Diamonds, Crystals and Arrowheads…just some of the things you can hunt for in southwest Arkansas. If you would like more action, there is fishing, wild game hunting, kayaking and canoeing in the crystal clear waters of the Caddo River.
The Caddo River is the first place that me and my family ever went kayaking; what a blast that was with our boys. It was so much fun to float down the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way since this river is great for beginners. We had plenty of places to get out and picnic, swim, and fish.
Want a quaint little get away? There is a cute, historic, little town in southwest Arkansas called Caddo Gap nestled in the Ouachita Forest and Mountains. It has a rich history of the Caddo Indians and evidence can be found in many areas.
The Caddo River runs through this area with its water so clear that you can see the fish swimming. A unique feature to this river is both hot and cold springs running through it. If you are standing in a part of the river that is too cold, move over a little ways and you can find a hot spring. Grab a lawn chair and place it in a shallow area of the river, sit and soak up the peaceful surroundings. If you look carefully, you may even find arrowheads along the river bed.
We are not getting paid for the advertisement of the these facilities, instead, they have agreed to give our readers discounts. The content in this blog is of our own views and honest opinions.
Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe
One of the campgrounds in the area is Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe. They are nestled in the trees along the Caddo River offering cabins, RV spots, and primitive tent camping. This peaceful campground also has fun activities such as horseshoes, basketball, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. In my experience of working there several summers, the best months to float the river are May and June; the water levels may get low in July and August (low water floats available). Arrowhead is a pet friendly place that offers a family fun atmosphere.
Have a large group that wants to do a retreat? They can accommodate up to 56 people in their bunkhouse which is great for church groups or any large group. Smaller groups from 4-12 people can rent one of the 7 cabins available.
For RVing, they have full hook ups (water, electric, sewer) for a reasonable rate. If you are a teacher, active military or a veteran, EMS, fire fighter or police don’t forget to ask for your 10% discount. As of 2018, they are open year round. If you are wanting to stay on weekends from May through July, you really need to reserve your stay well in advance. Holiday weekends usually book up well in advance, but if the weekend your wanting is booked, ask to be put on a wait list in case someone cancels.
Click on the Arrowhead icon to see rates and reserve your stay. P.S. don’t forget to tell them you read this on Teacher Escapes for your *special discount (good for all Teacher Escape readers).
RV Parking 
Cabin Rental
Canoe or Kayak the Caddo 
Tube the Caddo
Arrowhead is located within a short driving distance to several great attractions. About 40 minutes to the south is Murfreesboro where you can search for diamonds at the famous Crater of the Diamonds State Park. In Mount Ida, approximately 15 minutes away is a couple of crystal mines that you can find some amazing, large crystals. If you need a little more excitement, Hot Springs is just 45 minutes east of Caddo Gap.
Gap Mercantile
Step into history! Just 2 miles down the road from Arrowhead is the Gap Mercantile . It was built in 1932 and is still currently in operation. You can find antiques, jellies and jams, various snacks and is just fun to shop around in. If your not into RVing, you can rent the 2 bedroom, private apartment at the Mercantile through their AirBNB, just click on the icon below.
If you book the AirBNB, please let them know you saw it on Teacher Escapes.
Gap Mercantile 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 2 
Kitchen
Photos provided by Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe and Gap Mercantile
*Discounts can not be combined, only one discount can be applied to your reservation.
To contact us, email us at teacherescapes@gmail.com
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Sharon, please click on the Arrowhead or Airbnb link to view rates and availability (depending which vacation stay you would like to do). Thank you for reading about Caddo Gap, we hope you visit soon.
I didn’t see any rates. I may have just missed it… what are your RV rates for the last week in May (not including Memorial Day)?