Discover Ozark Outdoors Resort’s River Floating Activities

Whether you’re making a daytime pit stop in an RV, pitching a tent for the weekend, or staying in a riverfront cabin with a big group, there are plenty of ways to experience Ozark Outdoors Resort’s 110 riverfront acres.

With four watercraft options and six river routes, we have a river floating adventure built for every skill level, age group, and social occasion.

Not sure which river run to pick? Let’s break down our floating activities so you can find your perfect match on the water.

Take it easy in a tube

If you want to stay close to the resort but still get your toes wet, our fan-favorite Tube Loop is calling your name.

This 1-mile float goes from resort beach to resort beach along the Meramec River. Want to go for another spin? Your tube rental is good for the entire day, so you can ride our complimentary river shuttle back to the start for another run.

Because it’s so close to camp, our Tube Loop is highly popular for kids’ camps and homeschool field trips looking for safe, easy fun. Once you’re done, hop off the water and grab lunch at Paddlers Bar and Grill, or gear up for a high-flying afternoon at Floating Treetops Aerial Park.

Gather your big group on a raft

Gather the group and hit the water! Our rafts hold between 4 and 10 people, perfect for the ultimate social float. Your group can stop on gravel bars for a bite to eat, jump off the raft for a swim in the Meramec River, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Rafting is the go-to choice for large gatherings like family reunions, church groups, fraternities, and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

For a half-day float, check out the 5-mile Courtois Primitive route, which runs during spring and early summer, or the 4-mile Scotia route, which runs during mid-summer and fall. Both options give you 4 to 5 hours on the water.

If you want to spend the whole day on the water with your crew, check out Skinner’s Landing, an 8-mile Meramec River route packed with swimming spots and scenic bluffs. The route takes about 8 hours from start to finish, perfect for a long, relaxing day with your group.

Partner up in a canoe

Grab a paddle, find a partner, and team up for a classic river run. Our two- and three-person canoes are built for pairs or trios looking to conquer the currents together—an excellent choice for corporate team-building events or couples’ getaways.

Our canoe trips give you and your partner a chance to experience scenic Ozark bluffs and take on some of Missouri’s best waterways side by side. If you want a longer day on the water, our HWY 8 route—a canoe and kayak exclusive—will get you 8 glorious miles on the clear waters of the Huzzah before finishing with a leisurely 2-mile float down the Meramec River.

Go solo on a kayak

Set your own pace on a kayak. Our one-seater vessels are a favorite for adventure clubs, solo explorers, and wildlife enthusiasts who want to get close to the water and enjoy the freedom to navigate the river on their terms.

If you want to experience all three waterways in one day, tackle the 10-mile Butts Slab route, which takes you through the winding bends of the Courtois, the Huzzah, and finally the Meramec.

If you opt for the new Skinner’s Landing route, be sure to keep your eyes on the skies: you might spot some bald eagles along the bluffs!

What to know before you go

All float trips and craft availability are based on management discretion, river levels, and user experience.

Give one of our friendly reservation staff members a call at (573) 245-6837 to check current conditions before heading to Ozark Outdoors. Your rental includes paddling gear, cushions, and Coast Guard-approved PFDs for most children ages 2 to 11. Please bring a personal flotation device for children under 2.

Ready for some river fun?