One of the most picturesque canoe journeys in the country is floating the Current River while camping because of its numerous springs, beautiful water, and towering cliffs. The Current is the most spring-fed River in Missouri’s Big Springs Country, and it may be floated virtually all year round. The River is a National Scenic Riverway and offers good fishing for brown and rainbow trout. One of the most frequently floated rivers in Missouri is the Current River. On any hot summer day, the colder temperature of this spring-fed River is wonderful.
River Camping and Float Trips Right Now
The Current River float cruises are unquestionably one of the best ways to explore Southern Missouri’s natural beauty while being outside. The Current River in Missouri is a well-liked place for nature enthusiasts of all ages wishing to soak up some sun and have some fun because of its tumbling cliffs, crystal clear water, swimming holes, animals, and much more.
Quick Guide For A Current River Float Trip/Camping
Have limited time? Here are the key lessons from this post that can aid with your travel preparation:
- The cabin is private and has a swimming hole and a prime riverfront gravel bar.
- Best stretch to float: The Current River has a stunning length from Akers to Pullite.
- The best Campground is Pulltite Campground, which has 55 sites and is on the River.
- The best outfitter to rent from is Current River Canoe Rental, which is situated near Pulltite Campground and offers excellent service.
The best season of the year for current river cruises
Planning float trips are frequently easiest between mid-May and the beginning of September (Current River, Mo). The busiest months are by far June, July, and August.
The Current River, Mo, Where is it?
The River that currently flows through Missouri is 184 miles long and extends all the way into northern Arkansas. However, one of the most well-liked locations for Current River Mo Float Trips is the region close to Eminence, Missouri, where the Current River and Jacks Fork River join. This is the place to go if you’re thinking about floating the Current River in Missouri!
The National Parks Service also guards this entire region. To preserve its unspoiled splendor, Congress designated this area the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1964.
Floats on the Current River in Different Manners
You can float on the Current River in a few different ways. Everyone has a different preference for the type of float they desire, which will have an impact on the equipment you rent. You have four options for floating the Current River: a canoe, a kayak, a raft, or a tube.
Kayaking in the Current River
One of the popular activities for floaters on the Current River is kayaking. Kayaking on the Current River allows you a lot of freedom and flexibility, making it an excellent way to explore the River.
Kayaks are an excellent option for someone with less experience because they are simple to maneuver and don’t flip over as quickly as canoes. Continue reading to learn more about how to have a fantastic kayaking Current River float trip, as well as about the many outfitters and river areas to float.
Tubing the Current River
Another fantastic alternative is to go tubing on the Current River. However, this is typically done when you just want to relax. You can’t actually steer or accelerate yourself when you choose to slow down a river; you are at the River’s mercy. Make sure the River is running fast enough (or slowly enough) for a tube by speaking with the outfitter of your choice.
They advise checking out The Landing when searching for Current River tube rentals because not all parts of the River are ideal for tubing.
A pleasant day on the River can be had by tubing the Current River in Missouri. For all the information you need on tubing on the Current, keep reading!
Raging the Current River
Another fantastic choice when picking your gear is to go rafting on the Current River. For those who wish to travel together as a group and want to be together the entire time, renting a raft is a great experience. A raft can typically hold 4-6 people (occasionally more), and each of you will use a paddle to navigate the River.
Trips on the Current River are excellent if you want a place to conveniently store your cooler, a place for young children, or a place for your four-legged buddy. Naturally, make sure you may bring your kids and/or dog on the raft by confirming with the Current River raft rental provider.
Missouri Current River Canoeing
One of the most popular options is to paddle down the Current River in a canoe, and with good cause. Everyone must experience paddling a canoe down a beautiful river at least once; there is nothing quite like it.
There are many advantages to taking a canoe, including having extra space to store your belongings and a comfortable seat to relax on. (For the utmost comfort, remember to carry a seat cushion and a backrest.) Canoes are an excellent choice for someone interested in an overnight float and camping on the riverbank because they allow you to pack more gear.
There are many Current River canoe outfitters, and the remainder of the article will discuss each one individually, as well as the many portions of the River and their specific locations.
Float Trips on the Upper Current River
Eleven miles and 5 hours separate Akers and Pulltite.
Check out Akers to Pulltite if you’re searching for a float on the Current River. Because of the variety of scenery and even floatable caverns, they believe it to be one of the best float experiences on the Current River. Generally speaking, it takes about 5 hours to do this 11-mile float.
You will cross Cave Spring, a magnificent cave big enough to fit a kayak inside, about three miles from Lewis Hallow. Due to the usual presence of a small crowd of people paddling around the opening, it is also very simple to locate. Even though the cave only extends back about 100 feet, it is unquestionably a must-see stop on any float excursion along one of the best Current River float spots!
