Lazy Days

Resort & Campground on Elk River

Category: Pineville MO

Category: Pineville MO

Book A Cabin Getaway in Missouri for River Float Trips Down the Elk River

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Elk River in Missouri by booking the cabin getaway! With the perfect combination of serene riverside views, nearby attractions, and comfortable cabins, the ultimate destination for a float trip and cabin getaway is located right here in Missouri.

Explore the majestic beauty between Pineville and Noel, MO, while you enjoy a leisurely float down the Elk River. Relax in your cozy cabin at night and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Exploring the Beauty of Missouri’s Elk River

Missouri’s Elk River is a stunning natural wonder that should be explored and appreciated by everyone. From the rolling hillsides to its slow-moving current, the Elk River is the perfect place to slow down to the lazy days of summer. The river’s beauty is enhanced by its diverse wildlife, including river otters, deer, and bald eagles.

Along the riverbanks are lush forests filled with trees and wildflowers that add to the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to take in the beauty of nature, Missouri’s Elk River has something for everyone.

Your Perfect Cabin Getaway Along the Elk River in Missouri

Planning your float trip down Elk River this summer, you’ll want to plan a cabin getaway for you and your friends too. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the woods or an adventure-filled weekend on Elk River, there is plenty of options to choose from.

With twelve cabins available at Lazy Days Resort & Campground along the Elk River, you’ll have lots of cabin options to accommodate large groups of friends. It’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have booked the cabin and float trips for you and all your friends before you set off on your journey. So be sure to plan ahead!

Exploring the Best Camping and RV Sites Along Elk River

Elk River is a great destination for camping and RV enthusiasts too. With its vast forests and scenic rivers, the area offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

From rustic sites to full-service RV sites, there is something for everyone at Lazy Days Resort & Campground. Be sure to book ahead of time if you want to secure a great spot to camp or park your RV for easy access to Elk River.

Book the Best Cabins and Campsites

Are you looking for the best cabins and campsites near Noel and Pineville, MO? If so, you’re in luck! The best location for great cabins and campsites is centrally located between the two towns and all at one location, Lazy Days Resort & Campground.

Book a cabin getaway or campsite at Lazy Days Resort for you and your friends today! Also, don’t forget to schedule your float trips too.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Float Trips, Noel MO, Pineville MO, RVing

Cabin Life For One Week on a River Near Me in Pineville and Noel, MO

Cabin life on a river near Pineville and Noel, MO, can be enjoyable. The scenery is beautiful, and there is plenty of opportunity to explore the area. Fishing, boating, and swimming are all popular summertime activities, and you can also find many great spots for camping, hiking, and biking.

You can take leisurely walks along the riverbanks and explore the surrounding forests during your stay. You may spot wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and wild turkeys. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching, as many species of birds nest in the area.

The nights can be playful and quiet, and you can enjoy the stars and the sounds of nature. You can also take advantage of a relaxing float with friends. At the end of a stay, you will have plenty of beautiful memories and laughs to look back on and share with friends and family for years.

Planning Your Cabin Lifestyle Stay With Friends

Unplugging for a week-long stay in a cabin can be just what you need. With some advanced planning, you can make the most of your time away and ensure that your weekend cabin life is comfortable, stress-free, and restorative.

From stocking up on supplies to making the perfect playlist, there are a few simple ways to ensure your cabin stay feels more like a lifestyle choice than a vacation escape. After all, a cabin lifestyle is often associated with a base camp—where we all meet to rest, eat, and relax after a long day out hiking, river rafting, or sightseeing.

Here is a short list of ways to unplug from it all.

  • Turn off cellular devices
  • Bring games for nighttime entertainment
  • Food shop and meal plan to save time
  • Pack a bathing suit!

Booking Your Cabin Stay in Advance

If you plan to escape from it all after the Spring semester ends, we at Lazy Days Resort & Campground would love to have you stay with us. We offer all our guests access to set off on an Elk River float trip right from our property. 

We have some of the valley’s premier Elk River cabin rentals for the ideal cabin retreat at the Lazy Days Resort. Our resort location is just a one-minute drive southwest of Interstate 49. Take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort location is between the charming towns of Noel and Pineville, MO.

