Highwater Camp Rules
If river levels are at or above (5 ft, 6 inches at the Chewey Gauge), then no launches with children (17 yrs old or younger) are authorized from HWC, regardless of watercraft. This is more restrictive than the GRDA recommendations due to the length of the trips and the fact that we do not rent or recommend use of paddle rafts for this section of the river.
https://grda.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Floating-Guidelines-from-IRA-1.pdf
All children 12 yrs old and younger are required by law to wear a life jacket while on the river (law enforced by GRDA). HWC does provide life jackets free of charge for each person using any watercraft that is rented from us. These life jackets will fit most people (greater than 30 lbs.) however, if you want a guaranteed fit, a more comfortable experience and a higher quality life jacket, we recommend that you bring your own. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure proper fit of life jackets for each minor participant as well as enforcement.
Extremely close supervision and a 1:1 adult to child ratio is recommended for all children under 12 yrs old while floating the river.
Due to the challenges of the river on this section, the length of the float and potential river hazards, children under 12 may not independently operate any of HWC watercraft. (Children under 12 must either use a personally owned watercraft, or be a passenger with a competent adult if using HWC equipment)
No Children under 6 yrs old may float the river, even as a passenger, in any of HWC watercraft. (If you intend to float the river with children under 6 yrs old, you must bring and use your own watercraft)
The watercraft used must be designed and rated for the weight and number of passengers. Do not overload watercraft with more than the rated capacity for weight or people. If you plan to bring a child or float with more than one passenger in a boat, you must use a tandem kayak or other multi-person rated watercraft. (example: Jackson Riviera Single Person Kayak has a max capacity of 1 person or 300 lbs. and the Jackson Rivera Tandem kayak has a max capacity of (2) people or 450 lbs. per the manufacturer).
Do not leave small children unattended or without adult supervision anywhere on the river or on HWC property at any time.
There is no lifeguard on duty. Enter the water at your own risk. Understanding of river hazards and experience paddling is highly recommended. Do not jump or dive into the river. Do not swing from rope swings.
HWC guests (reserved camping or River Access Pass) are allowed to use your own personal watercraft to launch or takeout at HWC. (Note: All personal watercraft must purchase a day use permit ($1 ea.) or season pass from GRDA prior to launching on the river. This is NOT the same as a River Access Pass from HWC and we do not sell these permits. You will have to contact GRDA directly for more info of how and where to purchase them. 918-256-5545, or stop by their office prior to arrival. Here is a google map for directions to GRDA office of Scenic Rivers. https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNwQFUX6h8ChmDaV6
HWC rented watercraft are only authorized to launch or takeout at Carnes Ford, Highwater Camp, and Chewey Bridge. Do not take our watercraft to other locations that are not authorized by GRDA. Personal watercraft (not rented from HWC) may be used at all public access points including WOKA whitewater park and Hwy 59 Bridge (OK).
If you rent watercraft and/or equipment from HWC and are transporting it using your own private vehicle and/or trailer, you are responsible for properly securing it. Any personal injury or property damage caused by the user will be the sole responsibility of the user and/or the driver of the vehicle. Proof of Insurance is required for any party who wishes to rent HWC equipment and transport it using their own private vehicle and/or trailer. You will be charged a replacement fee for any watercraft or equipment that is lost, stolen or negligently damaged.
No Glass or Styrofoam is allowed anywhere on the beach or in the river (law enforced by GRDA)
Do not tie any watercraft, boats, rafts or tubes together on the river (law enforced by GRDA)
Ensure coolers and all items are properly secured inside of every watercraft so as not to lose its contents into the river should the watercraft flip. Coolers that are taken on the river must be smaller than 52 qts. per GRDA. Only 1 Cooler allowed per watercraft. “Rig to Flip”.
You must bring one mesh trash bag per watercraft with you when floating the river (Law enforced by GRDA). Follow Leave No Trace Principles. Do not Litter. Place all trash in the bags and trash cans provided or take it with you.
Pets: A maximum of (2) dogs are allowed per party. Maintain control of your pet or keep it on a leash and with you. Be respectful to other dog owners. Do not let your pet run up to strangers or other pets until both owners agree to allow the animals to interact. No pets may be left unsupervised or unattended at any time. Please use common sense. I hate that I have to write this down, but I have to. If you float the river, take your pet with you. Do not leave it in a cage, tied to a tree and especially do not leave any pet in a vehicle. We love our pets and assume you do as well. We do not want to become one of the places that does not allow pets. Do not bring any animals that are mean or aggressive. Any animal that is violent or aggressive to other people or animals will be reported. You will also be asked to leave along with your pet if they misbehave.
Pet owners must cleanup poop from their pets and throw it into a waste barrel.
Do not deposit or bury human waste anywhere on the property or in the river. Use the porta johns for doing #2 business.
Do not leave unattended vehicles on the gravel bar in case of rising water, regardless of current or expected weather conditions. Do so at your own risk. Flash flooding can occur. Park any vehicle that will be left unattended in the designated parking area on the high bank or leave the keys with someone in your party who is remaining behind at HWC that can move the vehicle. This includes if you depart for a river trip for the day.
No camping or sleeping in your vehicle in the main parking area except in extreme emergencies such as flash flood, severe storms etc.
Speed limit is 5mph everywhere on the property.
You may drive up to the waters edge, however do not drive any vehicle into the river or attempt to cross the river in any vehicle (law enforced by GRDA)
Stay on existing roadways and yield to existing traffic when crossing the culvert. Only 1 vehicle may cross the culvert at a time. Single lane traffic exists on most roads.
No RV's or very large camper trailers may drive across the culvert onto the gravel bar.
Only small campers/trailers may drive on the gravel bar. 4x4 is not usually required, however access is not guaranteed on the gravel bar. You are responsible for your own decision. If you are unsure if your vehicle can make it safely, then do not drive across the culvert or drive onto the gravel bar.
Alcohol is allowed on HWC property, however, GRDA has a separate regulation regarding the quantity and type of beverages that may be possessed or consumed while floating the river. Drink responsibly. Extreme intoxication and/or belligerent behavior will not be tolerated.
No illegal substance, drug use or possession is allowed on the property.
No hunting on HWC property. No discharging of firearms. No illegal possession of firearms.
Any vandalism or intentional damages to HWC property will be reported to the police and/or a fee assessed.
Do not cut down any standing trees, dead or alive.
Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in effect. The burning of tires, metal, aluminum, plastic, glass, or any other type of hazardous material is prohibited. All fires must be kept in a pre-existing campfire rings. Do not create new fire rings. No bonfires. Keep fires reasonably small. Do not leave fires unattended. All fires must be fully extinguished, wet, and cold to the touch before departing.
No fireworks except on 4th of July in designated areas approved by the owner only.
No nudity. Keep profanity to a minimum. Maintain a family atmosphere.
Respect private property while at HWC and on the river. Do not trespass. Obey private property signs.
The Ranch house and all infrastructure are off limits to campers and guests on the property. Do not disturb the tenants of the Ranch House.
Quiet Hours are from 10pm-7am.
HWC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. Any violation of the rules may result in you and/or your group being asked to leave the property without a refund.
Go to GRDA website for additional information regarding rules and regulations of the Illinois River.
https://grda.com/illinois-river/
https://grda.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ch-40-Scenic-Rivers-Rules-EFF-9-11-22-1-1.pdf
Be good humans and respectful to others. Have a good time and enjoy this amazing river retreat.