Paradise Found, Kayak Camping on Lake Ouachita

On this adventure we left base camp (AKA Little Rock, Arkansas) and drove to Lake Ouachita in the Ouachita National Forest for a three day kayak camping and exploring trip. We arrived at the Buckville Use Area on the north side of Lake Ouachita.
Lake Ouachita is one of the cleanest lakes in North America. The fact that Lake Ouachita (and all of it tributaries) is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest helps protect its water quality. Lake Ouachita is also the largest lake within Arkansas. It is a great lake for Kayak Camping, fishing, and subdividing.
We left our vehicle at the Buckville Boat Ramp and paddled out to and island to set up camp. We gave a review of our campground, and also provided a kayak 101 for kayak camping.
When you purchase Dome Life gear, a portion of our sales go toward clean-up and educational events.
domelife.camp/
BELOW ARE LINKS TO HOW-TO VIDEOS OF OUR, LINKS TO THINGS WE USE ON OUR CAMPING TRIPS, AND CAMERA GEAR.
Dome Life Video - How to Setup and Breakdown your tent
• Video
Dome Life Video - A Tour of My Camp Kitchen
• Video
Dome Life Video - Our Camping Setup
• Essential Items for Ca...
Dome Life Video - Our Kayak Camping Setup
• Video
Dome Life Video - Shower Build
• Video
Camping Stove
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Igloo Cooler
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6 gallon water jug
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The tent we have is a Alps Mountaineering 6 Person tent
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The new tent fans:
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Cots
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Kayak - Perception Pescador 10.0 (Our model has changed and is no longer available. Here is the updated model)
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Dry Bag - We have 2 20-Liter Seal Line dry bags.
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Cookware - 16 Pcs Bisgear Camping Cookware.
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Cooler - Ozark Trail 30 Can Leaktight Cooler.
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Water Filter - Survivor Filter PRO.
www.avantlink....
Camping Chairs - G4Free Outdoor 2 Pack Camping Chair.
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Kayak Camping Tent - Hasle Outfitters Ultralight backpacking tent, 2 person 3 season.
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Camping Pad - X-Large 30X77 inch Therm-a-Rest Basecamp self-inflating foam camping pad.
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Cody's Pillow - TREKOLOGY ultralight inflating Travel/Camping Pillow.
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Kellie's Pillow - Coop Home Goods - Adjustable Travel and Camping Pillow
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MSR PocketRocket Camping Travel Stove
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GSI Outdoors - French Press
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Golden Eagle Hammock Rain Fly
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Camera Gear
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
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GoPro Hero 7 Black
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iPhone 11 Pro
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kayakcamping #domelife #camping #overlanding #foodvideo #foodtube #hiking #adventure #explore #thegreatoutdoors #vanlife #kayaking #diy #review

[@amywilson1046]

I'm a new fan, working my way through your videos from the beginning and always looking forward to the new ones every week. My kids and I love to camp either in my old motorhome or in tents and recently bought our first kayaks. Your videos definitely inspire me to get out and do more; and now that I work from home, getting out of the house whenever possible seems so much more important. My favorite things to watch are Kellie cooking and when you share gear ideas. I'm excited to check out your new cookbook, and after watching this video, I think your next cookbook should be focused on kayak camping recipes and meal ideas. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

[@19james60]

at the start what a gorgeous pic

[@ursinidaho]

I love those islands. What a nice way to spend your weekend. As always, there are many highlights to the vlog. I liked the shots of the clear clear water right before you both swam at the end. And watching you fish was fun too.

[@thejudge61]

you guys make me happy . love you both

[@honey8636]

Kellie, you could sell a camping cookbook! You make so many wonderful recipes while camping. I genuinely enjoy your videos because I love Arkansas. We only get to visit once per year if we are lucky, and I'm always sad to leave. Stay safe, you two!

[@CodyandKellie]

We have thought about a cookbook in the future. Where are y’all from? Thanks for watching!

[@honey8636]

@@CodyandKellie We are from Texas (DFW area) but hope to retire in Arkansas in 10-12 years.

[@TheArkansasDiamondMiner]

@@honey8636 No better state in my opinion! I hope you will check out the rest of their videos as proof!

[@michaelr.3325]

Honey I agree. Wondering if these two have people conveniently showing up around breakfast and dinner time

[@CodyandKellie]

It’s a great place!!!