You won’t only come across Cave Spring along the journey, though. Rock House Cave is located just a couple of ways further along the float. It is very simple to locate and get out to investigate a little before continuing down the River because the two entrances of Rock House Cave (which are close to each other) are only around 30 feet off the bank of the River.
Jacks Fork/Middle Current River Float Trips
You have the choice of floating on the Current River or Jacks Fork, which makes this region fantastic. Pay close attention to the water levels if you intend to float the Jacks Fork.
If you are upstream of Alley Spring, especially in the late summer, it’s not unusual for the River and too low to float. Since water levels are frequently at their maximum in the spring, this is frequently the finest time to float.
Since Alley Spring to Two Rivers may be floated year-round, it is a well-liked section of the Jacks Fork river.
15 km and 8 hours from Alley Spring to Two Rivers
A wonderful float from Alley Spring to Two Rivers takes you through some of southern Missouri’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll understand why Jacks Fork and the Current River were designated “Ozark National Scenic Waterways” after doing this float excursion.
Following your put-in at Alley Spring, the River will take you through a variety of deep pools filled with spring-fed water that is crystal clear and shallower portions that occasionally call for a quick hop out and push to get across. All the while being surrounded by breathtaking bluffs covered in trees.
Float trips in the Lower Current River
The region between Two Rivers/Eminence, Missouri, and Van Buren and beyond is known as the lower Current River. Because you may start your Van Buren float trip upriver and end it back at your campsite or Airbnb in Van Buren, this portion of the River is excellent for floating.
Nine miles and 6 hours separate Pin Oak from The Landing (Van Buren, MO).
Since Pin Oak is already quite a distance down River from the Two Rivers location, it’s a great site to start your own float excursion (Current River). The upper Current River area is where most floaters go. Thus the lower Current River can be a little less crowded during the busiest months.
You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a little different float because this section of the River is a little further downstream. Your Van Buren Mo float trips will be a little more exciting in this portion of the Current River because there aren’t quite as many shallow sections here, and there are even a few brief sections with minor rapids! However, there’s no need to panic because this section of the River is still Class I (easy) with only a few small sections of Class II (medium) difficulty, making it a fantastic float for people of all ages and skill levels.
The Landing is a great place to stop because it is also in Van Buren. If you select to stay in one of the fantastic campgrounds or Airbnbs in Van Buren, you will already be at home when your float trip is through.
One of Missouri’s top Van Buren Current River float tours is, without a doubt, Pin Oak to The Landing!
What To Bring While River Camping On A Float Trip?
Float trips are a great opportunity to explore the outdoors and have fun. There are many various kinds of float trips, but our what to bring on a float trip guide will explain all the items you must have for each kind of float trip!
What is A Floating Trip?
You might be wondering what a float excursion is exactly. Depending on what you choose, float trips can be a little bit different, but they all involve floating down a river in a canoe, raft, or tube.
Some individuals choose to go on a day-long float down a river, while others prefer to go on a longer float and spend the night camping along the riverbank.
Some people wish to have a party on a float trip where there will be lots of people drinking and partying along the riverbanks. Others prefer taking a leisurely river float just to take in the scenery. Everything actually depends on what you’re looking for!
Overview of the Flat Trip Packing List
So that you may start preparing for the ideal float vacation, here is a brief outline of what to carry. You don’t need to worry about what to bring because they have already included all of the gear and necessities for river floats!
Transportation Accessories
Without these items, no list of what to bring for a river float would be complete. Here are a few float trip extras to add to your list of River floating necessities.
Beach towels, hats, sunglasses, drink koozies, a waterproof phone pouch, beach towels, sunglasses, a dry bag backpack, sunscreen, and beach towels
One of the essential River floating essentials you’ll need if you’re going on a float trip is a waterproof phone pouch. Of course, you’ll want to bring your phone, so you can take pictures, but don’t take the chance that it will get wet or fall into the River!
Another item we consider essential for float trips is a beautiful beach towel that you can easily take in your dry bag. Some beach towels can be very large and take up a huge space in your bag. If you leave one out, it will get wet, making it useless to have one.
Sun Hat – It would be a grave error to embark on a float excursion without a sturdy sun hat. Make sure you have something on that will both keep you cool and shield your face from the sun.
Obviously, sunglasses are a need for any float excursion! I’ve always loved these sunglasses.
A hands-free drink holder is perhaps the greatest idea ever and will significantly improve your enjoyment on a float trip. Having your drink slung around your neck is a game-changer whether you’re lounging in a tube or using a kayak or canoe and need your hands for paddling.