Book your stay today and your float trip too. Here’s what some of our recent guests said about their stays at Lazy Days Resort & Campground!

Craig SandersCabins, Float Trips, Noel MO, Pineville MO

Best Cabin Rentals Along the River Near Pineville, MO

Looking for the best cabin rentals along the river near Pineville, MO? Look no further!

Some of Missouri’s top cabin locations are in your backyard along the Elk River near Pineville. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin for two or a sizable space for a fun-filled weekend getaway with friends, there is something for everyone.

With easy access to Elk River and other outdoor activities, cabin rentals around Pineville will provide an unforgettable experience. So explore all that Pineville offers and book your one-of-a-kind cabin stay today at Lazy Days.

What to Expect Out of A Good Cabin Rental?

Renting a cabin provides an opportunity to escape everyday life and enjoy a fun-filled weekend along the river and in a cabin. Ideally, the more cabin options to choose from, the greater your chance of securing a booking date in the cabin of your choice.

A fantastic cabin stay should offer creature comfort amenities, like:

  • Private bedrooms
  • Comfy beds for sleeping
  • Clean bathrooms
  • Outdoor space for grilling or just relaxing

Along the Elk River, the most highly prized outdoor activities are, yup, you guessed it; kayaking, rafting, or canoeing. In addition, experienced resort owners, like the folks at Lazy Days, can provide tips on Pineville’s best local attractions and activities when off the river.

Location! Location! Location!

Another essential factor in securing your cabin of choice is the location! In many ways, the best cabin retreats in Pineville include:

  • Access to and from I-49
  • Providing ease of launching a float trip down the river
  • Parking at the cabin

The best cabin retreats in Pineville are those close to many outdoor activities like river floats, hiking, and fishing. Cabin retreats in Pineville with numerous suites frequently rented by college students looking to unwind after a grueling exam week, finals, or completing a semester project.

These cabins often include a deck or porch that offers a river view within walking distance of the riverbank. Some resort retreats near Pineville have sandy beaches that lead right into the water, making it easy to launch watercraft or take a dip for swimming without ever leaving the property.

One of the Best Cabin Rentals

One of the best locations for your cabin retreat near Pineville is Lazy Days Resort & Campground. Situated right along the Elk River banks, they are just a one-minute drive West of Interstate 49 at exit 5 near mile marker 6.

Lazy Days Campground offers all the amenities your need in one of their 12 cabins for you and your college friends, including camping sites and rafting trips, with easy access to launch onto Elk River. The team at Lazy Days Resort looks forward to serving you and making your weekend cabin stay one you can’t stop talking about with all your friends afterward.

Book your stay and float experience today!

Craig SandersCabins, Float Trips, Pineville MO

Essential Guide to Find Nearby Cabin Rentals Along Elk River in Pineville, Missouri

Cabin rentals have become increasingly popular for weekend warriors to vacation travelers looking for a unique and immersive experience. Whether planning a reunion with friends, a weekend getaway, or an outdoor adventure, staying in a cabin can provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From rustic cabins nestled in the woods to a dream stay in treehouse cabin with stunning views, there’s something for everyone regarding cabin retreats. With amenities like privacy and fireplaces, you can enjoy home comforts, all while experiencing nature at its finest. So why should you consider staying in a cabin? Read on to find out!

How to Find the Right Cabin Rental – What to Consider

Are you looking for the perfect cabin rental for your next trip? Finding the right cabin rental can be daunting, but you can find the perfect fit with a few tips and tricks. 

From location to amenities, there are many factors to consider when looking for a cabin rental. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss what to look for and consider when searching for the right cabin rental for your needs.

Benefits of Staying in a Cabin Retreat Over a Hotel

Staying in a rental cabin can be the perfect way to escape from a busy day-to-day life. With a rental cabin, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while having access to some of the most beautiful outdoor locations.

Unlike pricey Airbnb cabin rentals or expensive hotels, nearby rental cabins offer more privacy and freedom, allowing you to customize your experience. From cozy mountain cabins with riverfront property to serene forest scapes with direct access to Elk River, there is something for everyone when it comes to renting a cabin near Pineville, Missouri.