[@504diaz8]

I went swimming and grilling at that very same spot when I was working at the diamond park(that very same spot back In 2022 around May I believe)...it's so nice..but I drove thru down around that whole area...very sharp rocky rd..

[@CodyandKellie]

It is nice

[@kimprocarione5473]

Great footage! So beautiful!

[@ania9963]

What a beautiful place is Lake Ouachita! So calm and peaceful.

[@CodyandKellie]

It’s heaven on earth.

[@dannyroberts5056]

I live in SW Mo. and have been kayak camping several lakes and rivers in Mo and Ar. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, Bull Shoals, Beaver Lake and Kings River just to mention a few. I wont even try to mention all the creeks I have floated and camped along here in our beautiful Ozarks. I realy need to plan a trip to Ouchita. It realy looks amazing. As always great video and its good to still see you two getting out in nature. Thanks for sharing.

[@pong3892]

I love that you guys dint do really short vids

[@brucefluth3930]

I have a suggestion for you. When you make your oatmeal, use quart size freezer bags. The freezer bags can handle boiling water. A LOT easier to mix in. Then pour onto your plates or eat out of the bag. We do this all the time when backpacking. 😎

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!

[@zeusisgreat4896]

Do you have any idea the amount of chemicals leached into your food using a bag and boiling water? No thanks

[@bobseaver7807]

Zeus Isgreat exactly 👍

[@explorermike19]

Transporting all your camp gear on those small kayaks really requires efficiency in planning and packing. My friends and I Kayak camp in 17' sea kayaks where are HUGE compared with those smaller kayaks and our kayaks are packed solid.

[@MsS-J]

Loved the footage set to The Cello Song! So beautiful!

[@CodyandKellie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@starlightsunsets]

Great video showing how beautiful it is to camp on Lake Ouachita islands. I actually think I know where ya camped. When you droned and could see the steep boat ramp at Buckville campground I could tell the area you are camping. I was there in April and that steep ramp was closed. If you went through Buckville and pass the store to a four way crossing turn left to go to Rabbit tail you pass my family weekend lake house. If you watch my Ouachita National Forest for 3 days there is a link to Bed and Breakfast link. The sunset pics and video are at the boat ramp past the girl scout camp. Happy Camping.

[@enjoytheoutdoors1018]

"Love kayak camping" Awesome trip! Thanks for sharing.

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@survivorfilterofficial]

Glad to see you two enjoying Lake Ouachita again! Love your drone footage and showing the beauty of AK 🙏

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you! And we love your Survivor Filter. We keep in our H3 at all times so that it’s with us whenever we need it! Ordered a new one and really like the new syringe to back flow water through the filters the help extend the life of the filters!

[@terristroh3965]

AK is Alaska. AR is Arkansas which is where they are. State abbreviations are hard 😘

[@Whiskey-XXX]

I found that exact same spot last month when I came out there for my first time. I cant wait to camp there when I come back out from Cali.

[@CodyandKellie]

It’s such and amazing lake no matter where you go!

[@Whiskey-XXX]

@@CodyandKellie someone placed a fire ring with a vertically adjustable height grill grate. We went last month.

[@Whiskey-XXX]

@@CodyandKellie someone placed a fire ring with a vertically adjustable height grill grate. We went last month.

[@nicolechamel1263]

Yall make me so happy!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you!

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

As you can tell I’m kinda doing a miniature “binge watch” trying to get caught up or at least try to catch up! Your food prep is awesome! Good job! 🤙

[@CodyandKellie]

That’s great. Love to hear you are enjoying them all. Thank you for the kind words!

[@sharpridgefarms8068]

Awesome video. We love Lake Ouachita, we are one of those early morning fishing boats you have to watch out for lol. What a amazing video to represent the great state of Arkansas. Keep the videos coming!!!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching and your kind words!

[@gunnyd2008]

One of my favorite lakes, thanks for the video

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@kellyhays23]

Cody got so excited from the chips and salsa idea 🤣🤣🤣

[@CodyandKellie]

He did!

[@gabrielsholisticcare]

Catch you on the other! ❤

[@markkidder1776]

Another great video! I’m digging the scuba Steve look Cody! 😂 you guys are awesome!

[@CodyandKellie]

Lol thank you! Big Daddy was such a good movie!

