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| Photo: Sparrow Hawk Camp |
It’s not just coincidence that Oklahoma’s float-trip capital, the Illinois River, is also the perfect stream for an overnight camping trip. With so many outfitters and campsites nearby, you have everything you need right here. All you have to do is arrive.
The Illinois River
One of the things that makes the Illinois River so popular among paddlers is its Class II rating - it’s a gentle river with a moderate current and few hazards. Novice paddlers will feel right at home here.
Scenery is another huge draw for the Illinois River. Situated in northeast Oklahoma among the Ozark foothills, the surrounding bluffs and hills are covered in shortleaf pine, red and white oak, hickory, sycamore, dogwoods and redbuds.
I’ve fished the Illinois River for years, both above and below Lake Tenkiller. And while I prefer fishing below the dam, I think paddling is better above the lake where the flows are more consistent and there is no worry about water releases. You’ll also find most of the float-trip outfitters along that portion of the Illinois River above Lake Tenkiller and along Highway 10.
Elephant Rock Nature Park, Tahlequah
Elephant Rock Nature Park, near Tahlequah, is my choice for a great place to float and camp. Owners Rod and Susan Foster are delightful hosts and their pristine 160-acre retreat is beautiful and relaxing. With private river frontage, hiking trails and its well-maintained campsites, Elephant Rock is one of my favorite places in Oklahoma.
One of the great experiences of any Illinois River float trip is the wildlife you’re almost guaranteed to see.
The Fosters offer several options for lodging at Elephant Rock Nature Park. For starters, the park has 20 campsites, many of which are outfitted with benches, picnic tables and charcoal grills.
For those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience, Elephant Rock offers wilderness camping to a limited number of visitors. This is hike-it-in-and-carry-it-out camping for those who prefer true solitude.
Even if you’re not a camper-at-heart, you’ll love the Mongolian-style yurts at Elephant Rock Nature Park. These picture-perfect structures accommodate up to six adults (with two full-size beds and a futon), kitchens and air conditioning. No need to rough it here!
The Illinois River by Canoe, Kayak or Raft
Everyone has a different idea about how to float the Illinois, but the three most popular options are via canoe, kayak and inflatable raft. Elephant Rock Nature Park offers visitors all three options. Kayaks are generally more maneuverable (single and tandem kayaks are available), but the park’s 17-foot canoes are also great for two people. Rafts accommodate up to six passengers and are a good choice for families (children ages five and up can participate).
Overnight Float Trips
Rod tells me that many of his visitors like to do the overnight float trip, which runs 16 to 20 miles, guided or not, depending on river conditions and guests’ preferences. These trips allow for two leisurely days of paddling with an overnight campout in between. Visitors must furnish their own camping gear for these trips.
Day Floats
A day float is another option and these are generally eight miles in length – long enough that the float is fun, but not so long that it becomes work. For more ambitious paddlers, there is a 14-mile float. Beginners may prefer to be accompanied by a guide. Additionally, Elephant Rock Nature Park is happy to provide shuttle service for those who want to use their own canoes or kayaks.
“We’re a small enough operation that we can custom fit what someone is looking for,” says Rod.
Wildlife along the Illinois River
One of the great experiences of any Illinois River float trip is the wildlife you’re almost guaranteed to see. Deer, fox, bobcats and a myriad of bird species abound in these wooded hills. And, though most don’t realize it, bald eagles are found here throughout the year – not only during winter.
Additionally, guests can get up close and personal with some of the wildlife species undergoing rehabilitation at Elephant Rock. Susan Foster is an Oklahoma state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator and often has deer fawns, raccoons and other animals on the premises for guests to observe and assist in feeding. This is a hoot, especially for children. Don’t miss it!
The Fosters also host custom environmental programs for families or groups.
Seasonal Information
As you might expect, the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the Illinois River’s busy season. Elephant Rock is open all year, however, and accommodates guests even during the winter months. Ask about bald eagle tours in winter. If you’re an experienced paddler, Rod Foster says that winter offers a great time to float the river in solitude. Otherwise, spring and fall offer serenity and seclusion, while summer’s warm weather is an obvious draw.
Remember to wear a life jacket and have fun on your float trip!
If You Go
With its limited number of accommodations, Elephant Rock recommends reservations, although you are always welcome to call to see if there is same-day availability.
There are many other outfitters on the Illinois River. Links to several Illinois River canoe and raft outfitters and campgrounds are shown under the map to the right.