Additionally, staying in a rental cabin is usually much more affordable than booking a hotel or resort room. So if you need an escape from the humdrum of everyday life without breaking the bank, consider choosing a rental cabin retreat for your next weekend getaway or vacation escape.

What is the Best Place for a Cabin Rental Retreat?

The perfect cabin rental for your upcoming weekend escape awaits you at Lazy Days Resort. With so many options to choose from throughout McDonald County, it can make for a challenging decision. Your best place for a cabin rental retreat with twelve great cabin rentals for groups of 2 to 30, Lazy Days Resort has all your needs met for an affordable stay.

Why stay at an expensive VRBO cabin or vacation rental home when you can book your stay today for this upcoming river season from May 1 to October 31 at Lazy Days Resort as well as book your river activities too.

Craig SandersCabins, Float Trips, Pineville MO, Uncategorized

Book Your May 1st Cabin Holiday Along the Elk River in Pineville, MO, Before New Year’s Day 2023

If you are starting to plan your first Spring vacation for May 1, 2023, why not plan a cabin holiday near Pineville, MO, before New Year’s Day? The picturesque location offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. You can book your stay online or by phone at Lazy Days Resort.

Kicking Off Your Summer Vacation With A Cabin Holiday

A cabin holiday along Elk River near Pineville, MO, is an ideal way to kick off your summer vacation plans in style and splendor. The natural beauty of the area, combined with all the amenities and activities of a modern city, make this the perfect destination for families, friends, couples, or individuals looking to get away after the long winter.

Cabin Stay Adventures

During your cabin vacation along the Elk River banks outside Pineville, MO, visitors can access the river for activities such as:

  • Lure fishing or fly fishing
  • Paddle a tandem kayak
  • River rafting as a group
  • Trail hiking to take in nature’s canvas
  • Simply relaxing along the river banks to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the area.

And for those looking for a more leisurely stay, Pineville is home to some great dining restaurant dinning and shopping in Missouri.

Cabin Options

With twelve cabin options, you’ll find something that meets all your expectations. Whether it’s a rustic cabin stay with only one room and an outdoor grill for cooking to a cabin with a deck overlooking the river, you’ll be able to find the cabin of your choice here at Lazy Days Resort.

We want to ensure you get the most out of your stay, so we offer various services and amenities to enhance your experience. Whether it’s a romantic retreat or a fun-filled rafting weekend, we have all you’ll need for a memorable stay.

From a fully equipped luxury treehouse cabin that sleeps twelve to cabins that can sleep groups of 10 to 30 people. You’ll find something for everyone at Lazy Days. Some cabins have fireplaces; while others have outdoor grills, porches, decks, and more to help you get the most out of your stay.

Booking Your Cabin Stay

With activities such as fishing, hiking, and river rafting all available within proximity of your cabin, you can find something fun for everyone. Guarantee your Spring cabin vacation today and start a new holiday tradition for you and your family by booking before New Year’s Day.

We look forward to helping you plan the perfect Cabin getaway this Spring along the Elk River in Pineville, MO. Contact us today for more information at (417) 223-3498, or get started now by booking your stay online today! We look forward to making you and your family’s cabin vacation memorable.

From small to large groups, Lazy Days Resort has twelve cabins to choose from for parties as small as one up to groups of 30 people. Our affordable lodging rates ensure the perfect cabin stay along Elk River in Pineville, Missouri, that fits your budget and needs.

Craig SandersCabins, Kayaks, Pineville MO, River Rafts

Treehouse Cabin Stay in Southwest Missouri Ozark Mountains

If you’ve ever imagined what sleeping in a treehouse cabin might be like, then allow us to give you a grand tour. After all, treehouses are all the rage nowadays, from vacation rentals to luxury treehouse retreats made famous by the Animal Planet series Treehouse Masters.

So what makes a better cabin rental than a treehouse rental? A treehouse that sleeps 12 with six full-size beds and two fully functional bathrooms, of course. But what could be more wonderful than having a treehouse stay in the heart of the Southwest Missouri Ozark Mountainss, along the Elk River near Pineville, Missouri?

