Lazy Days

Resort & Campground on Elk River

Category: RVing

Category: RVing

A Perfect Destination for River Rentals

Elk River in Southwest Missouri is a hidden gem that attracts river-goers, paddlers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. With its picturesque views, tranquil waters, and various rental options, Elk River offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into these different river rental options:

River Rentals for Every Adventurer

Known for its exceptional river rentals, Lazy Days Resort caters to all levels of experience and preferences. Seated along the Elk River, you and your fellow river-goers can plan a day float on one of their river rental options.

Lazy Days, located between Pineville and Noel, Missouri, offers guest services on river raft rentals, and canoe or kayak rentals. Their rentals ensure guests can embark on an unforgettable river float trip.

The Allure of Elk River

Lazy Days’ charm extends beyond its rental options and camping facilities. The Elk River is a mesmerizing sight, winding through the picturesque landscapes of Southwest Missouri.

The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rolling countryside, create a truly magical ambiance. Whether you’re paddling along the river, fishing, or simply soaking in the tranquility, Elk River offers an escape from the flurry of everyday life.

Camping Riverside

Lazy Days also offers excellent camping opportunities along the Elk River for those wishing to extend their stay and immerse themselves in nature. Tent camping is a popular choice, allowing you to connect with the surrounding beauty.

Additionally, full-hookup RV campsites are available to rent for those who prefer a more comfortable glamping experience. Lastly, you can rent one of the riverside cabins and wake up to the gentle sound of the river.

Cozy Riverside Cabins

If you’re seeking a cozy retreat, Lazy Days Resort and Campground has charming riverside cabins available for rent. These cabins provide the perfect mix of comfort and rustic beauty.

Imagine unwinding on your private porch, sipping a cup of coffee, and enjoying the breathtaking river views. The cabins are well-equipped and offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making them ideal for couples, friends, or families looking for a unique getaway.

Where to Stay and Float?

Lazy Days Resort on the Elk River in Southwest Missouri is a haven for river-goers, paddlers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. Its diverse river rentals, camping opportunities, and charming riverside cabins provide the ideal destination for outdoor fun, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature.

Whether you choose to embark on a river raft float, kayak, canoe, or bask in the sun, you can pitch a tent riverside, set up your RV in one of their full hookup campsites, or indulge in the cozy comforts of a riverside cabin; Lazy Days will leave you with memorable experiences and a desire to return week after week.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Canoes, Elk River Float, Kayaks, Noel MO, Pineville MO, River Float, River Rafts, RVing, Southwest Missouri

Differences Between Missouri Vacation Homes and Missouri Cabin Rentals are Resort Amenities

When planning a vacation in Missouri, finding the perfect accommodation is crucial. Missouri travelers often consider two popular options: vacation homes and cabin rentals. While both offer a unique and comfortable stay, it’s essential to understand the differences between renting a Missouri vacation home and staying in a Missouri Cabin Rental.

However, there are some critical differences between the two options. Missouri vacation homes are typically more challenging to locate than resort destinations and offer fewer amenities.

Understanding these commonalities and differences can help you in your selection process. Although options promise an enjoyable stay amidst the beauty of this Midwestern state, resort cabin stays offer greater access to activities and attractions.

Amenities and Facilities

When planning a vacation, one crucial consideration is the amenities and facilities offered by different resort campgrounds. In comparison, cabins also have the same creature comforts found in vacation homes, such as:

  • Fully Equipped Kitchens
  • Privacy
  • Fireplace and Firepit

Vacation homes are known for their extensive amenities that provide a home-away-from-home experience. One standout feature is the fully equipped kitchen. Kitchens often come with modern appliances and ample counter space, allowing guests to prepare meals without dining out.

Cabin rentals at resort locations also offer unique facilities that add to the overall comfort of the stay. Like vacation homes, cabin rentals can provide full-sized kitchens with modern appliances. Another popular feature unique to cabin rentals is the inclusion of privacy decks, a greater variety of bedrooms per cabin, and access to onsite activities, like float trips, canoeing, and tandem kayaking.

