The Elk River, Indian Creek, and Big Sugar are popular destinations for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, camping, and angling alike.
Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing & Tubing in Noel, MO
The water quality is some of the best in the four-state area. Our portion of the Elk River ranges from Class I to Class II, making it ideal for first-time floaters and those looking to kick back and relax with friends. The Elk River offers beautiful views and shallow swimming areas. There are also several gravel bars, perfect for picnics and snapping photos with friends. Choose a float trip ending at Wayside Campground to end at your car, or float to any of our other campgrounds and hop on a shuttle back to your car. Book your rental today and start your river float!
The Upper Trip. (6 mile float)
This float trip departs from Kozy Kamp and ends at Elk River Campground.
Campers float into camp, guest just floating end at their car.
All guest chose a shuttle departure time 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, or 10:15 AM.
Guest can expect to be on the water 30 minutes to one hour after shuttle departure, so plan accordingly.
The Lower Trip. (6 mile float)
This float trip departs from Elk River Campground and ends at Wayside Campground.
Campers launch from camp and are shuttled back at the end of the float.
Floats can launch from any time between 8 AM – 10:30 AM.
Other Float Trip Routes are available from Wayside Campground. This includes:
The 12 Mile
This float trip departs from Kozy Kamp and ends at Wayside Campground.
Floaters depart from Wayside Campground at 8 AM on Saturday and 9 AM on Sun-Fri.
This float can be done in one day or be broken into two days.
Elk River Campground & Eagles Nest are the halfway points and can act as your over night stay if you would like to break this float into two days. Boat rentals are still required to be checked in at a midway campground.
Come enjoy a fun day floating down the Elk River with a raft rental! This is our most popular way to experience the beauty of the Elk. Our raft rentals include a shuttle to make your float hassle-free & can accommodate 4, 6, 8, and 10 people with the option for a cooler tube to maximize boat space. Float with friends & family, beach up on our natural sand bars, and have a blast on the Elk River with us!
Yes! All guests must sign our liability waiver to enjoy our float trips.
Feel free to bring your own food and drinks – MUST be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Remember to bring your own towels.
Photo ID
Please note that no glass or styrofoam is allowed.
Saturday start time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Sunday – Friday start time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Call to schedule a later departure time.
Coolers no larger than 48 quarts are allowed.
No styrofoam coolers are allowed.
We have coolers available to rent for an additional fee.
We expect normal wear and tear on equipment, so we do not charge for that. In the event that damage beyond the normal wear and tear occurs, we expect you to pay retrieval and repair expenses. If you abandon your float equipment or it is stolen or damaged beyond repair, you will be asked to pay for them. If you lose paddles or lifejackets, or if you misuse lifejackets causing damage, you will be asked to pay for them ($15 each). Please use common sense.
Replacement costs:
Canoes – $750
Rafts – $1750 and up
Kayaks – $350 and up
Tubes – $75
Small repair costs on rafts start at $50 and go up based on severity.
We float rain or shine. If extreme conditions prevent starting your float by 12 noon or the float is called off, you will be issued a rain check for the date of your choice, based on availability. If the storm has passed by noon, no rain checks will be issued. No credit is issued for returning early from your trip. No rain checks are issued for camping or cabins unless an evacuation is needed. In the event a flood forces an evacuation of your site, you will be offered a new site if space permits, or a rain check for a date of your choice, based on availability.
All rain checks will be in the form of a credit in the reservation holder’s “master account” in our reservation system.
Camping and floating are outdoor activities, and as such we have no control over the weather or water levels.
ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS
Yes, but please note that we do not recommend any child under the age of 7 to float the river in our equipment. However, we do leave the final decision to the parent or guardian. Children under 12 must wear life jackets at all times. Lifejackets for children 12 years and younger are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.