Treehouse Expectations

When you think about your family’s expectations of what you want from a treehouse cabin stay, you might think of the necessities. But a treehouse should provide you with much more comfort and peace than other cabin stays. For example, the treehouse should have all the creature comforts you find at home.

  • Running water
  • Air conditioning
  • Coffee pot
  • Refrigerator with freezer
  • Kitchen with a full-sized stove
  • Ample deck space overlooking Elk River
  • Television cable
  • WiFi service

Essential Elements of Treehouse Cabin

The word treehouse implies it’s a structure that carries you away into the canopy of trees. But, a treehouse can only be classified as a tree-house if it has these essential elements. 

First and foremost, a treehouse must built around a tree. By default, it must come fully equipped with a unique access point, be it:

  • Traversing a rope bridge
  • Climbing a rock wall
  • Scaling a rope ladder
  • Ascending a spiral staircase

Access to any treehouse should transport you to another world, high above the world below. All while exploring a unique and magical experience of a log cabin seated in the trees.

Book Your Spring Stay NOW

There is no place to experience a magical fairytale treehouse cabin stay better than at the Lazy Days Resort & Campground. Call (417) 223-3498 to book your first Spring treehouse stay today!

Lazy Days Campground is located along the Elk River in southwest Missouri in McDonald County. The resort location is between the aptly named towns of Pineville and Noel, Missouri. To get there from Interstate 49, take exit 5 at mile marker 6.

Learn what past guests had to say about their stay at the Lazy Days Resort.

Craig SandersCabins, Noel MO, Pineville MO, Treehouse Cabin

Planning an Ozark Cabin Vacation in Pineville, MO

Now that the holiday season is here, you’ve probably begun thinking of planning your next Ozark cabin vacation. After all, cabins make for some of the most memorable family vacations.

So, where do you begin? What better place to start than in your backyard of the four-state region of southwest Missouri? Whether you’re planning for a small family of three or a large family reunion, there’s one place you might find particularly charming for your first Ozark cabin vacation next Spring, Lazy Days Resort & Campground.

Cabins of Lazy Days Resort

Regarding cabin choice, there’s no place in the Southwest Ozark Mountains with more options than Lazy Days. With 12 cabin options, you can rest assured there is plenty of room to accommodate everyone in your family.

  • One 15-bedroom cabin
  • One 9-bedroom cabin
  • Four 3-bedroom cabins
  • Three 2-bedroom cabins
  • Two single-bedroom cabins
  • One treehouse cabin

Cabin Amenities

A benefit to every cabin at Lazy Days is the abundance of indoor creature comforts that are consistently available.

  • Air Conditioning
  • Coffee Pot
  • Refrigerator
  • WiFi service

Unique to Each Cabin

But when it comes to cabins, there is something unique to each cabin at Lazy Days. All the cabins are labeled with an alpha-numeric that begins with the letter “C” followed by a number.  

Cabin 4 [C4]

The largest of all the cabins at Lazy Days is more equipped like a home than a cabin. The 15-bedroom cabin, with 3-baths, offers a front and rear porch. In this home away from home, you’ll discover plenty of space to sleep up to 30 people, and it comes with a fully loaded kitchen.

Cabin 15 [C15]

The nine-bedroom, three-bathroom cabin is ideal for guests looking for ample space to accommodate 26 people. It comes equipped with a full-sized kitchen with two ovens and a dishwasher. Also ideally located in a secluded area on the property, cabin 15 can deliver the best to a family reunion experience like no other.

Cabin 5 [C5], [C6], [C7], and [C8]

The four 3-bedroom cabins are all situated conveniently in the exact location on the Lazy Days property. Cabins 5 and 6 come with two queen bunk beds and one full-size bed accommodating 10 guests, while Cabins 7 and 8 have two queen bunk beds and two full-size beds to accommodating 12 guests each.

The large covered front porches and covered back decks overlook the Elk River. For those chilly springtime nights, there is a wood-burning fireplace.

Cabin 2 [C2] and [C3]

Cabins 2 and 3 have two bedrooms and a single bathroom. Also, each cabin comes with one queen-size bed & two queen bunk beds that allow up to 10 guests per cabin.

