10 Best Float Trips in Missouri
Missouri is home to some of the best rivers to float, kayak, and canoe on in the United States. Missouri float trips are so well known because of the many options of beautiful rivers flowing throughout the entire state.
Since we’re from St. Louis, we have been going on Missouri float trips for years and years. We love the diversity in the float trips Missouri has to offer.
Whether you’re into camping or looking for Missouri float trips with cabins, this article details all the best places to camp, stay, and rent float trip gear from.
So if you’re looking for float trips near St. Louis, float trips near Kansas City, or just general MO float trips – continue reading for all the best float trips in Missouri!
Check out our Ultimate Float Trip Packing List so
you don’t forget anything.
The Best Float Trips in Missouri Near St. Louis
1. Big River
Distance from St. Louis: 45 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 4 hours
Distance from Springfield: 4 hours
The Big River is one of the best rivers for a float trip in Missouri and one of the best for a float trip near St. Louis.
If you are looking to also do some hiking or exploring during your trip, look no further than the Big River. The Big River flows right through the banks of Washington State Park, Twin River Park, Cedar Hill Park, and St. Francois State Park.
The Big River is one of the best float trips near St. Louis since it can be done as a day trip. The slow-moving waters also make it one of the best family-friendly float trips in Missouri.
Because there are only two outfitters that rent out floating equipment, Washington State Park & Cherokee Landing, this river is more on the quiet side (especially during the week) which makes a Big River float trip the quieter float trip Missouri has to offer.
Where To Rent: Cherokee Landing
Cherokee Landing has outstanding customer service and great prices on its float trip rental equipment. The staff is very accommodating and will help you if you have any questions.
Where To Camp: Washington State Park
Washington State Park is a great park for setting up a tent or bringing your camper to enjoy a weekend of camping.
The campground itself is small, but the sites are spaced out and well-kept. You can also rent floating equipment from the concession store.
Where To Stay: Gorgeous Historical Farmhouse
This beautiful historic farmhouse is a great place to stay with your family or a group. It’s only minutes away from St. Francois State Park which has two places to launch kayaks or canoes from.
This house can sleep 12 people comfortably and has two full kitchens! The house was built in 1832 but has recently been updated. Although, the owners still kept the historical charm alive in the update.
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Best Missouri Float Trips For Clear Water
2. Black River
Distance from St. Louis: 2 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 3 hours
The Black River is one of the best rivers for a float trip in Missouri. The Black River is known for its incredible Ozark scenery as well as being one of the best clear water float trips Missouri has to offer.
While enjoying your Black River float trip you will pass through sandstone bluffs and you may even have a chance to spot some wildlife on the banks of the river.
If you enjoy fishing, the upper parts of the Black River are known for some great bass fishing. The eastern part of this river also runs through Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.
🛶 Read More: Complete Guide to Black River Float Trips 🛶
You can’t reach Johnson Shut-Ins by boat or floating to it, but it’s a wonderful place to go swimming and can be a great way to add another adventure to your float trip weekend.
Of all the Missouri float trips, the Black River is definitely one of our favorite nearby float trip St. Louis has to offer.
Where To Rent/Camp: Black River Camping & Outfitters
If you are looking for a great place to rent your Black River floating equipment, The Black River Camping offers some great rates on float trip equipment.
They also have gorgeous campsites right along the crystal clear Black River where you can walk straight from your campsite into the river.
Where To Stay: Cabin On The Black River
Looking to have an awesome Missouri float trip weekend? Look no further than the Cabin at the Black River. This newly built cabin has a gorgeous view out over the Black River and sits on 27 acres.
It sleeps 12, has two full baths, and has a gorgeous stone fireplace. This cabin is perfect for groups looking to have an awesome weekend floating down the crystal-clear Black River.
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Best River For Canoeing In Missouri
3. Niangua River
Distance from St. Louis: 3 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3 hours
Distance from Springfield: 1.5 hours
Of all the floating Missouri has to offer, the Niangua River is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a beautiful Missouri river float.
Flowing just south of the Lake of the Ozarks and passing through Bennet Springs State Park, this river has a lot to offer when looking for Missouri rivers to float.
The Niangua River is known for having some of the best fishing in the state.
If fishing isn’t really your thing, don’t worry as the Niangua River has a plethora of floating outfitters & different types of Niangua float trips to choose from.
