Meramec vs. Huzzah vs. Courtois: Comparing All 3 Float Trip Rivers
Camping Tips
Most Missouri float trip outfitters give you one river. At Ozark Outdoors Resort, you get three. The Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois all flow through the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, and all three are accessible from our 110-acre resort near Leasburg. Each river has its own personality. The Meramec is wider and slower, the Huzzah is winding and lively, and the Courtois (pronounced CODE-uh-way locally) is the smallest and most intimate.
Picking the right water for your group can be the difference between a relaxing day and a memorable one. This guide compares the three rivers side by side so you can match the right float to your crew.
Why Three Rivers Matter When Choosing a Float Trip
When you book a float trip with most outfitters, you go where the company puts you. Here, you actually get to choose. That matters because not every river fits every group. A family with toddlers wants something calm. A bachelor party wants more action. A first-time canoeist wants something forgiving. Having three options under one roof means we can match your group to the right water on the right day.
What All Three Rivers Have in Common
Before we get into the differences, here is what stays the same across the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois at Ozark Outdoors Resort:
- Clear, spring-fed Ozark water
- Tall bluffs, gravel bars, and forested banks
- Smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fishing
- Friendly, family-owned shuttle service from our resort
- Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes available
You also get the same trusted shuttle drivers who have run these rivers for years. That experience matters when water levels shift or when you need quick advice on a tricky bend.
What Sets Each River Apart
Each river has a different feel, current, scenery, and best use case. The next sections break it down.
The Meramec River: Wide, Steady, and Iconic
The Meramec is the headline river of the Ozarks. It is the largest of the three, which means a wider channel, longer pools, and a generally slower current. You can paddle a section, drift the next, and stop on a gravel bar without feeling like you are racing the water.
Best For
- Families with young children and beginners
- Large groups that want to stay close together
- Multi-boat trips with mixed skill levels
- Floaters who want time to fish, swim, and stop often
What to Expect
Expect long, lazy stretches with occasional riffles. Bluffs rise over the river in several spots, and gravel bars are plentiful for picnic stops. Because the Meramec is wider, the sun is more direct, so plan for more sunscreen than you would on a tighter creek.
Trip Length and Routes
Our HWY 8 Route runs 10 miles total, with 8 miles on the Huzzah and 2 miles on the Meramec. The Tube Loop on our property runs entirely on the Meramec on-site, which is a perfect introduction for kids and first-timers. For more on water levels and what to expect on the Meramec, read our guide to river safety and Meramec water levels.
The Huzzah Creek: Lively, Winding, and Scenic
The Huzzah (HOO-zaw) is a medium-sized creek that flows into the Meramec near our resort. It is faster and narrower than the Meramec, with more bends, more shade, and a lot more “what is around the next corner” energy.
Best For
- Adult groups looking for a livelier float
- Experienced floaters and confident paddlers
- Photographers who love tight, scenic banks
- Travelers who want a classic Ozark creek experience
What to Expect
The Huzzah moves. You will navigate more bends, brush past low-hanging branches, and likely bump a gravel bar or two if the water is low. Bluffs are stunning, and shade from overhanging trees keeps the trip cooler than a wide-open river. Smallmouth bass fishing on the Huzzah is excellent, and many local anglers prefer it over the Meramec.
Trip Length and Routes
Our most popular Huzzah run is the HWY 8 Route, a 10-mile float that puts you on 8 miles of Huzzah Creek before joining the Meramec for the final 2 miles. It is the right length for a full day, with plenty of swimming holes and gravel bars along the way. If you want to fish the Huzzah, our Meramec River fishing guide covers species, seasons, and tackle that work on all three rivers.
The Courtois Creek: Intimate, Quiet, and Off the Beaten Path
The Courtois (CODE-uh-way) is the smallest and most secluded of the three. It is a true Ozark creek, narrow in places, lined with willows and sycamores, and quieter than its bigger neighbors. Many locals consider it the most beautiful float in the region.
Best For
- Couples and small groups
- Floaters seeking quiet and natural scenery
- Wildlife watchers (herons, kingfishers, the occasional bald eagle)
- Paddlers comfortable with a more technical creek
What to Expect
The Courtois is intimate. Tight bends, slim channels, and frequent gravel riffles keep you engaged the whole way. In low water, expect a few brief drag-and-pull moments. In good water, it is one of the most rewarding floats you can do anywhere in Missouri. Wildlife sightings are common because the creek sees less traffic than the Meramec.
Trip Length and Routes
Our Butts Slab Route is a 10-mile combo float: 6 miles on the Courtois, 2 miles on the Huzzah, and 2 miles on the Meramec. You get the full Ozark sampler in a single day. Confident paddlers love this trip. First-timers should consider starting on the Meramec or Tube Loop and working up to the Courtois on a return visit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is the quick reference for choosing your river.
| River | Size | Current | Best For | Sample Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meramec | Large | Slower | Families, beginners, large groups | Tube Loop, HWY 8 (last 2 mi) |
| Huzzah | Medium | Faster, winding | Adults, lively groups, anglers | HWY 8 (8 mi) |
| Courtois | Small | Faster, technical | Couples, quiet seekers | Butts Slab (6 mi) |
If you are bringing a mixed group, you can split the day. Adults can take the Huzzah while families enjoy the Tube Loop on the Meramec. We can shuttle different parties to different put-ins on the same morning.
Common Questions About the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois (FAQ)
Q: Which is the best float trip river in Missouri for beginners? A: The Meramec is the friendliest of the three for first-time floaters. The current is slower, the channel is wider, and our on-site Tube Loop is an even gentler way to start. Once you have a trip or two under your belt, the Huzzah and Courtois open up new possibilities.
Q: How long is a Huzzah Creek float trip? A: Our HWY 8 Route covers 8 miles of the Huzzah and 2 miles of the Meramec for a 10-mile total. Most groups finish in 5 to 7 hours depending on stops, current, and group size.
Q: Is the Courtois Creek safe for kids? A: The Courtois is more technical than the Meramec, with tighter bends and shallower riffles. Older kids who are confident swimmers and comfortable in a canoe usually do well. Younger kids will have a better time on the Meramec or the Tube Loop.
Q: Can I float more than one river in a day? A: Yes. Our Butts Slab Route puts you on all three rivers in a single 10-mile day: 6 miles Courtois, 2 miles Huzzah, 2 miles Meramec. It is a great way to experience the variety in one trip.
Q: When do the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois open for the season? A: Float season generally runs from spring through fall, with peak conditions from late May through early September. Spring brings higher, cooler water. Late summer brings lower, warmer water and more gravel bar stops. Call (573) 245-6837 for current conditions.
Conclusion
The Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois each give you a different slice of the Missouri Ozarks. Pick the Meramec for easy days with the family, the Huzzah for a livelier classic creek run, and the Courtois for quiet and scenery. The best part is you do not have to choose just one. With all three accessible from Ozark Outdoors Resort, you can plan multiple trips on a single visit and let your group decide which river earns the rematch.
Ready to book your float? Call us at (573) 245-6837 or reserve online. For seasonal flow data on all three rivers, you can also check the USGS Water Data dashboard or the Missouri Department of Conservation before your trip.