Fireplaces and firepits are another amenity that both vacation homes and cabin rentals often provide. Nothing beats cozying up before a crackling fire on a fantastic summer evening or enjoying its warmth after a long day exploring nearby cave attractions. Fireplaces create an inviting ambiance that adds to the overall comfort and charm.

Size and Capacity

When planning a vacation in Missouri, it’s essential to consider the size and capacity of the accommodation for your group. Vacation home sizes and cabin rental capacities vary, so it’s essential to determine the ideal accommodation based on the number of beds per bedroom as well as the number of bathrooms.

But a Missouri cabin rental can come in various sizes, ranging from cozy cabins with a single bedroom to spacious lodges with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The number of beds per bedroom will directly impact how many people can sleep comfortably in a cabin rental, which is less likely in a vacation rental because of its limitations in beds.

Each bedroom in a vacation home typically accommodates two guests per room. At the same time, cabin rental locations, like the ones at Lazy Days Resort, have twin-sized and queen-sized bunk beds in a single room, increasing the capacity for the number of guests.

Make an Informed Decision for Your Perfect Missouri Cabin Getaway Experience

When planning a cabin getaway in Missouri, you can make an informed decision that is crucial to ensure a perfect experience. One highly recommended option for a memorable stay is Lazy Days Resort & Campground, located between Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

Lazy Days Resort offers a range of amenities and activities to cater to different guest preferences and group sizes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature or a fun-filled getaway with exciting outdoor activities, Lazy Days Resort has something for everyone.

By choosing Lazy Days Resort, you can enjoy the beauty of the Missouri countryside while accessing modern conveniences. The Resort provides well-maintained cabins equipped with comfortable furnishings and essential amenities. Additionally, they offer various accommodation options to suit different group sizes and budgets.

Take advantage of the onsite activities to enhance your cabin getaway experience at Lazy Days Resort. That includes river float trips, day hikes along scenic trails, or relaxing by the campfire under the starry night sky.By considering all these factors and selecting Lazy Days Resort & Campground as your cabin destination in Missouri, you’re ensuring the perfect getaway experience tailored to your preferences. Booking your stay at Lazy Days Resort is easy with their convenient online booking tool for cabin rentals, river floats, campsites for RVs, and tent camping availability.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Canoes, Elk River Float, Kayaks, Noel MO, Pineville MO, River Float, RVing, Southwest Missouri

What to Expect From a Full-Service River Outfitter?

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure? Look only as far as a full-service river outfitter. Your one-stop destination for the perfect getaway. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water or a camping experience, full-service river outfitters have everything you need to create lasting memories, including:

  • Cabin Rentals
  • Camping Sites for RVs and Tents
  • River Float Equipment and Gear

Full-service river outfitters offer it all, from outdoor river raft rentals to accommodations to rest and recharge after a day on the river. Discover the perfect getaway with full-service river outfitters and let them take care of all your outdoor adventure needs.

Rental Cabins: Your Home Away from Home in Nature’s Paradise

When it comes to a full-service river outfitter, you should expect them to offer cabin rentals to their river-float guests. Whether they provide rustic log cabins nestled in secluded forests or modern cottages overlooking picturesque landscapes, rental cabins should bring diverse options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a friend’s reunion, there is a rental cabin that will cater to your needs.

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a river outfitter with cabin rentals is the freedom and flexibility they provide. Unlike traditional hotels, you and your friends will have a private space to unwind and relax at your own pace. You can cook meals in fully equipped kitchens, gather around an outdoor fire pit under starry skies, or sit back on a porch swing and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

Camping Sites: Embrace Nature’s Beauty Underneath a Starry Sky

Cabin rentals are just one aspect of a full-service river outfitter. You’ll also find exceptional camping sites for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. With spacious and well-maintained grounds, you can pitch a tent or park your RV and wake up surrounded by breathtaking views along the Elk River. From cozy indoor fireplaces to outdoor campfire pits to convenient on-site amenities, these camping sites offer the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness.

Camping sites offer an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. From serene riverside tent sites, your rustic camping adventure is only made more enjoyable with access to electricity, a picnic table, and an open fire pit. In addition, you’ll also have access to clean community bathrooms and showers. (NOTE: Check campground rules and tent camp requirements, such as booking a river float trip.)

