How To Float in MO
If you’ve traveled around Missouri, you might have heard about a summer getaway called a “float trip.” If you’re new to floating or looking to pick up a few tips before you head to the river, this guide is for you.
What is Floating?
A float trip involves heading down one of Missouri’s idyllic rivers in a raft, canoe, kayak or tube. Depending on the type of trip you’re looking for, floats can range from a lazy afternoon to a multi-day journey. While there are floating opportunities from spring through fall, Missouri’s cool rivers are a popular escape from the summer heat.
What Kind of Experience Are You Looking For?
As a general rule, the closer you are to major metro areas like St. Louis, Kansas City or Springfield, the more likely you are to encounter larger crowds. Different rivers and outfitters can provide unique experiences. You can enjoy a laid back float while sipping a local craft beer, or bring a group of your friends for a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.
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?
There are dozens of outfitters who can provide rafts, canoes, tubes and transportation up and down the river as well as lodging and camping opportunities.
There are three essentials to bring on any float trip: a lifejacket, water and sunscreen. You’ll also find bug spray and a hat or sun visor useful when you’re out in the water.
Missouri’s river beds and banks can be rocky, so a pair of water shoes or sports sandals can help protect your feet.
Food, including Missouri-made snacks, and coolers filled with drinks are common sights on the river. Or plan to enjoy a picnic lunch on a sunny bank.
If your float trip is longer than a single day, make sure you are prepared with camping gear, additional food and water.
Finally, bring a container for trash — you can be fined for littering, including leaving cans loose in your boat!
One Last Thing …
Before you head out the door, make sure to check 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 — you have all the info you need to enjoy your Missouri float trip.
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