tandem kayaks. We recommend you bring your own bungee straps as the kayaks are not guaranteed to have them. Keep in mind, all coolers must be securely fastened, and the river does not allow any glass or styrofoam.
What is available at the campsites?
There are no tables or grills available at the sites, Each campsite has a fire pit. We do have firewood available for $7/armload, or you can have it delivered to your site for $10/load.
Is there cell phone/wifi coverage at Gypsy Camp?
Verizon seems to get some coverage, but there is no AT&T coverage. We do not have wifi available at camp.
If we forget something, what’s available in your store?
We have bug spray, toiletries, sun screen, sunglasses, dry bags, water shoes, straps, waterproof phone cases, t-shirts, tanks, caps and koozies, plus a few snacks and ice for sale.
Do you have any hammock camping sites?
Site 16 is surrounded by trees and would be your best bet for hanging hammocks.