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Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake

Morrilton, Arkansas · Conway County

The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries. It flows 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, through the Royal Gorge, on through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to its confluence with the Mississippi River. Four hundred and forty-five miles long with 17 locks and dams, the McClellan-Ker…

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35.12335, -92.78427
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About Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake

The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries. It flows 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, through the Royal Gorge, on through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to its confluence with the Mississippi River. Four hundred and forty-five miles long with 17 locks and dams, the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MCKARNS) is a reliable, year-round waterway into the Southwest. Essentially a series of navigation pools connected by locks, the waterway enables vessels to overcome a 420-foot difference in elevation from the Mississippi River to the head of navigation at Catoosa, Oklahoma. The waterway has five major publicly developed ports and numerous privately developed facilities.

Plan Your Visit to Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake

Heading to Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/528) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I contact Arkansas River - Rockefeller Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: (501) 329-2986.