MoRiverGuide
Real-Time River Conditions • Trip Planner • Kayaking & Float Guides
Find Your Perfect Float Trip
Whether you're planning a DIY adventure or looking for a guided experience, we'll help you find the perfect Missouri river for your next trip.
Popular Missouri Float Rivers
Explore Missouri's best rivers for floating, from crystal-clear spring-fed waters to scenic Ozark streams perfect for every skill level.
Current River
Missouri's most popular float trip destination with crystal-clear spring-fed waters
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Jacks Fork River
Scenic tributary of the Current River with excellent swimming holes
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Meramec River
Popular river close to St. Louis with beautiful spring and state park
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Niangua River
Spring-fed river famous for trout fishing at Bennett Spring
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Eleven Point River
Wild and Scenic River with pristine waters and remote floating
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Gasconade River
Missouri's longest river with diverse scenery and excellent fishing
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Big Piney River
Peaceful river through Mark Twain National Forest
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Black River
Clear waters with Class II rapids and swimming holes
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Huzzah Creek
Popular creek near St. Louis with swimming holes
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Courtois Creek
Small scenic creek with clear water and bluffs
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North Fork River
Trophy trout fishing destination with cold spring waters
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James River
Scenic river near Springfield with smallmouth bass fishing
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Elk River
Clear spring-fed river in Southwest Missouri with scenic float trips
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Plan Your Self-Guided Float Adventure
Save money and float on your schedule! Our DIY planner helps you coordinate vehicles, find access points, and plan the perfect self-guided trip.
Trip Calculator
Your Trip Plan:
Vehicle Logistics Guide
Two Vehicle Strategy
Perfect setup! No shuttle needed. Save $35-50 per trip.
Meet at Take-Out Point
Leave Car #1 at the end point
Drive Together to Put-In
Everyone rides in Car #2 to start
Float & Retrieve
Float to Car #1, drive back for Car #2
500+ Mapped Access Points
We've mapped every public access point in Missouri with GPS coordinates, parking info, and real-time conditions. Never guess where to put in or take out again!
Why Choose MoRiverGuide?
We're the only site combining real-time data, DIY planning tools, and comprehensive guides for every Missouri river.
Live Water Levels
Real-time USGS water data shows current conditions for safe floating
500+ Access Points
Every public put-in and take-out mapped with GPS coordinates
Safety First
Current conditions, weather alerts, and safety guidelines for every river
Save Money
DIY guides help you float without expensive outfitter fees
Crowd Predictions
Know the best times to avoid crowds on popular rivers
Mobile Friendly
Works perfectly on your phone - even with spotty river service
Ready to Float?
Start planning your perfect Missouri river adventure today!
Missouri Float Trips: Your Complete Guide to River Adventures
Experience the best Missouri float trips on crystal-clear, spring-fed rivers winding through the scenic Ozark Mountains. With over 500 mapped access points and 50+ trusted outfitters, planning your perfect river adventure has never been easier. Whether you're seeking a peaceful family float trip or an exciting multi-day camping adventure, Missouri's rivers offer unforgettable experiences for every skill level.
Top Missouri Rivers for Float Trips
Current River Float Trips
Missouri's most popular floating destination with 134 miles of pristine water. The Current River offers everything from gentle family floats near Big Spring to exciting rapids at Cedar Grove. Average float times range from 2-8 hours with numerous outfitters providing canoe, kayak, and raft rentals.
Meramec River Float Trips
Perfect for float trips near St. Louis, the Meramec River combines easy access with beautiful scenery. Popular sections include Meramec State Park to Onondaga Cave, offering 4-6 hour floats through towering bluffs and numerous swimming holes.
Niangua River Float Trips
Known for excellent water quality and consistent levels, the Niangua River near Bennett Spring offers year-round floating opportunities. The river features gentle rapids, deep pools, and spectacular Ozark scenery perfect for intermediate paddlers.
Elk River Float Trips
Southwest Missouri's hidden gem, the Elk River near Pineville provides family-friendly floating with shallow, clear water. This beginner-perfect river features numerous gravel bars for picnicking and some of Missouri's best river swimming.
Plan Your DIY Float Trip in Missouri
Planning a DIY float trip in Missouri is easy with our comprehensive guides and tools. Start by selecting your river based on difficulty level and location. Most float trips range from 2-8 hours covering 4-12 miles. Here's what you need to know:
- Access Points: Use our interactive map to find 500+ public access points with GPS coordinates
- Shuttle Service: Most outfitters offer shuttle service for $15-25 per vehicle
- Float Times: Plan 2-3 miles per hour for casual floating using our trip planner
- Water Levels: Check current water levels - optimal range is 2-4 feet for most rivers
- Safety: Life jackets required for children under 7, recommended for all - see our safety guide
Missouri Float Trip Season & Weather
The best time for Missouri float trips is May through September when water temperatures range from 65-75°F. Spring (April-May) offers higher water levels and fewer crowds, while summer (June-August) provides the warmest conditions perfect for swimming. Fall floating (September-October) features beautiful foliage and peaceful rivers.
Float Trip Outfitters & Services
Choose from 50+ licensed Missouri float trip outfitters offering:
- Canoe rentals: $40-60 per canoe (seats 2-3 people)
- Kayak rentals: $35-45 per kayak (single or tandem)
- Raft rentals: $50-80 per raft (seats 4-6 people)
- Tube rentals: $15-25 per tube
- Shuttle service: $15-25 per vehicle
- Camping: $10-30 per night at riverside campgrounds
- Cabin rentals: $75-200 per night
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Float Trips
What is the best river for float trips in Missouri?
The Current River is Missouri's most popular float trip destination with 134 miles of crystal-clear water. For beginners, try the Elk River or upper Meramec River. Advanced floaters enjoy the Eleven Point River's remote sections.
How much do Missouri float trips cost?
DIY float trips cost $35-50 per person for canoe/kayak rental plus shuttle service. Guided trips range from $75-150 per person. You can float for free with your own equipment at 500+ public access points throughout Missouri.
When is the best time for Missouri river float trips?
May through September offers the best floating conditions in Missouri. Peak season is July-August with warm water (70-75°F) and predictable levels. Spring (April-May) has higher, faster water while fall offers smaller crowds and beautiful scenery.
What should I bring on a Missouri float trip?
Essential items include: life jackets (required for children under 7), sunscreen, water shoes, dry bag for phones/keys, cooler with ice, trash bags, and plenty of water. Avoid glass containers as they're prohibited on most Missouri rivers.
Are Missouri rivers safe for families with children?
Yes! Rivers like the Elk River, upper Meramec, and Courtois Creek are perfect for families with shallow, slow-moving water. Always ensure children wear life jackets and choose calmer sections during your first trips. Most outfitters offer family-friendly route recommendations.
Float Trips Near Major Missouri Cities
Float Trips Near St. Louis
The Meramec River (1 hour drive) and Courtois Creek (90 minutes) offer the closest float trip options to St. Louis. Both rivers feature easy access, multiple outfitters, and scenic Ozark terrain.
Float Trips Near Kansas City
The Niangua River near Bennett Spring (2.5 hours) and the Osage River system provide excellent floating opportunities for Kansas City residents seeking weekend river adventures.
Float Trips Near Springfield
Springfield floaters enjoy easy access to the James River, Finley River, and the northern sections of the North Fork River, all within an hour's drive.
Float Trips Near Columbia
The Gasconade River and Big Piney River offer excellent floating within 90 minutes of Columbia, featuring limestone bluffs and clear spring-fed water.