Although these two cabins are uniquely different, C2 has a covered porch and a wood-burning stove with a jetted jacuzzi bathtub. In contrast, C3 has an elevated covered deck with a swing that overlooks the Elk River valley and has a wood-burning fireplace.

Cabin 16 [C16]

The only other cabin uniquely secluded on the Lazy Days property is Cabin 16. The cabin’s vaulted ceiling adds space for a loft for additional sleeping, accessible utilizing the cabin’s built-in ladder. 

Also unique to C16 are two bathrooms, unlike C2 and C3, which both have only one bath. Cabin 16 accommodates ten guests with one queen bed and four full-size beds.

Cabin 11 [C11] and [C12]

Of the two single-room cabins, these two cabins are the most rustic in layout and design. The two cabins are seated side-by-side on the property. Cabin 11 has two twin bunk beds to sleep four guests, while C12 has one full bed and one twin to sleep three people comfortably. These two cabins are perfect for families looking for a unique rustic charm within walking distance of the Elk River shoreline.

Like the other cabins, these single-room cabins come with air conditioning, a refrigerator, and WiFi service. But to make your cabin experience all the more rustic, outdoor grilling is a must in these cabins, and there is nothing better than campfire toast in the morning before a river rafting trip.

Treehouse Cabin 17 [C17]

At Lazy Days, the one treehouse cabin is a one-of-a-kind stay. You can do it all with a full-size kitchen while staying above ground level in a treehouse with six full-size beds that can accommodate 12 guests with two full baths.

Book Your Stay Today

There’s no shortage of options to book a cabin vacation at Lazy Days Resort and Campground. If you’re looking to unplug and decompress next Spring, book your stay today by calling (417) 223-3498 for the perfect cabin for you and your family.

Craig SandersCabins, Pineville MO

Hailed From the Elk River Banks Near Pineville, MO, Comes an American Horror Story

Stories, as we all know, can come from two places: truth and myth. So, after you’ve finished reading this story, you’ll need to decide whether what you’ve read here is real or fiction.

Either way, this story begins on the Elk River banks just west of Pineville, MO. Locals in the area are familiar with a variety of forest creatures from;

  • Hawks to owls
  • Rabbits to squirrels
  • Armadillos to possums
  • Fish to otters
  • Bears to deer

Nothing really out of the ordinary, except for what locals call the horsap. A small illusive but fearsome creature, rarely seen by locals. But the story goes, it stands no taller than two feet and lives along the banks of the Elk River.

Horsap Creature

Although locals describe this creature as small, it’s not well-known how it got its name. It has a distinctive screech that often echoes in all directions. But generally only heard after dark during the last two weekends in October, which only adds to this American Horror Story.

Some locals talk of having encountered the creature as appearing horse-like with appendages that do not appear to leave behind hoofprints. According to one local, Harper Gladlock (fictitious names were used to protect local residents), he heard the creature’s harrowing shriek late one evening on the Friday before Halloween two years ago.

Mr. Gladlock reportedly knew the creature was nearby because of how loud it sounded and hearing something moving about in the shrubs along the Elk River banks. So he wandered down to the river bank in search of it and was frightened by someone or something charging him from the bush with a snarling grumble.

Although the horsap didn’t continue to pursue Mr. Gladlock, he reportedly looked over his shoulder at the last moment. Unfortunately, he only saw a small, deformed creature that looked much like a miniature horse with flippers. 

The next day Mr. Gladlock returned to the river-side to look for tracks from whatever he encountered but only reportedly found drag marks in dried mud that looked more like feathers with 4-inch talons on end.

Scottish Gaelic lore talks of a similar creature, the aughisky or ech-ushkya (pronunciation: each-uisge). English translation, the water horse. Perhaps this tiny creature isn’t as vicious as the mythical creature the Scots portray, but one thing makes this story eerily creepy. Where does this creature go for the other 50 weeks out of the year?

Myth or Legend, Book Your Haunted Float to Decide

To decide if this story holds water, book your haunted weekend stay at Lazy Days Campground today; call (417) 223-3498. There are only two weekends left to book a haunted float trip down the Elk River.