Do be warned, this river along with the Meremac/Huzzah rivers can get really crowded during the summer months.
🛶 Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Floating the Niangua River 🛶
If you’re looking for a relaxing float trip or kid-friendly float trips in Missouri, either check out a different river or try and visit on a weekday.
But if you’re looking for one of the best party rivers in Missouri, the Niangua is a great choice.
The Niangua River is also only a 3-hour drive from St. Louis or Springfield making it one of the more centrally located floating rivers in Missouri.
Where To Rent/Camp: Riverfront Campground & Canoe
Riverfront Campground & Canoe is a clean, well-maintained campground right on the banks of the Niangua River.
Most sites are directly on the river, so you can enjoy swimming and some of the best river floating in Missouri right next to where you’re camping.
Riverfront Campground & Canoe also offers something pretty unique: When looking for all the overnight float trips Missouri has to offer, Riverfront offers an all-inclusive overnight canoe trip that includes all your camping & floating gear, 4 meals, and two guides.
Where To Stay: Gorgeous Cabin On Niangua River
This gorgeous cabin can accommodate 10 people so it’s great for groups or families looking for a fun weekend getaway.
The best part about this house? It has its very own private gravel bar so you can enjoy hanging out by the river without even leaving the property! This is a great option for people with kids or anyone looking for the best family float trip Missouri has to offer.
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Best Float Trips In Missouri For Scenery
4. Current River
Distance from St. Louis: 2 hours & 40 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 4 hours & 35 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 2 hours & 25 minutes
The Current River, in our opinion, is one of the best rivers to float in Missouri. The Current River is one of the spring-fed rivers in Missouri which makes it a bit colder than other rivers, but great for a hot summer day!
The Current River and Jacks Fork River are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and were the first rivers to be protected by the National Parks system.
Of all the best places to float in Missouri, we definitely suggest checking out the Current River and the surrounding area for some gorgeous Ozark scenery.
🛶 Read More: Ultimate Guide to Current River Float Trips 🛶
The Current River runs through Montauk and Current River State Park which both offer some incredible scenery as you pass by on your float trip.
The Current River is a popular spot for people looking to do overnight Missouri river float trips. There are lots of options for primitive campgrounds managed by NPS along the banks of the Current River.
Because of all the amazing things to see and do, it can’t get any better than the Current River for the best float trip in Missouri!
Where To Camp: Pulltite Campground
Pulltite Campground is managed by the National Parks Service and is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This Current River campground has flush toilets and a shower house but no hookups for RVs.
Pulltite is our first choice for a campground because it is located on a beautiful section of the river where some of the best Current River float trips are.
Lots of sites are also riverfront, which is floating in Missouri dream. If you’re looking for NPS campgrounds with hookups check out Alley Spring, Big Spring, and Round Spring.
Where To Rent: Carr’s Canoe Rental
Carrs Canoe Rental is an authorized rental service by the National Parks Service and you can rent canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes from them.
They are located at Round Spring Campground but will arrange with you to pick you up at the lodging or campground you are staying at. They can accommodate single-day float trips or even overnight float trips.
Where To Stay: Secluded Riverfront Cabin
Looking for Current River cabins to stay in? This cabin sits right on the Current River and is great for a family or friends looking to explore everything the Current River has to offer.
Put your canoes in right at the cabin or spend the day by the river fishing, swimming, and sitting by the fire ring right on the banks of the crystal clear river.
Great For Groups: Luxury River View Cabin
This cabin is a gorgeous home that sits upon a bluff overlooking the Current River. It has everything that you could need for having an awesome weekend with your friends or family.
It sleeps 12 and has two living areas, two large outdoor deck areas with patio furniture, and picnic tables.
The best part about this luxury cabin is the tram that you can ride up and down to the river. Don’t worry about lugging all your stuff up and down the stairs every day, just take the tram!
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5. Jack’s Fork River
Distance from St. Louis: 3 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 4 hours & 45 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 2 hours & 20 minutes
The Jacks Fork River is a tributary of the Current River and is the second river run by the National Parks system in Missouri. Due to lack of access, it is described as one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in Missouri.
This area of Missouri is also home to two herds of wild horses. See if you can spot them on the banks of the river during your float trip.
The first 25 floatable miles of The Jacks Fork River is essentially a deep valley with jagged dramatic cliffs rising along both sides of the river.
