Nothing says summer in the Show-Me State quite like a float trip. If you’re new to floating or looking to pick up a few tips before you head to the water, this guide is for you.
What is Floating?
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.
Depending on how much time you have, floats can range from an afternoon outing to a multi-day journey. Floating is an enjoyable pursuit spring through fall, but Missouri’s cool rivers provide a popular escape from the summer heat.
What Kind of Experience Are You Looking For?
More than a dozen rivers in Missouri offer varying experiences. As a general rule, the waterways located closer to Missouri’s major metro areas attract larger crowds, while streams deep in the Ozarks offer a more peaceful trip. 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.
Missouri Float Trip Locations
Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois Rivers
3 Bridges Raft Rental (Meramec)
Floating and primitive camping
Bass River Resort (Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois)
Camping, cabins, floating and more
Blue Springs Ranch (Meramec)
Lodging, RV park, camping, floating, horseback trail rides and more
Garrison’s River Resort (Meramec)
RV park, lodging, camping and floating
Huzzah Valley Resort (Meramec, Huzzah)
Lodging, camping, floating and more
Old Cove Canoe (Meramec)
Floating and camping for groups of 10 or more
Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort (Meramec)
Camping, lodging and floating
The Rafting Company (Meramec)
RV camping, camping, limited lodging and floating
Gasconade, North Fork and Niangua Rivers
Bennett Spring State Park (Niangua)
Camping, lodging and floating
Dawt Mill (North Fork)
RV sites, lodging, camping, floating and more
Gasconade Hills Resort (Gasconade)
RV park, lodging, camping, floating and more
NRO (Niangua)
Lodging, camping and floating
Pettit Canoe Rental (North Fork)
Camping, lodging and floating
Ruby’s Landing (Gasconade)
RV park, camping, cabins, floating and more
Sand Spring Resort and Canoe (Niangua)
Lodging, camping, floating, fishing and more
Twin Bridges Canoe & Campground (North Fork)
Lodging, camping, floating, fishing and horse camping
Beaver Creek, Elk and James Rivers
Beaver Creek Canoe Rental, Campground & Cabins (Beaver Creek)
Lodging, camping and floating
Big Elk Camp & Canoe (Elk)
Camping, lodging and floating
Eagles Nest Camp and Canoe (Elk)
RV park, camping and floating
Elk River Floats (Elk)
Lodging, camping and floating
James River Outfitters (James)
Camping, lodging and floating
River Ranch Resort (Elk)
Cabins, glamping pods, campground and floating
Two Sons Floats and Camping (Elk)
RV camping, camping, floating and more
Eleven Point, Jacks Fork, Current and Black Rivers
Akers Ferry Canoe Rental (Current and Jacks Fork)
Lodging, camping, floating and more
Bearcat Getaway (Black)
Floating, camping and lodging
Carr’s Canoe Rental and Round Spring Campground (Current)
Camping and floating
Current River Canoe Rental (Current)
Camping and floating
Eminence Cottages and Camp (Current and Jacks Fork)
Lodging and camping
Hufstedler’s Canoe Rental (Eleven Point)
Lodging, camping and floating
Jacks Fork Canoe Rental & Campground (Jacks Fork)
Full RV hookups, camping and floating
Rocky River Resort (Current)
Camping, RV park and floating
What to Bring?
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.
The three essentials you need to bring on any float trip are a life jacket, water and sunscreen.
(Most outfitters include life jackets with their rentals.) Bug spray and a hat or sun visor are also good to have.
Missouri’s riverbeds and banks can be rocky, so a pair of water shoes or sports sandals can help protect your feet.
You might want to 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 with camping gear, and plenty of food and water.
Finally, bring a container for trash to help keep the river clean. You can be fined for littering, including leaving cans loose in your boat.
One Last Thing …
Before you head out the door, take time to check the river conditions. Be prepared to make the safest decisions for you and your group, even if that means postponing your trip. Your outfitter is a great resource to help make those important decisions.
That’s it — all the basic information you need to enjoy a Missouri float trip.
Share your adventures with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.