Tickets are available for purchase online. The first haunted float launches at 7:00 pm, with the last raft pushing off at 10:00 pm.

  • Friday, October 21
  • Saturday, October 22
  • Friday, October 28
  • Saturday, October 29
  • Sunday, October 30
  • Monday, October 31
Craig SandersFloat Trips, Haunted Float, Pineville MO, Uncategorized

Your Guide to Fall Foliage on Your Autumn Float Trip Along the Elk River

Fall is just days away, and there’s no better time to book an Autumn float trip than right now! To better prepare you for the Fall colors, we’ve put together this easy reference guide to help you identify those beautiful fall foliage.

Like so many states with striking Fall colors, Missouri is no exception. Fall in Missouri can last four to six weeks with showy displays of vibrant reds, brilliant oranges, dazzling golds, and bold purples.

Mid-October is often the time to take in those Fall colors. Although Missouri is host to a wide variety of foliage and plant life, residents are lucky to see the showy display that begins mid-September and wraps up sometime in mid-November. 

Mid-September Foliage

In about one week, early Fall colors emerge. Among the top forerunners of Fall color displays are:

  • Sassafras Tree
  • Sumac Shrub
  • Virginia Creeper Vine

Sassafras Trees

The leaves of a sassafras tree are uniquely shaped teardrops, often coming to three rounded points on each leaf. In early autumn, the sassafras leaves give off a brilliant display of reds, oranges, and yellows that intermingle with the natural bright green.

Sumac Shrub

The sumac bush is a magnificent sight of all the shrubs during the Fall. Its fern-like foliage lights up a forest floor with oranges, purples, and reds.

Virginia Creeper Vine

The Virginia creeper vine will adorn all it climbs with its rich hues of red. Unlike other North American creeping vines, like poison ivy, which display oranges and yellows, the Virginia creeper will envelop a tree trunk or building with Mother Nature’s paint.  

Peak Fall Colors

By mid-October, the Fall color heavyweights completely take over, which include the:

  • Maple trees
  • Ash varieties
  • Oak woods
  • Hickory trees

Maple Trees

The maple tree is well-known for giving a dazzling Fall show of rich reds, golden yellows, and orange ambers. Although there are 100 maple varieties around the globe, only twelve are native to the North American continent. The Missouri Department of Conservation only recognizes five as native to our state.

  1. Silver, or soft, maple
  2. Red maple
  3. Sugar, also known as a hard or black maple
  4. Box elder, or ash-leaved maple
  5. Amur, or Siberian, maple

Ash Varieties

Of the nearly 60 species of ash tree found all over the World, Missouri has six native varieties that range in magnificent hues of reds, golden yellows, brilliant oranges, and deep purples.

  1. Green
  2. White 
  3. Blue 
  4. Pumpkin
  5. Sullivan
  6. Biltmore

Oak Wood

Oak trees grow abundantly throughout Missouri, with nearly 22 known species and 30 oak hybrids. The Fall colors of the oak tree consist of deep reddish browns to dark, dusty yellows. 

With nearly four out of every five trees in Missouri being oak trees, it’s easy to understand how you might think the Missouri state tree is an oak. But you would be wrong; the state tree is the flowering dogwood.

Hickory Trees

Although hickory trees are prevalent throughout Missouri, only 17 known species exist worldwide. Fifteen of those species reside on the North American Continent. Interestingly, there are eight species of hickory native to Missouri. 

The hickory tree produces deep rich reds, yellows, and purples during peak Fall colors in Mid-October.

Book Your Fall Elk River Float Trip

Now that you know how to identify the foliage along your float down the Elk River this Autumn, you can book a relaxing Fall float trip for you and your family by contacting the premier rental location for Elk River float trips at the Lazy Days Resort & Campground in Noel, MO. 

If you’re looking for a relaxing Fall weekend stay, Lazy Days Campground offers premier Elk River RVing, tent campsites, and cabin rentals. Call Lazy Days Resort today to book your Elk River RVing site now!

The resort is a one-minute drive southwest of Interstate 49; take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort sits nestled between the Ozark mountain towns of Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

We invite you to read past guest experiences at Lazy Days Resort.