This part of the river is for the more adventurous and experienced floaters as the waters are categorized as Class II. The rest of the river is considered a more relaxing float trip and is suitable for all levels.
The Jacks Fork River is another great place for camping and floating in Missouri as there are 3 backcountry campsites along the river and 4 primitive sites all managed by NPS.
If you’re looking to do an overnight float and camping trip, the Jacks Fork would be a great river to check out!
Where To Rent/Camp: Circle B Campground
Circle B Campground sits right along the banks of a beautiful section of one of the best rivers in Missouri to float, the Jacks Fork River.
You will find everything you need for an awesome weekend camping and floating with your family and friends at this campground. Clean restrooms, shower houses, and shaded spots.
Where To Stay: Relaxing Ranch House In The Woods
This cute little ranch house is a great place to stay to be out in nature while also not being that far from town in case you forget anything.
The house is tastefully decorated, the bed is super comfy, and it’s only minutes away from one of the best Missouri float trip rivers.
🏠 Browse All Rental Houses Near Jacks Fork River 🏠
Best Party Float Trips In Missouri
6. Meramec River
Distance from St. Louis: 1 hour & 30 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 3 hours & 40 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 2 hours & 15 minutes
The Meramec River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in Missouri and many other popular rivers for float trips stem from this river.
The Meramac actually used to be known as one of the most polluted rivers in Missouri. Local and state governments have taken tremendous steps in cleaning up the river and now it is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in Missouri!
🛶 Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Floating the Meramec River 🛶
Looking for the best tubing in Missouri? Floating the Meramec River on a tube is super popular between Maramec Springs Park and Meramec State Park.
This is where you will find all of the ‘river resorts’ in Missouri where people go for a party weekend or a fun-filled family rafting in Missouri trip.
You can continue to float past Meramec State Park but many people don’t enjoy it as much as the closer you get to St. Louis there are more houses and buildings along the river banks.
Over all, the Meramec is a great choice when looking for Missouri floating rivers as it’s so centrally located as well as has a ton of options of places to rent/camp.
Where To Rent/Camp: Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort
This large ‘resort’ is a great place to go if you want everything in one place. They have float trip rentals, Missouri canoe trips, rental cabins, a late-night campground, a family campground, a riverfront beach, an aerial park, a restaurant, and horseback riding.
What stands out to us is this is the place to go for tube float trips in Missouri. They have a “tube loop” that is 1.5 miles along the Meramec River that goes right along the campground. You can do this loop multiple times a day or just once- it’s up to you.
Meramec State Park
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing family getaway without all the party-goers, Meramec State Park has some beautiful campsites right along the river. You can also rent float trip equipment at the park for a reasonable price.
Where To Stay: Secluded Cabin In The Woods
This off-grid cabin is a great place for anyone looking to disconnect and spend some time in nature.
It is only a short drive to the river and only a 10-minute drive to Ozark Trail Trailhead, Onondaga Cave State Park, Ozark Outdoors, Huzzah Conservation Area, and the Mark Twain National Forest.
Perfect For Large Groups (22 People)
Looking for a house to stay at (on the river) with 22 of your friends or a group of families? Look no further!
This incredible cabin has 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms will make sure that everyone is comfortable. Enjoy playing in the river on your own sunny gravel bar and there is even a float trip outfitter right down the river where you can rent anything you need.
🏠 Browse All Rentals Near The Meramec River 🏠
Best Float Trip In Missouri Near Kansas City
7. Elk River
Distance from St. Louis: 5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2 hours
Located in the southwest corner of Missouri, floating the Elk River is a favorite thing to do for people who live in the western part of Missouri.
This river has so much to offer in terms of the many different rental companies, resorts, and campgrounds along the river. The river also has a large bass population for those who like to fish.
The starting off point for float trips on the Elk River is in the quaint town of Noel, Missouri. Floaters will love visiting this town as it’s all about the river here.
🛶 Read More: Ultimate Guide to Floating the Elk River 🛶
The Elk River has some of the best river rafting in Missouri as well as a great destination for Airbnbs and campgrounds situated right on the river. So if you’re looking for float trips in Missouri with cabins, the Elk River is high on the list!
We normally stop for a float trip on the Elk River when we’re on our way south with our camper. Noel Missouri is pretty close to the Arkansas border and there are also some really great float trips nearby on the Buffalo River that we love.
