If you don't want to be bothered by cops while your floating with your family and friends then I wouldn't choose this service or float routes. Was personally harassed and almost drowned along with my friends while floating yesterday after Buffalo Point. Worst experience of my life and would advice any floater to choose a different service.
We had a Great time floating the Buffalo River, using Wild Bills. We did the 9 mile trip in a canoe, took our dog with us, she loves the water. It was nice slow pace, we forgot sunblock, so as I type this I am healing from SUNBURN. It was very fun, we were able to park our car, then they load you and your supplies and take you to the drop off point, then you can take your time and swim, have lunch whatever. because your floating back to your car, no rush. Love it, cant wait to go back
Have used Wild Bill's several times in past and again this last weekend. I schedule multi-day floats. They do whatever I prefer...whether they take me up river so I float back to my vehicle at Hwy 14 bridge or I float a few days and let them know where to shuttle my vehicle to so it's waiting when I get done. They've always been reliable & courteous. (Recommend camping at Buffalo Point which is 5 minutes away.)
If you're going to canoe the lower end of the Buffalo River near Yellville and you need an outfitter to help you make the arrangements then Wild Bill's is the place for that. Friendly, helpful, and with just about anything you could need for your float, they have it. I'll definitely use them again on my next trip to the area!
We rented a canoe and two kayaks. Excellent customer service. We drove down to the bridge and picked the canoe and kayaks up at the bottom of the hill by the river. After the float, we boarded a bus and they transported us back to our vehicle.
Family of 11 floated with with the equipment rented from Wild Bill's. We also book a cabin through them in the area. The river staff is very friendly, bus driver was safe on crooked roads and gave good instructions on what to do and not do. The canoes are in good condition. We would use them again.
Went over for a last minute float trip. They were very good to work with, explained everything and gave us all the info we needed. Had a great time!
My wife and I took a trip to the Buffalo River for our 10 year anniversary, and we were so glad we did! We did not stay at the cabins here, but we did use Wild Bill's for a float trip in a canoe one day and an all day small mouth fishing trip another day. We had a blast on both trips! The folks at Wild Bill's were very friendly and took care of us on both trips. We did not have to supply anything which was great. Quick tip - river laws do not allow containers without coozies, so make sure you bring those for your drinks. Also, everything must be tied to your canoe so it does not get lost in the river if the canoe tips over, so bring bags you can tie.We took the short float trip which was plenty enough time for us. It took about 4 hours for us. A great feature of these trips is that you can spend as much time as you want on the river once you pay for the rental. So, you can just do the usual float, or you can stop at the many places along the river and have lunch, a picnic, fish, or take a swim in the river. Everything is very laid back! You can even camp out and stay one or several nights if you like, all for the same price! I had never heard of this, but thought it was great for those that like to camp or just spend more time on the river.The second day we did a guided fishing trip with Coon. He was very knowledgeable, and knew where to find the fish. He provided all the fishing tackle and they also provided lunch with the trip price. We caught several small mouth bass and bluegill. We also missed some decent fish too. But we had an absolute blast with Coon, and enjoyed talking with him and listening to his stories between the fishing spots. He also showed us some of the incredible scenery along the way! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and will request Coon on our next trip to do some White River trout fishing. Thank you Wild Bill, Coon, and everyone there at Wild Bill Outfitters! See you again soon!
The Buffalo River here in the Arkansas Ozarks is about the most beautiful experience to have. The river is simple enough for any novice to have a good time and the hardened boater to have all they want (when the river levels are at the right point and at the far western side of the park). Wild Bills did an excelent job getting us ready and making sure we were aware of the few rules the NPS requires on the Buffalo. Prices were reasonable and they have plenty of equipment of all types.
I've used this outfitter twice and have been pleased with both experiences. I can't say it was something exceptional, but the rental process was clear and easy. The people who shuttled us to and from were really nice and down to earth, and incredibly helpful. No frills, but got the job done. The Buffalo River is a really wonderful place for a canoe trip. Be warned, though, both times I've been, and the other time my sister went, we were told that the White River was not flowing too fast and we could go up it to reach our destination and every time that was wrong! It flows way too fast to paddle up it at the end and we had to float down another hour or two to get out.