The Ultimate Guide to Current River Float Trips

Current River float trips are by far one of the best ways to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty that Southern Missouri has to offer. 

With cascading bluffs, crystal clear water, swimming holes, wildlife and so much more, it’s no wonder the Current River in Missouri is a popular destination for nature lovers of all ages looking to soak up some sun and have a little fun!

In this ultimate guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know to plan a Current River float trip. We’ll cover all the best Current River outfitters as well as where to stay, where to camp, and the best sections of the river to float.

We’ll also show you how to check water levels ahead of time and explain the difference between Jacks Fork and the Current River so you’ll be completely prepared for your Current River trip!

Best Time Of Year For Current River Float Trips

Starting in mid-May until about the beginning of September is often the best time of year to plan float trips. June, July, and August are by far the busiest months.

If you’re looking for the best time of year to float on the Current without the crowds, we would recommend going in either June or September for the quietest float trips Current River MO has to offer.

Where is The Current River, MO?

The Current River in Missouri is located in the southern part of the state and is 184 miles long and runs all the way into the northern part of Arkansas.

The section near Eminence, Missouri (where the Current River and Jacks Fork River combine) is one of the most popular areas for Current River Mo Float Trips. If you’re planning on floating the Current River, this is the place to be!

This entire area is also protected by the National Parks Service. In 1964 Congress declared this area the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to protect its pristine beauty.

Different Ways To Float On The Current River

There are a few different ways that you can float on the Current River. Everyone has their own preference on what kind of float they want to have which will influence what kind of equipment you will rent.

There are 4 options when it comes to floating the Current River, you can take a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube.

1. Current River Kayaking

Kayaking the Current River is a favorite amongst many floaters. Going on Current River kayak trips is a wonderful way to explore the river because it gives you lots of freedom and flexibility.

Kayaks are easy to maneuver and don’t tip over as easily as canoes so they can be a great option for someone less experienced.

Keep reading about how to have a wonderful kayaking Current River float trip and learn about the different outfitters and different sections of the river to float.

2. Current River Tubing

Tubing on the Current River is another great option but is usually reserved for when you want to sit back and do nothing.

When you choose to tube down a river, you are at the mercy of the river and can’t really direct yourself or speed yourself up. Talk to the outfitter you choose to make sure the river is flowing fast enough (or slow enough) for a tube.

Not every section of the Current River is a great area to go tubing so we would recommend when looking for Current River tube rentals checking out The Landing.

Current River Missouri tubing is a fun way to get out there and have a relaxing day on the river.

3. Current River Rafting

Rafting on the Current River is another great option when choosing your equipment. Renting a raft is a fun experience for people who are looking to go as a group and want to stay together the whole time.

Typically, you can fit 4-6 people on a raft (sometimes more) and you will all use a paddle to get down the river.

Current River rafting trips are great if you want to have somewhere to easily store your cooler or you want to have a spot for small children or your 4-legged friend.

Of course, always check with the Current River raft rental company to make sure you can bring your children and/or dog on the raft.

4. Current River Missouri Canoeing

Choosing a canoe to float down the Current River is one of the most common options and for good reason. There is nothing quite like going Current River floating in a canoe, everyone has to try it at least once.

Taking a canoe has lots of benefits, such as having more room to pack your things and a comfy seat to sit on. (Make sure you pack a seat cushion and a backrest for the ultimate comfort.)

Because you can bring more stuff, canoes are a great option for someone interested in doing an overnight float and sleeping on the banks of the river.

There are plenty of Current River canoe outfitters and we will get into them individually in the rest of the article below as well as the different sections of the river and which outfitter is located where.

Upper, Middle, And Lower Current River Float Trips

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways area is divided into three sections. Just east of Eminence, Missouri is where Two Rivers is located which is where the Jacks Fork River and the Current River meet.

From Two Rivers North is known as the Upper Current River and from Two Rivers South is known as the Lower Current River.

The area around Two Rivers along with the river near the town of Eminence and the Jacks Fork River is referred to as the Middle/Jacks Fork area.

Upper Current River Float Trips

Akers Ferry to Pulltite – 11 Miles – 5 Hours

If you’re looking for the best float on the Current River check out Akers to Pulltite. We feel that it is one of the best float trips on the Current River because it offers a variety of scenery and even caves you can float into!

This float is 11 miles long and generally speaking, takes around 5 hours to complete.

About 3 miles past Lewis Hallow you will pass Cave Spring which is a cave large enough to paddle a kayak into and it’s absolutely breathtaking! It’s also relatively easy to find since there’s normally somewhat of a crowd of people paddling around the opening.

While the cave only goes about 100 feet back, it’s certainly a must-see stop on your float trip along one of the best places to float the Current River.

Cave Spring actually isn’t the only cave you’ll see along the way. Just a little further along the float is Rock House Cave.

The two entrances to Rock House Cave (which are right next to each other) are about 30 feet off of the bank of the river which makes it super easy to spot & get out to explore a little before continuing down the river.

All of the exciting things to see on this section of the river make this the best float trip Current River has to offer.