Where To Rent/Camp: Shady Beach Campground
Shady Beach Campground is a great place to go with a group of friends to have an unforgettable weekend floating and camping. Their campground has riverfront campsites so you can enjoy hanging out by the river without going far from your site.
Rent your float trip equipment right at the campground and enjoy being shuttled upriver so you can float straight back to your campsite. For those of you looking to fish, this is also a great spot to catch some small-mouth bass!
Reservations: Call 800.745.6481 or visit the Shady Beach website for more info- make sure to make reservations in advance as they fill up quickly!
Where To Stay: Luxurious Cabin Great For Groups
This luxurious cabin is designed to keep your comfort in mind and is beautifully decorated. It’s also located literally steps away from some of the best canoeing in Missouri.
You could even jump right off the back porch into the beautiful blue water! The porch area is great for watching floaters go by and enjoying a drink while watching the sunset.
Affordable Family Vacation Cabin
If you’re looking for more affordable Elk River cabins, this adorable cabin is right up your alley. It is secluded on 24 acres of property, making it a great choice if you’re looking for some solitude.
It even has a hot tub for relaxing in after a fun day out on the river and has some pretty awesome views of the river below!
🏠 Browse All Elk River Cabins & Rentals 🏠
Best Float Trips In Missouri For Fishing
8. North Fork River
Distance from St. Louis: 3 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 4 hours
Distance from Springfield: 1 hour & 30 minutes
The North Fork River is a tributary of the White River and goes through the upper part of Mark Twain National Forest, all the way down into Arkansas.
The river is about a 3-hour drive away from St. Louis and is an excellent option for people looking to spend a day or weekend floating on one of the best rivers in Missouri.
The North Fork River is also voted as one of the top 100 rivers for trout fishing in the US and is one of the best rivers for canoe trips in Missouri.
Don’t forget to check out Blue Spring while floating down this river, the water bubbles from the ground creating a gorgeous turquoise color that looks like it’s straight out of a tropical destination.
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Where To Rent/Camp: Sunburst Ranch
Sunburst Ranch is located along a beautiful section of the North Fork River. The owners are super friendly and are there to help with anything you might need.
They have nice, clean shower houses and bathrooms and reasonable rates for campsites as well as float trip rentals.
Where To Stay: Oak Cabin With Hot Tub
This cabin is a great place for a family or a couple of friends to stay while visiting the North Fork River. The cabin is down a secluded road where you can enjoy seeing wildlife right off the front porch.
There also is a new hot tub for relaxing and having an evening drink while watching the sunset. Check out Pettit’s Canoe Rental right down the street for float trip rentals and transportation.
Perfect For Large Groups
Another great option for a group of friends or a bunch of families looking to have an awesome weekend on the river. This cabin can sleep 13 adults comfortably and has all the amenities you would need to keep you comfortable.
This cabin is even walking distance to a really nice restaurant and also very close to Dawt Mill & Sunburst Ranch where you can rent canoes, kayaks, or rafts, grab a drink at the bar, or enjoy a tasty dinner.
🏠 Browse All Rentals Near The North Fork River 🏠
Best Float Trips In Missouri For Families
9. Big Piney River
Distance from St. Louis: 2 hours & 30 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 4 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2 hours
If you’re looking to go on a float trip with hopes of not seeing another soul, check out the Big Piney River.
A tributary of the Gasconade River, the Big Piney is a great family float trip river in Missouri and is easy to float year-round because of the high water levels. This also makes it one of the best places to kayak in Missouri!
The scenery of the Big Piney definitely won’t disappoint either- tall jagged bluffs overlook the river and there are plenty of secret swimming spots to discover along the way, making this river one of the best rivers for float trips in Missouri.
Make sure to taste some beers at the Piney River Brewing Co and get a Float Trip beer while you’re at it!
Where To Camp/Rent: Peck’s Last Resort
This campground is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to camp and float all in one place. They have RV spots, tent spots, and really affordable prices on float trip rentals.
They also have nice cabins you can rent which makes it one of the best places for family float trips in Missouri so you can have all the comforts of home while also experiencing a nice trip together.
Where To Stay: Secluded Log Cabin On The Big Piney
This log cabin has a gorgeous screened-in porch perfect for relaxing after a fun day of floating down the Big Piney.
The house has 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, and 2 full baths making it a perfect place to get away with family or a group of friends. There are canoe rentals close by and the river is only 2 minutes away.