Dry Bag Backpack – Another of their preferred river tubing accessories is the dry bag backpack. Another fantastic choice for having hands-free access is to have the bag feature backpack straps. Naturally, it is waterproof, so you can keep all of your equipment dry.
Sunscreen is important—remember to use it! The most critical item to pack on a float trip these days is high-quality sunscreen, which is more crucial than ever. Additionally, it’s crucial to use sunscreen that won’t harm the River’s habitat. Their preferred sunscreen for each of those purposes is this one.
The best cooler for boats
Their list of essentials for a float trip includes a floating cooler at the top. You’ll need a technique to keep your drinks cool, whether you want to fill them with beer or lemonade.
These days, people think of everything, and the trendiest River floating accessory is these tow-behind coolers. A waterproof, transportable backpack cooler might be an excellent alternative if you don’t want a tow-behind cooler.
Floating cooler tow-behind If you have a tiny kayak or tube and don’t have storage for a large cooler, having a tow-behind floating cooler is a game-changer!
Another excellent choice for keeping your drinks cold is a backpack cooler. When you have to bring your other belongings down to the River, a backpack cooler is ideal for giving you hands-free convenience.
What to wear while Floating
What you usually wear to float the River is a wonderful question for anyone going on a float trip. Rashguards make excellent river trip necessities for anyone who wants to avoid applying sunscreen all the time. These rashguards are cool and breathable, making them ideal for swimming.
The best shoes for Boat Trips
Waterproof shoes are a necessity to pack while going on a river trip. They adore their chaos and wear them while engaging in all kinds of daring activities.
They dry up rapidly, making them very useful for hiking across rivers and streams. They are quite cozy and have a terrific grip, which makes it easier to enter and exit the River and move about in it.
Best flight Travel speakers
You must remember to bring a waterproof speaker along with your River floating gear! The best possible floating the river accessories are, without a doubt, speakers.
They love their JBL speakers, and having a waterproof one with a clip to secure it to your bag or your canoe, kayak, or raft is a game-changer.
Best River floating hardware
River flotation devices
The best kayak for floating in rivers
There is no doubt that a kayak is the best river floating apparatus available. The most control is provided by kayaking, which allows you to move freely through rapids and pretty much anywhere else on the River.
You may utilize a kayak on rivers around the nation as a terrific addition to your float trip equipment. Many individuals are reluctant to spend a lot of money on an expensive kayak because it might be pricey. They’ve created a guide to help beginners find the best kayaks on a budget because of this.
They would strongly advise making an investment in your own floating equipment if you intend to take a lot of float trips in the future. If you intend to float a lot, renting a kayak or canoe from an outfitter will cost you $100 per day. In the long term, purchasing your own is undoubtedly worthwhile despite the abundance of excellent low-cost solutions available.
The best river trip raft
Having a solid float trip raft has got to be the top requirement of all River floating equipment.
Any outfitter along the River should be able to hire you a raft, though their rates are typically quite high. In the long term, you can save a ton of money by owning a raft that you can take floating whenever you want.
The best canoe equipment
You must remember boat accessories if you enjoy paddling through rivers in a canoe. Having a chair with back support and removable cupholders changes the experience of going on a float trip.
The ideal inner tube for river cruising
An inner tube is the best, most traditional method of floating a river. When the water is high and running quite quickly, using an inner tube for River floating is a fantastic option.
When you have a bunch of people and can tie them all together with your inflatable/floating cooler trailing directly behind you, inner tubes can be a lot of fun.
KC’s Upcoming River Trips, Both Camping, And Floating
Trips on the Current River by Float
Welcome to Doniphan and the lovely Current River in southern Missouri’s scenic Ozark foothills, where KC’s on the Current is located. On a scorching summer afternoon, nothing beats its cold, crystal-clear waters. Even for beginners, the Current River at Doniphan has a leisurely flow and is great for floating in a raft, tube, canoe, or kayak.
All of their float trips leave from their shop and come with a complimentary shuttle up the River to the put-in location. Three separate float trips—3–4 hours, 5–6 hours, and 8–9 hours—are available. But you may take your time and spend the day lazily floating and picnicking alongside the River at one of their numerous gravel bars. Their full-service camping is next to their quick takeaway. You can hitch a ride back to your parked car at our store or take a quick stroll to go to your campsite (click here for a map). There is no waiting!
Eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, Western Tennessee, and Northeast Arkansas are all within easy driving distance of Doniphan, Missouri, making it a great day trip destination. You may also load up and spend the weekend at their full-service campsite, which offers RV and tent sites with water and electricity. Camping and floating on the lovely Current River with your family and friends is the perfect way to spend a weekend.