Craig SandersAutumn Floats, Canoes, Float Trips, Kayaks, Noel MO, Pineville MO, River Rafts

Essential Paddle Grips Every River Floater Should Know

Whether you’re new to river sports or a born river explorer, there is much to be said about proper paddle grips. While gripping a river paddle may seem instinctive, improperly grasping a paddle with both hands holding onto the shaft is a primary reason for injuries sustained in the boat. Although, keep in mind that most rivers in Missouri are easy enough to float down without an expert river guide.

So if you’re paddling down the easy flow of the Elk River outside Noel, Missouri, or maneuvering the class I or II rapids in the Big Sugar Creek near Pineville, Missouri, paddle grip is an essential piece of knowledge that serves you and your fellow floaters well.

Paddle Grips

Regarding paddle grip, keeping hold of a paddle while rafting, canoeing, or kayaking a river ranked as a class I rapid or above is essential. However, it may not be as crucial while floating down Elk River because it’s rated lower than a class I rapid, making it an ideal family-friendly float. 

Therefore, knowing the two common paddle types can help you better prepare for when you must paddle. Whether you’re launching from the river edge or paddling to shore, there are different grip styles for both of these paddles:

  • Single-blade Paddle
  • Double-blade Paddle

Single-Blade Paddle

Canoes and rafts generally come outfitted with a single-blade paddle because there can be more than one paddler for these types of watercraft.

Single-blade paddles come with two different types of grips: asymmetrical and T-grip. The asymmetrical grip generally gets used in lake crafts, like canoes. However, most river vessels come with a T-grip design.

Both grip designs give a paddler the most significant leverage with the least resistance. Depending upon which side of the craft you are paddling on, you will always wrap your palm around the T-grip cross body.

For example, paddlers on a raft on the right side of the boat will grasp the T-grip with their left hand. While paddlers on the left side of the rivercraft hold the t-grip using their right hand.

In a canoe, it depends upon whether there is a solo paddler or a two-person paddle team. If there are two paddlers, the team must communicate well which side of the boat they should paddle on to direct the craft to shore or cross-river. 

For solo paddlers with single blades, it’s a matter of swapping hand positions to ensure the cross-body hand is always holding the paddle grip, depending upon which side of the canoe the blade is on. 

In other words, if the blade is in the water to the paddler’s left, the right-hand grasps the T-grip. If the paddle blade is in the water to the paddler’s right, the left hand will grab the top of the T-grip (as seen with the paddler above). 

The other hand will always hold on to the shaft. For canoes, that will depend upon where you’re seated, in the bow (front) or the stern (rear). It will be the strongest paddler sitting at the stern who instructs the person seated at the bow. That’s because the person in the stern will steer the boat.

However, paddling in a river raft is different. First, it depends upon which side of the craft you sit on. If you’re seated on the port (left) side of the raft, your left hand will hold onto the shaft of the paddle, while those sitting on the starboard (right) side of the vessel grasp the paddle shaft with the right hand. 

Double-Blade Paddle

On the other hand, kayakers use a double-blade paddle, which provides greater efficiency in traversing river currents and slightly improves a kayaker’s speed. For kayakers paddle lengths can range from approximately 79″ to 81″. 

The blades are typically feathered and can rotate using a center ferrule, meaning the blades on a kayak paddle can rotate in opposing directions. That gives kayakers an advantage in wind conditions and the ability to paddle upstream.

The grip on a double-blade paddle is pretty straightforward: you wrap both hands around the shaft between the blades. Keeping your hands slightly wider than shoulder length apart and bent at 90 degrees at the elbow is the most comfortable position in a kayak.

Book A Stay Along Elk River in Missouri

Looking for an ideal location along the Elk River? Contact Lazy Days in Noel, MO, the premier rental site for river float trips. They offer prime Elk River RVing, tent campsites, and recently upgraded cabin rentals. So book your stay today at Lazy Days Resort and Campground!

Getting to Lazy Days Campground is a one-minute drive southwest of Interstate 49. Take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort location sits between the charming towns of Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

Read what past guests had to say about Lazy Days Resort.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Canoes, Kayaks, Noel MO, Pineville MO, River Rafts, RVing