More Upper Current River Float Times

• Baptist to Cedar Grove: 3 Hours
• Cedar Grove to Akers: 3 Hours
• Pulltite to Round Spring: 4 Hours
• Round Spring to Two Rivers: 7 Hours
• Akers to Two Rivers: 13 Hours

Float times are estimated so be sure to check with your outfitter for conditions regarding floating current river Missouri and more specifics on how long your float will take.

Middle Current River/Jacks Fork Float Trips

This area is great because it gives you the option of floating on the Current River or Jacks Fork. If you plan to float Jacks Fork pay special attention to the water levels.

It’s not uncommon for the river to be too low to float if you’re further upriver than Alley Spring, especially in late summer. Springtime is often the best time to float since water levels are usually at their highest.

Alley Spring to Two Rivers is floatable year-round and so it’s a popular area of the Jacks Fork River to float and one of the best float trips Current River has to offer.

Alley Spring to Two Rivers – 15 Miles – 8 Hours

Alley Spring to Two Rivers is an amazing float through some of the most picturesque scenery that southern Missouri has to offer. Jacks Fork and the Current River earned the title of “Ozark National Scenic Waterways” and after this float trip, you’ll see why.

After putting in at Alley Spring you’ll make your way through a mixture of deep pools filled with crystal clear spring-fed water and more shallow sections that may at times require a little hop out and push to make it through. All while being surrounded by stunning tree-covered bluffs.

More Jacks Fork Float Trip Times

• Blue Spring to Rymers: 4 Hours
• Bay Creek to Alley Spring: 4 Hours
• Alley Spring to Eminence: 4 Hours
• Eminence to Two Rivers: 4 Hours
• Hwy 17 to Alley: 16 Hours
• Prongs to Hwy 17: 4 Hours
• Hwy 17 to Rymers: 5 Hours
• Rymers to Alley Spring: 9 Hours

Float times are estimated so be sure to check with your outfitter for current river Mo conditions and more specifics on how long your float will take.

Lower Current River Float Trips

The lower Current River is the area from Two Rivers/Eminence, Mo down to Van Buren and beyond. This section of the river is great for a float trip because you can start your Eminence MO float trip upriver and then finish back at your campground or Airbnb back in Van Buren.

Pin Oak to The Landing (Van Buren, MO) – 9 Miles – 6 Hours

Pin Oak is a great place to start your float trip because it’s already quite a bit further downriver than the Two Rivers area. Since most floaters head for the upper Current River area, the lower Current River can be somewhat less crowded during the busy months.

Since this area of the river is a little further downriver you’ll also have the opportunity to experience a little bit of a different float.

This area of the Current River does not have anywhere near as many shallow sections and even has a few short areas with small rapids that can add a little excitement to your Van Buren Mo float trips! 

But no need to worry, this part of the river is still Class I (easy) with only very short sections of Class II (medium) difficulty so it’s still a great float for all ages and experience levels.

The lower section of the Current River is pretty similar to the Elk River near Noel Mo.

The Landing is also located in Van Buren which makes it a perfect stopping point. If you decide to stay in one of Van Buren’s great Airbnbs or campgrounds you will already be home when you end your float trip.

Pin Oak to The Landing is certainly one of the best Van Buren Current River float trips Missouri has to offer!

More Lower Current River Float Times

• Van Buren Missouri float trip to Big Spring: 2hrs
• Two Rivers to Powder Mill: 3hrs
• Waymeyer to Van Buren River Float: 3hrs
• Big Spring to Cataract: 4hrs
• Big Spring to Gooseneck: 6hrs
• Van Buren MO to Gooseneck: 8hrs
• Powder Mill to Van Buren Floating: 10hrs
• Two Rivers to Big Spring: 14hrs

Float times are estimated so be sure to check with your outfitter for current river conditions and more specifics on how long your float will take.

Looking for a different river?
Check out our guide to Niangua River Float Trips

Where To Stay For Upper Current River Float Trips

Secluded Cabin on the Current River

If you’re looking for Current River float trip cabins, it doesn’t get any better than this! This cabin is located right on the Upper Current River so you’re only a short walk from the water. 

The cabin sleeps 6 people and is very reasonably priced for all the amenities you’ll have access to. There’s plenty of space and it’s far enough away from everything (including the road) that you’ll have the entire area to yourself!

The cabin is the perfect stop for those looking for Current River cabins and floating options nearby.

Upper Current River Camping

If you’re planning on Current River camping and floating, here are the best campgrounds:

• Pulltite Campground – Pulltite is without a doubt one of the best Upper Current River float trip camping locations. It’s located just north of the Sunklands Conservation Area and it’s right on the Current River.
  
  They have 55 family sites and you can organize your float trip right through the campground so there won’t be any need to do extra driving the morning of your float. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time since spots fill up quickly!

• Pinecrest Campground and Cabins – Pinecrest is another great option if you’re looking for the best Current River float trips and camping.
  
  They’re a great family-owned and operated campground with a variety of tent camping, RV sites, horse trailer sites, and cabins so you’re sure to find a perfect spot.

Upper Current River Outfitters

Before you head out floating on Current River you’ll need a great outfitter!

