Lazy Days

Resort & Campground on Elk River

Tag: river float

Tag: river float

Exploring a Tranquil River Ranch in Noel, Missouri

The ultimate destination for cooling off this summer is on a river float on the Elk River near Noel, Missouri. In today’s blog, we’ll explore one local river ranch that offers a delightful escape from everyday life.

Whether you’re a camper, cabingoer, or river paddler looking for a weekend adventure, staying at a river ranch has something for everyone. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of one charming river ranch and discover why it should be at the top of your travel list!

A Great River Float Location

Step outside your cabin, tent, or RV at Lazy Days and you’ll discover a world of adventure awaits. McDonald County’s premier outdoor recreational activities include kayaking, canoeing, and river rafting down either the gentle currents of the Elk River or exploring the class-I rapids of the Big Sugar.

Lazy Days Resort – Where Tranquil Waters Meet

At Lazy Days Resort, you’ll immerse yourself in a tranquil oasis that seamlessly blends nature’s beauty with modern amenities. Offering a myriad of comfortable rental accommodations, from cozy cabins to spacious campsites—Lazy Days makes certain every out-of-town guest leaves rejuvenated and recharged. Wake up to breathtaking views of the Elk River and indulge in the serenity of this beautiful river resort location.

Lazy Days Campground and Cabins – A Home Away From Home

For those seeking an authentic camping experience, Lazy Days campground and cabins are the perfect choice. The campground offers spacious, well-maintained sites with full hookups, firepits, and picnic tables nestled amidst towering trees. Gather around the crackling campfire under the starlit sky, sharing stories and laughter with fellow campers. As night falls, drift off to sleep to the soothing chorus of chirping crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves.

A Fun and Relaxing River Ranch Escape at Lazy Days Resort

Lazy Days Resort is the ideal river resort destination for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation stay. You, your friends, and your family can unwind by the riverbank, basking in the warm sun while flipping through a favorite book, enjoy a friendly game of cornhole or horseshoes, or take a leisurely river float. As the day winds down, gather around an outdoor firepit and savor a delicious feast with friends and family.

At Lazy Days Resort, you’ll discover adventure abounds, relaxation comes in abundance, and this hidden gem along the Elk River in Noel, Missouri, promises an unforgettable experience. From the peaceful river ambiance to various outdoor activities, Lazy Days Resort & Campground caters to campers, cabingoers, and river paddlers of all ages. So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a journey to Lazy Days Resort, where a river resort of adventure awaits!

Book Now!
Craig SandersCabins, Campsites, Canoes, Kayaks, McDonald County, Noel MO, River Float, River Rafts, Southwest Missouri, Tent Sites

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, Float Trips, Kayaks, Noel MO, Pineville MO, River Float, River Rafts, 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, Float Trips, RVing, Tent Sites

Differences Between Float Trips and Whitewater Rafting

Two of North America’s most popular outdoor activities during the summer months are float trips and whitewater rafting. But there are some distinct differences between each.

Float trips involve a leisurely journey down a river in an inflatable boat, while whitewater rafting is a more intense adventure on rapids and fast-moving water. 

Float Trips—Enjoy the Calm Relaxation of Slow Moving Water

A unique way to relax and enjoy nature is a river float. Imagine the peacefulness of floating down a river, taking in the sights and sounds of nature around you. A river float can be an incredibly calming experience, allowing you to take some time away from the flurry of activity that comes from everyday life. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect with friends or family while enjoying the calm cooling waters to beat the summer heat.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, river floats have something for everyone. There are many benefits to going on a river float, such as cooling off, spending time with friends, and sipping on a refreshing cocktail. With the proper preparation, you can ensure that your river float is full of good times.

Whitewater Rafting—Navigating Rough Waters With an Experienced Guide

Whitewater rafting is a thrill seeker’s paradise, all while getting a full-body workout. From navigating rapids with an experienced guide, you can safely and enjoy a thrill-seeking adventure down a rapidly moving river.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The river most frequently mentioned in Lazy Days blogs is Elk River, a gently flowing river with few obstacles, and swimming in the river is easy. The other river is the Big Sugar Creek, which has ripples and tiny waves with few obstructions and is shallow in spots, and the risk to swimmers is minimal, making self-rescue easy. Most rivers in Missouri are too slow to even rank on American Whitewater’s benchmark for whitewater rapids.

How the Non-Profit, American Whitewater, Classifies Rivers

The International Scale of Whitewater Difficulty, created in the 1950s by American Whitewater. It is NOT exact, and NOT all rivers can fit into each category. The scale is simply a guide.

Class I Rapids are fast-moving currents with small waves and ripples. Obstacles are easily missed by rafters with little training, knowledge, and experience. The risk is slight to swimmers, and self-rescue is easy. Most rivers in Missouri fall within this category or do not rank at all.

Class II Rapids is for novice beginners–a straightforward approach without the need to scout out the river path beforehand. Waves are mid-sized, and obstacles are occasional but easily avoidable with training or a river guide–very few rivers in Missouri rank as Class II.

Class III Rapids is for intermediate paddlers. Most Class III rapids occur in Class II rivers in Missouri and are quick maneuverable obstacles with low risk. River obstacles are more frequent and may be challenging to avoid, because of the fast-moving currents. Scouting the river ahead of time is advisable but optional. The class III rapids often come with a few strong eddies.

Class IV Rapids is for advanced paddlers. These rivers are not considered float trips. There is a great deal of hard paddling, and you must listen to the instruction of your river guide to navigate chutes, big waves, long rapids, and eddy turns. Self-rescue can be difficult, so the risk is low to moderate.

Class V Rapids are for expert paddlers. Rivers in this class often contain large drops and unavoidable waves, holes, and congested chutes that require complex maneuvers. Rapids often continue for long distances, so paddlers should have a high fitness level. Swimming is hazardous and often tricky. But luckily, there are NO rivers in Missouri that contain class V rapids.

Book A Float Down Elk River or the Big Sugar Creek

If you’re ready for a relaxing river float, book your first float down the Elk River and your second float for the next day on Big Sugar Creek 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.

Read what our recent guests had to say about their stay at Lazy Days!

Craig SandersCanoes, Float Trips, Kayaks, River Float, River Rafts

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 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