The Best Float Trip In Missouri
Float Trips are a classic part of summer time living in Missouri. With temperatures climbing into the upper 90’s and heat indexes taking us well into the 100’s, you gotta get in some cold water. There are tons of options in Missouri for float trips, from the huzzah river, the 11 point, the meramec and the current.
Some people float in big inflatable rafts, some choose tubes, other Kayaks. My personal preference is the canoe.
On this trip, my friend AJ, (yes the same name as mine) his girlfriend and I hit the current river just outside of Salem Missouri. Current River Canoe Rental has always been a favorite outfitter of mine, with friendly service, reliable boats, equipment and a comfortable camp ground for those wanting to sleep, off of the river.
You should know that most of these outfitters operate in a very mom and pop fashion. Their websites are a little outdated, and you typically have to call to make a reservation. That being said, they do a great job when you get down there.
We leave our car at the Pulltite Campground and take the 10:30am shuttle, 9.6 miles upriver to the Akers Ferry put-in. We launch two canoes, with coolers, snacks and dry boxes for a roughly 6 hour float.
A trip of this length will typically take 4-6 hours depending on how many stops you make and how hard you paddle. We chose a leisurely pace and stopped several times along the side of the river.
Gravel bars are plentiful and offer numerous options for stops, swimming and recreation.
We stopped at a rope swing at mile 3.5. Cave spring a couple miles later and one final stop at a cliff, well suited for jumping. I don’t know the rules and regulations regarding cliff jumping on this river so don’t take this as a clearance to hurt yourself.
At the conclusion of our float, we were back at our car, and only 1/8 of a mile or so from our reserved campsite. The campground has showers, bathrooms, a small store with essential items like water, beer and very limited snack food options.
They also sell river essentials like water shoes, sun screen, hats and more.
For help planning a perfect float trip check out episode 10 of the podcast, and check out my previous post, The Closest Float Trip To St. Louis.