If pitching a tent isn’t your thing, many river outfitters offer RV sites with full hookups to water, electricity, and sewer. RV campsites provide essential amenities, such as:

  • Clean Showers and Bathrooms
  • Fire Pit Ring
  • Private Picnic Area
  • WiFi Connectivity

River Crafts and Float Gear: Experience the Thrill of Floating on the Water

Float trips are at the heart of a full-service river outfitter. They offer a variety of outdoor adventure rentals that are specifically designed to navigate calm, lazy waterways. Various options, from river rafts to canoes and kayaks for rent, all are available to suit your preferences and skill level. These durable watercraft offer excellent stability and comfort, ensuring a safe and enjoyable float trip.

Having the right equipment to enhance your river experience is essential. Float gear rentals offer everything you need for a successful excursion. From life jackets to paddles, these rental services ensure you have all the necessary equipment for a memorable adventure.

Whether planning a solo trip or embarking on an outing with friends and family, renting float crafts and float gear allows you to fully embrace the beauty of nature while enjoying the excitement of floating downriver. So don’t miss an incredible opportunity to plan your river floats by booking your stay on-site with the full-service river outfitter—Lazy Days Resort & Campground!

Plan Your 2024 River Adventure With a Full Service River Outfitter Today!

Whether you’re a seasoned river rat or it’s going to be your first time on a river float, Lazy Days Resort is a full-service river outfitter. From providing top-notch cabins, tent campsites, RV sites, and river float equipment and gear, they’ll ensure your trip is memorable and hassle-free.

Be sure to book early with Lazy Days Resort, call (417) 223-3498 NOW.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Elk River Float, RVing, Tent Sites

Lazy Days: Experiencing A Serene River Float Near Me in Southwest Missouri

Welcome to Lazy Days Resort and Campground, where relaxation and tranquility meet near Southwest Missouri. The resort nestles among stunning natural beauty, and Lazy Days is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable getaway from everyday life.

Situated in a prime location, Lazy Days Resort offers nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a serene escape. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the river or explore the scenic surroundings, our resort provides an idyllic setting for your weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.

Lazy Days Campground offers a range of accommodation options and resort amenities to suit every preference. From spacious campground sites with full RV hookups to tent campsites, we offer it all, even cozy cabins nestled among towering trees. So come wake up to breathtaking views and let the sounds of nature lull you into a state of pure relaxation.

One of our most popular attractions is river activities, which allow guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Southwest Missouri’s crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a leisurely float down a serene river as you soak up the sun and take in the picturesque scenery. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Beauty of a River Float in Southwest Missouri

Southwest Missouri is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering many activities to enjoy in its picturesque landscape. One of the most popular and enchanting experiences in this region is river floating. With its pristine rivers and breathtaking scenery, river floating has become a beloved pastime for locals and tourists.

River floating in Southwest Missouri allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while enjoying a leisurely float along serene river currents. The region boasts several stunning rivers, such as the Big Sugar Creek and Elk River, all offering unique experiences for nature exploration.

River floating is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you prefer a relaxing river float or rafting across gentle rapids, Southwest Missouri’s rivers offer options to cater to everyone’s preferences. Many outfitters, like Lazy Days, provide rental services for kayaks, canoes, or rafts—making it easy for visitors to embark on their river adventure.

Lazy Days Resort: Your Gateway to a Perfect River Floating Experience

If you’re searching for “river floats near me,” look no further than Lazy Days Resort and Campground. Our friendly staff is always on hand to assist, ensuring your stay with us is exceptional. So give us a call today at (417) 223-3498 and let us help with the following:

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Lazy Days Resort offers an ideal setting for your river floating escapades. Discover the beauty of nature while enjoying top-notch resort amenities and convenient river access points at this remarkable destination.

So what are you waiting for? Embark on a relaxing experience in Southwest Missouri at Lazy Days Resort and Campground, where lazy days are not just a concept but a way of life. Book your stay today and discover why our guests keep coming back year after year for their dose of tranquility in Southwest Missouri’s natural paradise.