All Current River Outfitters

If you’re considering renting a Canoe, here are the best Current River canoeing rentals:

Current River Canoe Rental – (573) 858-3250
Round Spring Canoe Rental – (573) 858-3237
Silver Arrow Canoe – (833) 628-2620
Carr’s Canoe Rental – (573) 858-3240
Running River Canoe – (573) 858-3371
Jadwin Canoe Rental – (573) 729-5229
Akers Ferry Canoe – (573) 858-3224

Planning Lower Current River Float Trips

Where To Stay For Lower Current River Float Trips

Luxury River Cabin Condo

If you’re planning on floating the lower Current River these condos are a great option!

They’re newly built with beautiful modern interiors. This one sleeps 6 people and is without a doubt one of the best deals you’ll find for the amount of space that you get.

Lower Current River Camping

Here are the best campgrounds for lower Current River camping and float trips:

• Big Spring – Big Spring Campground is operated by the Parks Service and is a great option if you plan to float the lower Current River. It’s just four miles south of Van Buren, Mo, and very close to the Big Spring which is one of the largest springs in the United States!
  
  They have over 100 campsites with 28 of them being electric sites ranging from 20/30/50 amps. There are also showers and a dump station on site. They do have three group sites, but they are often reserved pretty far in advance so be sure to book early!
  

• Ozark Riverfront Campground – You really can’t ask for a better location than Ozark Riverfront if you’re looking for a lower Current River campground. It’s located on the south side of Van Buren right on the Current River so you can end your float right at your campsite!
  
  They have a variety of both RV and tent campsites so you’re sure to find a spot that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
  
  They also have two private swimming areas on the banks of the Current River so you can enjoy some time in the river without quite so many people around which can be nice after a long day of floating on a river that can at times be very crowded.

Lower Current River Outfitters

All Lower Current River Outfitters

The Landing Canoe Rental – (573) 323-8433
Big Spring RV Camp – (573) 323-8328

Planning Jacks Fork Float Trips

Where To Stay For Jacks Fork Float Trips

Ranch House Cabin in the Ozarks

This beautiful modern cabin is our top pick if you plan to float Jacks Fork. It sleeps 4 and has tons of great little features that make it so unique to the area. For example, the stone fireplace was handmade with rocks from the surrounding area!

Jacks Fork Float Trip Camping

• Alley Spring – Is managed by the park service and is a great camping option for the Jacks Fork area.
  
  They have 146 sites in total that range from tent sites all the way up to full hook-up RV sites. They also have 3 large reservable group sites if you have a lot of people that you want to keep close together.

• Two Rivers Campground – Is also managed by the Parks Service and is much smaller than Alley Spring, but you couldn’t ask for a better location!
  
  Located right in the heart of everything Two Rivers is within walking distance to the point where Jacks Fork and the Current River meet. This means if you’re floating either river this is a great spot to set up camp.

Jacks Fork Outfitters

All Jacks Fork Outfitters

Windy’s Canoe Rental – (573) 226-3404
Jacks Fork Canoe Rental – (800) 522-5736
Alley Spring Canoe Rental – (573) 226-3386
Two Rivers Canoe Rental – (573) 226-3478

Floating The Current River On Your Own

Doing Jacks Fork River float trips or Current River float trips on your own can certainly be a great way to experience some of the areas of the river that aren’t quite so popular with the outfitters.

While going with an outfitter is often the best way to go if you’ve never been to the area before or you’re new to float trips, once you have a few trips under your belt you may want to get a little more adventurous! 

Here are some tips to help you get started planning your very own float trip without an outfitter:

• Equipment – if you’re going to float on your own then you’ll need your own equipment. We recommend starting with a kayak. They’re smaller and easier to steer than a canoe and far less likely to tip over.
  
  Check out our step-by-step guide to finding The Best Kayak for Beginners.
  
  A tube can also be a good option to start with and they’re often far cheaper, but they are virtually impossible to steer and so you end up more or less at the mercy of the river!
  
  Once you have your own equipment you can simply drive to a launch point and head out! But if you don’t want to deal with moving your vehicle around most outfitters will still take you to the launch point with everyone else and then all you need to pay for is the ride which is often far cheaper.
  
• Safety – Always check river conditions and plan ahead before attempting any Current River float trips on your own. The National Parks Service will close both the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers if water levels reach more than 2 feet above normal.
  
  Check out the National Park Service’s website to learn about Current River floating conditions and any river closures.

Tips For Your Current River Float Trip

Planning ahead what you will need to pack for your Current River Missouri float trip will save you tons of headaches or having your float ruined by remembering once you get to the river that you’ve forgotten something!

Whether this is your first float trip ever or you’ve been cruising the river like a champion since you were a little tot it can be super helpful to have a great packing list!

Check out our post on Ultimate Float Trip Essentials for a full list of everything you’ll need for floating the Current River in Missouri.

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You May Also Like:

• 10 Best Float Trips In Missouri
• Top 10 Best Float Trips in Arkansas
• The Best Kayak for Beginners: 8 Best Kayaks for the Money
• The Ultimate Float Trip Essentials – What to Bring on a Float Trip

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