Heber Springs Marina

Rentals from Heber Springs Marina include life jackets, fuel, cooler storage, fishing gear, a bimini top, a Bluetooth stereo, on-site parking, restroom facilities and picnic areas. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

Arkansas sets operating ages rather than a rental age, and they depend on the craft. A motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more may be operated at 12 or older; a younger operator must be under the direct supervision of a person at least 18. For a personal watercraft, an operator must be 16 or older, or 12 to 15 under the direct supervision of someone at least 18, or under 12 under the direct supervision of someone at least 21. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must complete an approved AGFC boating education course. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (agfc.com)

Yes, many recreational operators need an Arkansas boater education card rather than a separate boating license. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must complete an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission course and carry proof to operate a motorboat, sailboat or personal watercraft. For boats of 10 horsepower or more, operators under 12 require direct supervision by someone at least 18. On personal watercraft, ages 12 to 15 require supervision by someone at least 18; younger children require someone at least 21. There is no blanket rental exemption, and rental personal watercraft cannot be leased to anyone under 18. AGFC accepts approved out-of-state cards and lists online courses offering immediate certification after passing.

Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (agfc.com)

From Heber Springs, you can boat on Greers Ferry Lake or launch separately onto the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam. Dam Site Park and Heber Springs Park both have lake launch ramps; use them for the lake’s broad, open water, with boats kept outside the buoyed line at the dam. Sugar Loaf Mountain is a boat access island destination with a courtesy dock.

For the river, John F. Kennedy Park has a ramp below the dam. The Little Red is a confined run with named shoals and islands, and JFK Park warns that water can rise rapidly after the horn sounds. The dam divides the lake and river, so you cannot cruise directly from one to the other.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District (swl.usace.army.mil)

From Heber Springs, boaters make Greers Ferry Lake day trips to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, Dam Site Park and Old Highway 25 Park. Sugar Loaf Mountain Island is the standout stop for a boat-access-only hiking trail with panoramic lake views. Dam Site Park combines a marina and swimming area, while Old Highway 25 Park offers a swimming beach, picnic shelter and boat ramp for a shore break.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listings on Recreation.gov (recreation.gov)