Part 3:
Here is a list of facilities along the river. Note that there are no active facilities north of Applegate Cove at Robert S. Kerr.
MARINAS AND AVAILABLE SERVICES
McCLELLAN-KERR ARKANSAS RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM
126.5 River Valley Marina, Little Rock, AR 501-868-5869 [launching/docking/Gas/Repairs]30,000 lb haul out, ice, water, complete boat service, supplies, and marine store.
131.4 Little Rock Yacht Club, Little Rock, AR
[launching/docking/Gas/Diesel] 60,000 lb haul out and water.
178 Charlie's Hidden Harbor, Morrilton,AR 501-354-8080 [Food/docking/Gas/Diesel/Repairs] RV campground and supplies
208.2 Russellville Marina, Russellville,,AR(501) 967-1543
[launching/docking/Gas/Repairs] Boat and motor rentals, water, ice, shore power, courtesy car.
208.8 Dardanelle Boat Dock, Dardanelle, AR 501-229-2497 [launching/docking/Gas/Repairs] Boat repairs, boat and motor rentals, water, haul out service,shore power, diesel available by truck with notice.
230.6 Waterfront Marine, Clarksville, AR 501-979-7004 [launching/docking/Gas/Repairs] Boat and motor services, restaurant, groceries, lodging nearby, emergency service.
300.5 Goose Harbor Marina, Van Buren, AR 501-474-9898 [launching/docking/Gas/Diesel/Repairs] Shore power, water, ice, lodging, telephones, 48 ft. haul out, repairs, city park.
339.6 Applegate Cove Marina, Sallisaw, OK 918-775-4522[launching/docking/Gas/Diesel] Repairs and 50 ton travel lift for haul out service.
1. In Fort Smith you will find the Goose Harbor Marina at the foot of the Hwy.64 bridge on the Van Buren side of the river. They have fuel, bait, slips, ramp, & parking. The marina needs to be approached from down stream. Do not cut across the tip of what appears to be an island.
2. The trip from there to the lower end of Lake Dardanelle (L. D.) & the Russellville Marina is approximately 88 miles with 2 locks. Plan on 1.5 hours to make it through both locks even if there is a barge in the works. Quick passage is normal if someone in the group will call the lock on channel 16 when you are about 7-8 minutes out. The first lock is only about 8 miles downstream from the marina. The locks go by number not name. You will be passing through locks 13 & 11. Number 12 was never built. There is also a pull chain near the end of the end of the long wall of the lock that can be pulled to let the LOCK MASTER know that you are there. This can add an hour or two to the trip.
3. Do not anchor just below a lock. The water normally drops over night just like a tide. There is a place to stop for gas at mile marker 229.5 at the Waterfront Marina & Restaurant (if open). The marina is about a mile off the river at Spadra State Park. To the N/E of this mile marker is a railroad bridge. You have to go under the bridge & then turn right up the creek for about 1/4 mile. There are two things to watch for. There is a speed limit from the bridge to the marina, it is heavily patrolled and there is only enough room at the fuel dock for 1 maybe 2 boats. It is suggested that you call them before going in at (501) 754-3876. The initial approach from the river is from way downstream!!! Do not cut across between the islands. This stop will probably cost you a lot of time and is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
5. At mile marker 217 you will see the Big Piney Creek coming into the river on your left. This may be of interest to some after reaching Russellville. There are 2 bridges at the mouth of the creek. The water police also watch this area. Once under the bridge there are two parks. This means that there are a lot of jet skis and skiers in a very narrow area.
6. At mile marker 212 the channel splits. Stay with the left channel. You are almost there. In front of you and to the left is Arkansas Nuclear 1&2. You can usually see steam over the mountains from several miles away. At mile marker 210 you can see the Russellville marina & State Park on your far left. At this point you probably will not be able to make out the marina; however it is there. Come straight across & do not cut to close to the large land mass on your left as you make the 90 degree turn off the main channel.
7. The route I have described will keep everyone in 9 - 40 foot of water. Since everyone will be needing gas, I would suggest that you go in for gas as you arrive
8. Anyone who does not want to stay on their boat can call the Holiday Inn and they will come out to the marina to get you and bring you back the next morning (501)968-4300. Arrangements will be made for dockage at the marina for anyone going into town. Just for your info, this is a dry county. There is also a State Park camp ground at this location. Reservations for this can be made at (501) 967-5516.. There is a ramp at this location. There are parks & marinas on both sides of the lake. If you have people coming by car, you need to go to the park & marina closest to I-40, Russellville & the Holiday Inn.
Note: It is reported that a boat that cruises around 25 mph, can make the 85 mile run to Little Rock in less than 6 hours. This also included a swim after each lock. This is only done above a lock, never immediately downstream of one. If one does swim in open water, then flotation and a rope tied to the boat is a must.
[ June 03, 2003, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: Seadog ]