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

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, Elk River Float, Noel MO, Pineville MO, RVing

Board Your Elk River Haunted Float at Lazy Days Campground and Resort

October is nearly upon us, which means ghosts, ghouls, and creatures of the night will run crazed every weekend along the Elk River from September 30 through Halloween Night on October 31. Hosting the first ever Elk River Haunted Float is Lazy Days Campground and Skeleton Acres, working in partnership with Gracie’s Canoe Camp.

Discover the Haunted Tales of the Elk River Watershed

If you’re hoping to discover the haunted tales of the legendary folklore on Missouri’s monster, Momo, book your haunted weekend stay today. Haunted float trips begin next Friday, September 30. The first float launches at 6:00 pm, and the last raft launches at 10:00 pm.

Camping space is also available for those choosing to stay overnight. Campers can begin arriving at 1:00 pm at Lazy Days Campground on float nights.

If you decide to purchase a VIP ticket, you’ll receive one overnight camping stay with access to electricity and water. RV hookups are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you decide to stay another night, talk with Lazy Days Campground’s ghostly host to find out if spooky space is available for an additional haunted night’s stay.

A weekend camping package is also available for those looking for longer fright nights on Friday and Saturday. However, only one haunted pass comes with the weekend camping package. You may purchase additional haunted event passes on location while staying at the Lazy Days Campground on Friday or Saturday.

Haunted Float Schedule

Tickets are on sale now for haunted night floats.

  • Friday, September 30
  • Saturday, October 1
  • Friday, October 7
  • Saturday, October 8
  • Friday, October 14
  • Saturday, October 15
  • Friday, October 21
  • Saturday, October 22
  • Friday, October 28
  • Saturday, October 29
  • Sunday, October 30
  • Monday, October 31

Halloween Haunted Activities

If you were born and raised in the four-state region of southwest Missouri, you know Missouri ghost lore is deeply rooted in our history dating back as early as the mid-eighteenth century. 

From haunting howls to wandering aberrations of the Ozark mountains, call Lazy Days Campground at (417) 223-3498 to book your haunted camping stay this Halloween season. Lazy Days Campground offers premier Elk River RVing, tent campsites, and cabin rentals.

While here, you can also partake in all the Halloween activities that include:

  • Haunted Hayrides
  • Spooky Float Trips
  • Tour the Haunted House
  • Walk a Terrifying Trail of Horrors

To get to Lazy Days Campground from Interstate 49, take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort sits nestled between the Ozark mountain towns of Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

Craig SandersCampsites, Elk River Float, Haunted Float, Noel MO, RVing

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

Choosing A River Float Craft for You and Your Fellow Floaters

Whether you’re a novice river rafter or an expert river kayaker, knowing which river float craft is suitable can be a big decision for yourself and your fellow floaters. That’s where this helpful tool can help you make the best selection when booking your next Elk River or Big Sugar float trip.

You’ll discover the specific differences between three float vessel options commonly available to choose from when you book your stay at a Noel, MO, campground on Elk River.

  • River raft
  • Individual kayak
  • Tandem kayak
  • Multi-person canoe

Elk River and Big Sugar Creek

There are some distinct differences between Elk River and Big Sugar Creek.

The Elk River is an ideal family-friendly river with few rapids and fewer river obstacles. Presently running at a depth of 4.28 feet, making its flow rate suitable and manageable for river floaters seeking to cool off. On the other hand, the Big Sugar Creek categorizes below a class I rapid, and at certain times of the year, it ranks as a class II.

The Big Sugar is running at a depth between 3.90 and 5.88 feet. Although considered low in some areas, the chances of a watercraft dragging the river bottom or having to portage are low.

River Raft

There are two standard river rafts for any Elk River float trip. There is a 12-13 foot raft that seats six people comfortably. You can also select a 14-15 foot raft for 8-people. Both crafts are well suited for a gentle float down Elk River with little paddling and negotiating required. 

Individual Kayak

If you are one for individual sports, a personal kayak is ideal for you or anyone paddling alongside you down the Elk River or the Big Sugar Creek. Bound to deliver a unique kayaking experience to test your reflexes and challenge you with a good cardio workout.

Tandem Kayak

Two-person kayaks, also known as tandem kayaks, are an excellent choice for those who play well on a team. You’ll work together to paddle to increase or slow your speed as a team. The perfect watercraft for any couples weekend in a Noel, Missouri, campground.