[@laurahallman8650]

I just got a new werner paddle! I'm so excited! Eeekkk! You guys have made me impatient. Lol

[@desireeyounger1527]

Love your videos! I live in joplin, MO! Thanks for showing off the Midwest, it really is beautiful country💖

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheArkansasDiamondMiner]

Another great video guys! I love the drone shots, the beauty of nature is mesmerizing!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@sarahicastaneda6917]

I really enjoy see yours videos, thanks for share

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@gerardhoward5321]

Another awesome video...Thanks for sharing

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@brianwest5348]

Hey guys, new subscriber. This brings back some good memories! It's been 27 years since i've been up there (i live in Florida), but i'm getting ready to take a trip up there in two weeks. My grandfather owned property just west of Buckville (it was six miles to Story) and we vacationed there. I had great times up there and have been gone far too long. I really enjoy the channel, keep up the good work!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching! I hope you make your trip soon.

[@tomsergesketter5138]

LOve your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickbarba5531]

Another great video, awesome drone footage!

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you!

[@randysmith5993]

Love the drone footage.

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@dsneed067able]

Great video!

[@deneseweatherby7378]

I love your videos and I love Arkansas.

[@CodyandKellie]

We love Arkansas too! Thanks for watching!

[@TheArkansasDiamondMiner]

These videos are a great showcase for the state, especially for those who camp.

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@brittayoung5574]

You should check out a Sawyer Squeeze for your water filtration. It is much easier than the pump variety you are using. Just get a water bladder, attach the Sawyer, and hang it up or squeeze it into your bottle.

[@CodyandKellie]

We will look into it. Thanks for watching!

[@joshuawaters151]

This is awesome yall. I already had the itch and now its worse so thanks for that lol

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@nitingoalla]

Guys, I recently started following your channel. All your content is amazing!! I'd love if Kelly and you post a full length yoga Vlog. I lived in Arkansas for well over an year and I fell in love with it. Hopefully I can get back there soon. Cheers and keep up the good work

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! We are in no way certified professionals at yoga. We have been practicing at home for years now. But thank you for the kind words. Maybe in the future we can collaborate with a yogi!

[@clintlively5484]

I’ve got that same little Stanley pot for backpacking. I’ve probably eaten a hundred meals out of it

[@CodyandKellie]

It works great

[@ThimbelinahRandomGirl]

Just ordered 2 stickers. I have a merchandise suggestion. It would be great if the hat and the beanie were offered with the high ponytail slits in them. If there are others like me that can't wear lower ponytails due to causing headaches...it makes for a nice option. Just a thought. Love y'alls channel and advertisers!

[@CodyandKellie]

Hey! Thanks for your order. We will keep that in mind for our next order of hats. Thanks for watching!

[@DispersedCamperMan]

That looked like an excellent camping spot right on the water. Was the water very cold? It looked cold! Thanks for sharing!

[@CodyandKellie]

Yes the water was cold. Not as cold as some creeks we have been to this year. Friday night was also a little chilly but Saturday was perfect! Thanks for watching!

[@kellyhays23]

Gotta try the biscuits and gravy mountain house! it's the best!!!

[@CodyandKellie]

I will have to try that next time.

[@thejudge61]

the frog man

[@PanBoroda]

I want to visit you in Arkansas, wild camping with a campfire is no longer possible in California, the rules are everywhere

[@brandonmorgan5218]

We need to be friends!!

[@CodyandKellie]

Sure thing.

[@junglecoffeeandgrill4553]

niceee viewww salam from indoneisa 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for watching!

[@frontierflyer]

Were you guys there this past weekend? We kayaked from Buckville also about a mile to an island (#35 I think?) and stayed 3 nights. Beautiful weekend and great lake! Awesome video!

[@CodyandKellie]

Yes! Same weekend. What a great weekend to island camp. Thanks for watching!

[@HawkinsVapor]

Another great vid! Ever thought of doing a run of Dome Life patches?

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you so much. Not as of yet. But we can look into it down the road. Working on a new shirt and koozies that should be ready soon. But we will definitely start looking into patches!

[@zeusisgreat4896]

Another great video! A question for you and other arkansas campers. If you were just retiring and we're to buy a couple of acres to live off grid, where is the most beautiful and secluded part of arkansas you would pick?

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you so much for watching! A lot of people would say the Ozarks, but we would have to say the Caddo Gap area. Springs all over the area that do not go through caves that could house bats like in the Ozarks, a good distance from intereststate highways and major populations, milder winters, tons of wild life, and if anything ever happens to Nuclear One in Russellville, it is out of the nuclear meltdown area where all the rest of the Ouachitas and all of the Ozarks are within the danger zone. Also, it very beautiful and the region like home to us.