On the Current River, a campground
Our float trip takeout point is very next to KC’s Campground, and it’s only a short stroll from their store. The public park with playground, walking track, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and boat ramps are right next to their Campground.
Campgrounds are run by the National Forest Service.
For two campgrounds run by the National Forest Service, KC is the concessionaire (Deer Leap and Float Camp). Both campgrounds are a short distance from the Current River’s stunning water. The Float Camp campsite underwent an extensive renovation in 2011. Fully paved roads and parking spaces are now available at Float Camp. An electric hookup, a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill grate, and a lantern pole are all included with RV sites (single and double). Each picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and lantern pole at a tent site are brand-new. One of the nicest gravel bar beaches on the lower Current River is found at Float Camp; it’s wonderful for swimming, fishing, and endless amounts of sunbathing.
Current River Camping And Float Trips: 5 Safety Tips
A relaxing, enjoyable way to spend the day and experience the views and sounds of nature is to travel down a river in a boat or float tube. Even if the water is calm, maintaining safety is essential for ensuring the well-being of every passenger, especially if the River has a strong current. Here are five suggestions for your consideration as you go out on Current River float adventures.
How to Stay Safe While Floating in a Current River
One life jacket
Even on the calmest day, life jackets must be worn on any boat journey. You are not required to wear them at all times, but they must be with you at all times while you are on the excursion. Rivers can move fairly swiftly under some circumstances, and danger can appear suddenly. Wearing a life jacket keeps you afloat, particularly for young riders. To ensure the safety of all customers, river boating and canoeing businesses generally offer rentals.
Sun Defense
Wear a bonnet and sunglasses to protect your eyes and scalp from the harsh sunlight, in addition to applying sunscreen to your skin. UV radiation can be dangerous even on cloudy days. For the duration of the Current River float excursion, make sure your caps and sunglasses have ties and safety straps. Use a short rope to secure any equipment to the boat or inner tube; long ropes have a tendency to tangle in the riverbed.
Water intake
To stay hydrated while traveling, be sure to always bring water and sports drinks. Even if you’re just relaxing on an inner tube, spending a lot of time outside will make you thirsty. In the heat, you will still sweat. Therefore you need to rehydrate. You must not drink from glass or foam containers since they could break and contaminate the water.
Shoes
Your feet will be safeguarded from sharp rocks and rough terrain in and near the River by wearing the proper footwear. There is also a possibility for other broken things, including glass, which occasionally find their way into the water. Flip-flops are not recommended due to their fragility. Wear casual sneakers or sandals made especially for Current River float tours.
River Buddy
Make careful to go on an adventure with someone who has experience if you are new to them. Start off with a calm ride and progress to more active waters as your confidence grows. In case your tube or boat tips or you become separated, ensure sure you and any partners are strong swimmers.
F.A.Q.
What is the price of floating Current River?
Pricing by Raft
The minimum rental is $120. Nine river miles from Pin Oak Access to The Landing make up the entire day excursion.
The Current River, can you float it?
The Current River and the area below Alley Spring are both floatable all year long. Depending on how much rain fell in the immediate area or nearby locations, this could change.
What section of the Current River is the finest for floating?
However, one of the most well-liked locations for Current River Mo Float Trips is the region close to Eminence, Missouri, where the Current River and Jacks Fork River join. This is the place to go if you’re thinking about floating the Current River in Missouri! The National Parks Service also guards this entire region.
What is the length of the Current River float?
Early in the morning is definitely preferable unless you’re floating when the days are longer in summer because it takes about 5 hours to float from Akers Ferry to Pulltite on the Current River.
Can you be swept away by river currents?
The surface of rivers and streams may seem peaceful, yet there may be: Strong undercurrents that can drag even a strong and experienced swimmer down. Blockages like trees and garbage, as well as strainers (branches that behave like a sieve and prevent people, boats, and equipment from flowing through).
The Current River has rapids, right?
Along the Current River, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and camping are all favorite pastimes. The River is believed to feature largely class 1 and a few class 2 rapids, and it is relatively calm.
Can you withstand the flow of a river?
To avoid swallowing too much water, maintain your composure while looking downstream and breathing with the Current of the water. Flip over and swim diagonally toward shore with the current until you reach a calmer place. 2. The second, less common technique is to swim head-first downstream while lying on your stomach.
What is the length of the Current River float?
Early in the morning is definitely preferable unless you’re floating when the days are longer in summer because it takes about 5 hours to float from Akers Ferry to Pulltite on the Current River.
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