Tandem kayaks perform well on Elk River and Big Sugar Creek this time of year.

Multi-Person Canoe

Most canoes can be paddled down river easily by one or two people. But most canoes can hold up to three people comfortably. These river vessels are superior in lightweight aluminum construction that shine in paddle control down Elk River or the Big Sugar Creek.

Book Your Elk River RVing Campsite

If you’re ready for a relaxing weekend stay, Lazy Days Resort and Campground is a one-minute drive southwest of Interstate 49. Take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort is conveniently nestled between the towns of Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

Lazy Days in Noel, MO, is the premier rental for river float trips. Call Lazy Days to book your Elk River RVing site now! 

Discover what other guests had to say about Lazy Days Resort.

Craig SandersCampsites, Canoes, Elk River Float, Kayaks, Noel MO, River Rafts, RVing

River Float Essentials for Your Elk River Float Trip

If you live in the four states region of southwest Missouri, you are probably familiar with the leading summer activity of river float trips. It’s a tradition and right of passage for many families and young people across the four states.

Of all the summer activities, river float trips rank high on the list of priorities for staying cool during summer. But before launching off in your favorite float vessel, consider all the river float essentials you need to pack into the craft as you head downriver.

Float Trip Essentials

While you might not think you would need to pack a lot for a float trip downriver. What more is there to ask for on a hot summer day in July than the cool easy flowing currents of an Ozark river.

Honestly, there is a lot to consider, especially if your float trip lasts four hours. Of course, there are lots of things to consider in a self-guided float trip, but at the same time, you don’t have to take the kitchen sink with you either.

Here is a short list of “must haves” in your river float device. 

  1. Watercraft patch kit
  2. Sunblock and Sunscreen
  3. Quick dry clothing
  4. Sunglasses and straps
  5. Food and water
  6. First Aid Kit
  7. Dry Sack
  8. Ziploc bags
  9. Disposable waterproof camera

River Float Craft 

Depending on the type of float vessel, you may need to ask the rental company if they supply an air pump and raft patch kit, just in case anything goes wrong. Many float trips in southwest Missouri are self-guided nontechnical rafting trips. That means gentle flowing rivers are calm enough that the class rating is below a class-I river.

Sunblock and Sunscreen

Here’s an important one, protecting your skin from the sun. That also includes protecting your eyes, ears, nose, lips, and head. You want to keep everything well-covered while having fun in the sun. Even a river seemingly shrouded in tree cover can reflect 25% or more UV light off the water’s surface. Of course, you can always try an article of UPF-rated clothing too.

River Clothing Gear

UPF clothing is ideal for any outdoor activity for skin pigmentations–light or dark. The clothing works to filter out ultraviolet rays, A and B. Otherwise known as UVA and UVB light.

Quick drying layers of clothes are an absolute must when river rafting. From swimming suits to river footwear, it’s best to dry quickly after a day on the river. That way, you don’t need to carry a towel, and you don’t have to try and keep dry while on the river.

If possible, steer clear of cotton clothing, opting for layers with a wicking material that will pull moisture away from your core and dry faster. Ideal river clothing will also include zippered pockets to carry the all-important state identification, keeping it from getting lost in the drink.

Don’t forget your sunglasses and straps; you don’t want those expensive UV polarizing shades to be lost to the river forever. But, it can help to keep your eyes protected from all those ultraviolet rays. 

If you grew up floating the river of Missouri, you know they can be pretty shallow this time of year, so proper river footwear. If your river vessel is a raft, neoprene booties are a solid choice, which cling to a wet raft better than many other shoes. 

Items to Consider

You might ask the boat rental people if the vessels come equipped with a first aid kit, just in case anyone scraps a shin.

Be sure to drink responsibly. Always remember to bring along a few Ziploc bags for trash. The more we all do our part to keep our rivers clean, the more beautiful the scenery and the float for everyone.

Smoother Sailing Tips

Utility bungee cords are an excellent form of insurance to keep your ice, water, and food contained within the ice chest. 

Lastly, who doesn’t want to record all the river memories? Most of us are always trying to catch that next big viral image or video to post on our social media sites, so grab an inexpensive disposable waterproof camera to hold onto to capture those precious moments.