[@graftedtheband]

Taking my kids island camping next week. Which island is that (what number)? Thanks for the awesome video!

[@CodyandKellie]

This island does not have a number. It is just west of island number 33.

[@graftedtheband]

DOME LIFE Thanks! We are actually putting in at Buckville tomorrow. Thinking about one of the smaller islands northwest of Trott island.

[@rowdyrobbyrider4226]

Hey I’m enjoying the videos! The folks down at Slate Rock Brewing had some nice things to say about ya’ll. Wondering are there many ticks on the islands? Thinking about camping on one in a couple weeks. Cheers

[@CodyandKellie]

Thank you so much! Those guys are so cool!!! We have not had an issue with ticks. You should have a blast. Let us know how it goes!!!

[@jodiklebs1288]

Hey guys! Just started following your channel! Great videos guys! Just wondering, if you have time, would you happen to have the GPS location for that cute little island? Thanking you in advance🛶🛶

[@miami3863]

Hey great video (like usual)! What month did you go kayaking camping in the video?

[@CodyandKellie]

June we believe

[@liveoutsidethebox4064]

Awesome vid like always, i subscribed like a week ago. What do you all do for a living outside of camping ?

[@CodyandKellie]

Thanks for subscribing! I’m an accountant and Kellie is a dental assistant.

[@bhurd2008]

Hi guys. Love your stuff. What brand are your compact chairs?

[@CodyandKellie]

G4free. Got them from Amazon. Thanks for watching!

[@mo.girl4175]

Ok you guys have convinced me that you are ready to start training for naked and afraid. Not that I want to see y’all nakey but I’m telling ya.... sterilizing lake water , eating pan fish you caught. I think y’all have what it takes. Even if you just go in the fan capacity!! Love you guys!!!

[@CodyandKellie]

😂 We love that show! We could never take it to that extreme. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobpower6531]

Hi there! I'm tempted to head up to Lake Ouachita from Houston for some Island kayak camping next week and have some questions for you two. 1) Is it already too hot (uncomfortable) for camping in that area? 2) Is water level average right now? 3) Are mosquitoes and flies bad up there? 4) May I safely leave vehicle at Big Fur or Buckville overnight?

[@CodyandKellie]

Yes it hot. You can check the weather by looking in Jessieville Arkansas. Water level is good. Mosquitos we didn’t have much of a problem. There are bitting flies but not bad. A smoking fire will keep them away. It is safe to leave your vehicle over night, we have never had a problem. Happy camping and thanks for watching!

[@ritawilson8762]

What does it cost to camp on an island? Do you need a reservation?

[@CodyandKellie]

No reservations and it’s free

[@laurahallman8650]

When did y'all go? I'm so ready!!!!

[@CodyandKellie]

We went this past weekend! It still a little cold but worth it anyway. Thanks for watching!

[@laurahallman8650]

That's the same weekend we went last year. It was a little chilly in the water. We are going 2nd weekend of June. We ordered your stickers to put on our kayaks.

[@CodyandKellie]

Hope y’all have a blast! Please share with us! And thank you so much for your order!!!

[@ruck-n-adventures8290]

I like the tent. Can I get some info on it please?

[@CodyandKellie]

Here is the link for the tent. It is a great tent. Holds up well. HASLE OUTFITTERS Ultralight... www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSDQYRH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thanks for watching!

[@bertkelly7650]

All that cooking Kelly does, she should make her own dehydrated meals. Would be a helluva lot cheaper. Sorry Kelly. : )

[@CodyandKellie]

We don’t have much experience with dehydrating food. We will have to look into that.

[@sidneywilliams418]

We have Mountain Home Berry Farm here in Arkansas and have our own salsa. What's your favorite, and I'll send you a sample? We have mild, medium, hot, and habanero spice levels as well as fine chopped or chunky consistency. Let me know a mailing address and I'll get some to you since you like salsa so much.

[@CodyandKellie]

We would love that! We’re out of state right now but we can get in touch when we get back!

[@falcons5683]

Cody are you piloting the drone?

[@CodyandKellie]

Most of the time I fly it, but when you see me in the shot doing something, I had set it on tracking mode and let it track me. We own the DJI Mavic 2 Pro

[@rungavagairun]

Have you learned to filet your fish since you posted this?

[@CodyandKellie]

Yes

[@jasonunruh9605]

Yall eat a lot lol

[@thejudge61]

catch that beautiful woman some fish Cody