Information & Policies
Whether you’re loading up for a float trip, settling into your camping site, or checking into a cabin rental, this page covers everything you need to know before you arrive.
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See current river levels here as well as the type of watercraft or paddler allowed for your trip at the current level.
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We do allow coolers, but please note that coolers cannot be larger than 48 quarts and cannot be made of styrofoam.
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Please call first for approval after reviewing these policies
Pets going on a float trip:
Pets are allowed to go on a float trip in canoes and kayaks only, but not in the rafts or tubes. All dogs must remain on a leash, including during transportation. We recommend flotations devices for your pets. If you plan on bringing a pet, you must call first for approval. Please note that breed restrictions are set by our insurance, absolutely no aggressive breeds. To see more detail from our insurance providers on these breeds, click here.
Pets staying on our facilities:
Pets are allowed in our campground, with a leash at all times or in your RV. Pets are not allowed at our lodging accommodations under any circumstances. If you plan on bringing a pet, you must call first for approval. Please note that breed restrictions are set by our insurance, absolutely no aggressive breeds.
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- Please remember to bring your own towels, bedding, blankets, and utensils.
- Signed rental agreement
- Photo ID
- Everything’s you need to be a happy camper while staying with us.
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Float trip (kayaks, canoes, and rafts) reservations are highly recommended for everyone on weekends and for groups during the week. Float trips paid in advance will guarantee your kayaks, canoe, and/or raft until 11:00 a.m. on float date.
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Upper Trip
Saturday floats start at 8:00 am and run until about 10:00 am. Sunday through Friday floats start at 9:00 a.m. and run until about 10:00 am.
Lower Trip
Saturday floats start at 8:00 am and run until about 11:00 am. Sunday through Friday floats start at 9:00 a.m. and run until about 11:00 am.
12 Mile
Saturday floats depart from Wayside at 8:00 am sharp.
Sunday through Friday floats depart from Wayside at 9:00 am sharp.
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We require payment in full as deposit on all reservations. We process the card for the full amount when booking cabins, camp sites, and/or floating rental equipment. Once payment is received in full, a confirmation will be sent by text message or email. Your reservation is not final until you receive your confirmation.
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We want everyone to have a great time, so please respect your camping neighbor and the beautiful surroundings. Please keep the park clean. For your safety, the speed limit is 5 mph throughout the campground.
No firearms or fireworks. Keep music within your camp. Respect the trees — don’t chop, nail or saw. Hang lanterns so they don’t burn trunks and branches; remember, they’re giving you shade. No glass in campground or on river. No styrofoam coolers!
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A 30 day notice for lodging, 14-day notice for all other activities, by email by 10:00 a.m. prior to your check-in date is required for any rescheduling, based on availability, or cancellation. If a cancellation is completed, a 50% service fee is assessed. If rescheduling, a Rescheduling Fee can be added even if a 14-day notice is given (30 days for lodging). Any reservation made in the last 14 days (30 days for lodging) prior to your check-in date is final. No money can be returned if rescheduled or cancelled. This policy is strictly followed.
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Please treat our rental equipment, including canoes, rafts, kayaks, tubes, housing, and camp sites as if they were your own. We expect normal wear and tear on equipment, and for that we do not charge. In the event damage occurs beyond normal wear and tear, 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 ($50-200 each). Please use common sense.
- Replacement costs
- Canoe – $750
- Rafts – $1750 and up
- Kayaks – $350 and up
- Tubes – $75
Small repair costs on rafts start at $100 and go up based on severity.
- Replacement costs
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An Early Pick-Up Fee is assessed if we have to pick you up before you complete your float. A Pick-Up Fee is assessed if you float passed your Boat Return Location. A Late Return Fee is assessed if you do not return your equipment to the Boat Return Location and check it in with the designated Attendant by the designated return time. If you do not return the rental equipment at all please see the replacement cost above in the Rental Replacement Policy. Multiple fees can apply.
Camping and floating are outdoor activities, and as such we have no control over the weather or water levels.
ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS -
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; again, 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 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
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Safety is our number one concern, but it must be understood that camping, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and other river activities include some danger. You will participate at your own risk. We cannot assume responsibility for personal injury, medical payment, property loss, or damage while floating or during your stay. You will be asked to acknowledge this by signing a liability waiver before your outing begins. Swim at your own risk; there is no lifeguard on duty.
Warning: Under Missouri Law, an outfitter is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in paddlesport activities resulting from the inherent risks of paddlesport activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
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Floating a river with kids during ideal conditions is entirely a personal decision. No one can recommend to you whether you should or shouldn’t take them along, as only you know your paddling skill level and your ability to handle whatever river conditions you are presented with, including dealing with obstacles that can cause you to turn over. Children can also be unpredictable in their movements or behaviors, so you also have to factor this into the equation.
Elk River Floats does 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 when water levels allow it.
STATE LAW: 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.
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We have no control over the weather or water levels, so sometimes based on the USGS Water Gage we have to make decisions on what is floatable with children. These policies vary based on present river conditions including but not limited to: water level, debris, weather, boat, age of children, experience level. Waiting until mid to late summer to avoid spring and early summer rains and storms would typically allow a greater chance of floating during ideal conditions.