Book Your Elk River or Big Sugar Float Trip

If you’re ready to cool off, book a float trip down Elk River or the Big Sugar at the premier rental location for rafts, kayaks, and canoes at Lazy Days Campground in Noel, MO.

Lazy Days Resort is easy to get to from interstate 49. They are located a short one-minute drive southwest of I-49, take exit 5 at mile marker 6.

To book your campsite now, Lazy Days today!

Also take a moment to read what our recent guests had to say.

Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Elk River Float, Noel MO, RVing

Four Snack Ideas for Float Trips Down Missouri’s Elk River

There’s never a dull moment spent on a 7.5-mile float trip down Elk River toward Pineville, Missouri. Locals and visitors enjoy this seasonal activity of time spent with family and friends gently floating down the river.

After all, you can burn up to 350 calories an hour depending on your body weight and the river’s class rating or difficulty. Alright, so you might not burn 350 calories floating down Elk River.

That raises a good point: Elk River is rated below a class-I river, meaning it has few rapids and fewer river obstacles to negotiate. That makes it an ideal family-friendly float river.

It also helps to understand that Elk River’s average depth measures 3.3 feet, which places it into a low flow rate category that is calm and manageable for novice river-goers seeking to stay cool this summer. 

Although, no float trip is complete without a dry sack to tow along down the river. But what is so special about the dry pack? Aside from keeping everything dry, it’s an excellent way to tote along four snacks with a purpose.

  1. Sweet and Sour
  2. Protein Boosters
  3. Drinks for Hydration
  4. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable

All these snack ideas provide sustainable energy and hydration to keep your energy up, which helps you enjoy every minute on the river.

Sweet and Sour Snacks

There is no better combination for managing your electrolytes when it comes to sweet and sour snacks. The heat index in southwest Missouri can be particularly brutal in July, so keeping your electrolytes stable with a balanced blend of sugars and salts will help keep you having fun and staying calm and more relaxed while in the sun.

A fantastic sweet and sour snack that is pre-packaged and re-sealable is trail mix, a must-have on Elk River. Trail mixes are available premade or ho; here’s an easy recipe we found online. 

To keep it simple, you can grab some Ziploc snack bags and toss in your favorite salted nut or seed, throw in a preferred dried fruit, like raisins, a few M&M’s, and BAM; you’ve got a personalized trail mix for your float trip.

Protein Snack Boosts

Protein is an excellent choice for float trips. It can help sustain your energy levels all day long. For example, one cup of nuts has 27 grams of protein, which equals 813 calories.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can always reach for a Quest White Chocolate Raspberry, which contains 190 calories and only 1 gram of sugar.

Hydrating Snacks

Drinking river water is not advisable, so you should be packing plenty of hydrating snacks. It may sound strange to think of water as a snack, but water intake speeds up your metabolism, making you feel full.

It plays a significant role in staying well-hydrated while outdoors. After all, your body will sweat more than three liters of water an hour just sitting in the sun. That works out to six pounds of water weight loss in a single hour.

While you might not think of hydration as a snack, it’s essential to being out in the sun all day. A good rule of thumb is having 64 ounces of water for every person in a floating device. In addition, some manufacturers make water bladders that hold up to 100 fluid ounces of water.

Pack Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Snacks

Other excellent snack choices are fresh fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears, oranges, or carrots. All these choices can play a part in replenishing your electrolytes too.

Dehydrated fruits are also an excellent option since these snacks are less like to bruise or get mashed while on the river.

Top Snack Picks 

For us at Lazy Days Resort & Campground, our top picks for a well-packed dry sack for a float down Elk River is a snack-size bag of shelled pistachios, a Cliff bar, chili cover dried mangos, 32 ounces of bottled water, and one packet of strawberry kiwi flavored Propel.

Booking Your Elk River Float

If you’re planning a float trip down Elk River, 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 RVing sites at the Lazy Days Resort. We are only a one-minute drive southwest of Interstate 49. Take exit 5 at mile marker 6. The resort location is between Noel and Pineville, Missouri.

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

Craig SandersCampsites, Elk River Float, Noel MO, Pineville MO, RVing