Nothing says summer in the Show-Me State quite like a float trip. If you’re new to floating or want to pick up a few tips before you head to the water, this guide is for you.
What is a Float Trip?
Take a relaxing trip down a pristine river in a raft, canoe, kayak or tube – that’s floating in Missouri. The current does much of the work, but you’ll need to paddle a bit to stay on course and navigate the slower-moving sections of the stream. The chill, recreational journey is primarily focused on taking in the surroundings, making occasional stops at gravel bars or watering holes for snack breaks, swimming and fishing.
Floating in Missouri
More than a dozen rivers in Missouri offer varying experiences. As a general rule, the waterways located close to Missouri’s major metro areas attract larger crowds, while streams deep in the Ozarks are frequented by smaller groups, anglers and families.
The Floating Capital of Missouri
A small community, approximately 2 hours from Springfield and 1.5 hours from St. Louis, is heralded as the float capital of the state – Steelville, Missouri. Floating experiences here are known to be enjoyable and will likely have larger crowds. Surrounded by major waterways, including the Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois rivers, as well as popular resorts, Steelville’s prime location also offers an array of other outdoor activities: hiking, fishing, camping and visiting nearby state parks. Along with activities, there are popular eateries frequented by locals and visitors alike – Dairy Isle & Grill, where American fare, shakes and ice cream specialties fill the menu, and Rich’s Famous Burgers, a restaurant known for its country breakfasts and unique burger choices. Seriously, one is topped with bacon, peanut butter and strawberry jam on grilled Texas Toast. Sounds unusual, but one bite and it all makes sense!
Missouri Float Trip Locations
Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois Rivers
- 3 Bridges Raft Rental (Meramec) – Enjoy the scenic bluffs while floating on a 5- or 10-mile trip. Additionally, primitive camping is available.
- Bass River Resort (Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois) – Stay overnight (lodging, camping and RV-hookup options), hike and float at this resort. Floating lengths vary from 6-13 miles. Additionally, the resort has a pool and offers breakfast and BBQ dinners seasonally.
- Blue Springs Ranch (Meramec) – This 150-acre resort offers 5- and 10-mile floats, as well as a 1-mile lazy river (perfect for beginners!). The resort also provides lodging, camping, RV sites and horseback trail rides.
- Garrison’s River Resort (Meramec) – Garrison’s welcomes R.V. clubs and offers cabins as well. The floats are either 6- or 10-mile, and the onsite restaurant serves country fare for breakfast and dinner.
- Huzzah Valley Resort (Meramec, Huzzah) – Huzzah offers 6- and 12-mile floats. Choose from RV or tent camping or lodging, and order from Karen’s Café (which includes delivery to your site!).
- Old Cove Canoe (Meramec) – Near St. Louis, visitors can opt for a 4.5- or 9.5-mile trip. Group tent camping of 10 or more is available.
- Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort (Meramec) – Camp (including RV hookup) or book a cozy cabin. Guests can float and enjoy other activities: a treetop aerial park, an outdoor pool, a bar and grill and more! The floating options here range from 1 to 10 miles.
- The Rafting Company (Meramec) – Book a 3-, 5- or 7-mile trip. Overnight lodging (limited), tent and RV camping are available, plus TRC’s Sandwich Shop and Pub serves delicious eats.
Eleven Point, Jacks Fork, Current and Black Rivers
- Akers Ferry Canoe Rental (Current and Jacks Fork) – Float for the day or book up to five days! Facilities include a pool and general store with camping, RV sites and lodging options.
- Bearcat Getaway (Black) – This site has tent and RV camping, lodging and affordable floating. There is also an entertainment access pass for live music weekends.
- Carr’s Canoe Rental and Round Spring Campground (Current) – Choose a short-day trip of 9-10 miles or opt for a two-day trip up to 35 miles. The campground has tent camping, electric hookups and a concessionaire store.
- Current River Canoe Rental (Current) – The Pulltite Campground has well-shaded campsites, most with private access to the river. There is an onsite store with small necessities, and float trips range from 1- to 2-day trips.
- Hufstedler’s Canoe Rental (Eleven Point) – Choose from an RV site, tent camping or lodging. Float times vary from less than a day (7-14 miles) or up to 3 days (36 miles). Additionally, Hufstedler’s is the only rental within walking distance of the Eleven Point River.
- Jacks Fork Canoe Rental & Campground (Jacks Fork) – Full RV hookup and camping is available. Book a 1-, 2- or 3-day float trip, and for fishing enthusiasts – upper sections of the river provide great fly fishing water.
- Rocky River Resort (Current) – Raft down a mild 6-mile stretch of the river, or book the Bay Nothing Float, where floaters can take their time as they enjoy 21 miles of Missouri scenery. The campground has tent and RV sites.