This house is a perfect spot for exploring the Big Piney!
🏠 Browse All Rental Homes Near The Big Piney River 🏠
Best Float Trip In Missouri For Solitude
10. Eleven Point River
Distance from St. Louis: 3 hours & 20 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 5 hours & 20 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 3 hours
The Eleven Point River is one of the best floats in Missouri for people seeking solitude and some time unplugged.
Probably one of the most remote rivers in Missouri, the Eleven Point is a great river to float if you’re looking for an awesome adventure. The Eleven Point is supplied by the enormous Greer Spring, which is the 10th largest freshwater spring in the world!
There are primitive campgrounds located along the banks of the river which can be great for people looking to do a multiple-day float.
Where To Rent: Richards Canoe Rental
Richards Canoe Rental is a great place to rent all your float trip equipment and also set up camp.
They are family-owned and have been in business since 1976. They have shower houses and restrooms for tent campers as well as hookups for RVs. Their canoe and kayaks are rented at reasonable rates and they are on a beautiful section of the Eleven Point.
Where to Camp: Greer Crossing Recreation Campground
Greer Crossing Recreation Campground is a secluded campground located right on the banks of the Eleven Point.
It is managed by the USDA and the hosts at this campground keep it super clean. There are vault toilets and no hookups. Richards Canoe Rental is right down the road where you can rent float trip equipment.
11. Beaver Creek
Distance from St. Louis: 3 hours & 50 minutes
Distance from Kansas City: 3 hours & 40 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 1 hour & 10 minutes
Floating down Beaver Creek is a great option for someone looking for solitude. It’s also a popular river with fly fishers, so you know there is some good fishing to be had here.
Beaver Creek is a tributary of The White River and even though it isn’t technically a river, it’s still around the size of the Niangua River but it usually has a lot less reliable water supply.
One of the best parts of The Beaver Creek River is that it flows through Mark Twain National Forest so you’re bound to see some beautiful scenery on your float trip.
Where To Rent/Camp: Beaver Creek Canoe Rental & Campground
Beaver Creek Canoe Rental and Campground is one of the best places to rent float trip gear as well as camp. They have awesome customer service and fair prices.
The campground is super well taken care of and the bathhouse is extremely clean. It also has 1600 feet of waterfront campsites, so you can enjoy the river while you camp.
12. The James River
The James River is a perfect float trip located near Springfield, Missouri and the river actually supplies drinking water to the town of Springfield.
There was once upon a time when the James River was actually really polluted, but in recent years thanks to the James River Basin Partnership, the river has been cleaned up, and how it makes for a great place to go floating.
The James River flows south of Springfield and past Galena and stops at Table Rock Lake. There are quite a few options for public access points along this river and when the water is high enough there is a section that can make up a solid three-day 2 overnight float trip.
Where To Rent/Camp: James River Outfitters
James River Outfitters is the perfect place that offers canoe trips in Missouri down the James River. They have really fair prices on camping and rentals as well as great customer service.
One of our favorite ways to go on a float trip is by being shuttled upriver and floating back to your campsite. That way you don’t have to ride a shuttle for miles after being tired from a full day of floating. James River Outfitters has floats where you can end your day back at the campground which is perfect in our opinion.
13. Huzzah Creek and Courtois Creek
The Huzzah and Courtois Creek are both Meramec River tributaries and are super popular places to go on a float trip near St. Louis. Located near Steelville, Missouri the creeks are surrounded by lots of Missouri float trip cabins and places to camp.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly float trip in Missouri this is not the place during the summer months. Because of the river resorts located along these rivers, this is one of the biggest Missouri party destinations.
But if partying is what you’re looking for, you can end your search and head to Huzzah or Courtois Creek.
Just like with any river on this list, if you go during the week or in the shoulder season, you are bound to see a lot fewer crowds. So these rivers could be a good choice at those times!
Where To Rent/Camp: Huzzah Valley Resort
If you’re looking for an all-in-one float trip rental place the Huzzah Valley Resort has you covered. They have a huge campground, float trip rental gear, and even horseback riding.
The Huzzah is one of the Missouri floating rivers and the Huzzah Valley Resort is one of the best places to do just that. They even have gorgeous cabin rentals so you can go on your Missouri river rafting trip with all the comforts of home.
Looking for Even More Float Trips?
Check out Our Guide to the Best Float Trips in Arkansas
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