- The Landing at Current River (Current) – Start the day floating (choose from 4, 9 or 17 miles) and end it in a comfortable lodge with modern comforts and an onsite restaurant – The Blue Heron – known for its juicy steaks and crab-stuffed filet.
Beaver Creek, Elk and James Rivers
- Beaver Creek Canoe Rental, Campground & Cabins (Beaver Creek) –As the only outfitter on the creek, this area serves floaters and fishermen alike. The campground includes log cabins and is close to the Mark Twain National Forest and a local equine center.
- Big Elk Camp & Canoe (Elk) – This location features tent and RV hookup, lodging and fun for the kids – an animal pen, merry-go-round, a volleyball and basketball court, and more! Floats are 4 or 8 miles, and the outfitter supplies a variety of watercraft rentals.
- Eagles Nest Camp and Canoe and Elk River Floats (Elk) – These outfitters are perfect for first-time floaters and those just wanting to relax – the river is crystal-clear with multiple gravel bars as well as shallow swimming areas. Trips are 6-12 miles. RV hookups, tent camping and offsite cabins with riverside views are available.
- James River Outfitters (James) – Only 20 minutes from Branson with RV and tent camping options, this float is 6 miles. There is also a loop tube float, ideal for kids as parents sit and watch from the bank.
- River Ranch Resort (Elk) – Cabins, a campground and glamping pods. Floats range from 5-8 miles. There’s also a relaxing 1-mile float, and on Friday nights, this 1-mile float transforms into the “glow float”, complete with glowing innertubes and all!
- Two Sons Floats and Camping (Elk) – This 30-acre area has RV and tent camping with over ½-mile of shaded riverfront land. Float trips are either 4 or 8 miles.
Gasconade, North Fork and Niangua Rivers
- Dawt Mill (North Fork) – Dawt Mill is a popular resort for avid anglers – the float trip features both a Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon trout stretch. Lodging, plus tent or RV camping are available.
- Gasconade Hills Resort (Gasconade) – The float’s distance extends from 4 to 20 miles. The resort offers lodging, RV sites, and tent camping and has an activity pavilion and playgrounds.
- NRO (Niangua) – Niangua River Oasis has lodges, RV hookup and tent campsites, as well as a convenient country store. When floating, choose from 4, 7, 11 or 14 miles.
- Pettit Canoe Rental (North Fork) – RV sites, tent camping and limited lodging. The float is 8 miles, with deeper pools and some rapids.
- Ruby’s Landing (Gasconade) – Multiple lodging options and an RV park are available, as well as a stocked pond (catch-and-release) and playground. The float trip itself is 5 miles.
- Sand Spring Resort and Canoe (Niangua) – Sand Springs has a variety of lodges and a campground for RVs and tents, plus floating and trout fishing.
Floating Tips and FAQ
Outfitters located close to Missouri’s floating rivers rent canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes and provide transportation up and down the river. Some offer lodging and campgrounds, too. But what about the items you need on the river? While some provide those items, it’s a good idea to plan ahead in case the outfitter doesn’t have what you need.
What to Wear
- Missouri’s riverbeds and banks can be rocky, so a pair of water shoes or sports sandals can help protect your feet.
- Hat or sun visor, as well as sunglasses
- While a swimming suit is assumed, it’s also a good idea to bring a light-colored, quick-drying t-shirt to protect your skin when the sunrays are too much.
What to Bring
- The main essentials for any float trip are sunscreen, bug spray, water and a life jacket. (Most outfitters include life jackets with their rentals.)
- Bring food, including Missouri-made snacks, and a cooler filled with drinks for a snack on the river or a picnic lunch on a bank.
- If your float trip is longer than a day, make sure you are prepared for unpredictable weather with camping gear and supplies.
- A towel and change of clothes for after the float
- Waterproof bag – it’s highly recommended to bring a waterproof bag for storing items you don’t want to get wet.
- A container for trash to help keep the river clean. You can be fined for littering, including leaving cans loose in your boat. Some outfitters provide this with the rental, so check beforehand!
Before You Leave for the Float …
Before you head out the door, take time to check the river conditions. Be prepared to make the safest decision for you and your group, even if that means postponing the trip. Your outfitter is a great resource to help make those important decisions. Moreover, create a float plan and leave it with someone you trust in the case of an emergency. Find those instructions here.
Not least of all, familiarize yourself with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, a framework designed to minimize human impact on natural environments, and therefore, ensuring the preservation of ecosystems. A detailed explanation of each principle can be found here.
That’s it — all the basic information you need to enjoy a Missouri float trip. So bring a friend or two and enjoy the solitude and nature-filled views, or gather a group for a splashing good time. Either way, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.