Things to Know

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.

Saturday floats start at 8:00 a.m. and run until about 10:00-11:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made for a later time.

Sunday through Friday floats start at 9:00 a.m. and run until about 12:00 p.m. unless arrangements are made for earlier or later times.

Absolutely no coolers larger than 48 quarts permitted in our rental equipment. In addition, no styrofoams coolers are allowed on the Elk River. If caught with Styrofoam cooler or glass containers on the river, you may subject to a fine.

We require payment in full as deposit. Credit card payment is required on cabin reservations. We process the card for the full amount of payment when booking cabins and floating reservations. Once payment is received in full, a confirmation will be sent by text message or email.

A 14-day notice by phone by 10:00 a.m. prior to date of your visit is required for any cancellation or to move a date, based on availability. There is a 30-day notice on all cabins. If a cancellation is completed, a 10% service fee is assessed. We do not charge to move a date if a 14-day notice is given (30 days on cabins). Any reservation made in the last 10 days (30 days on lodge) prior to your arrival date is final. No money can be returned if cancelled. This policy is strictly followed.

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 ($15 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 $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; 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 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

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.

Elk River Floats and Wayside 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. 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.

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.

Absolutely NO Dogs on rafts!

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 5-10 mph throughout the campsite.

No firearms, fireworks, ATVS, Four Wheelers or Dirt Bikes. Keep music within your camp. Respect the trees — don’t chop, nail or saw. $150 fine per inch of damage. 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!

• Please remember to bring your own towels, bedding, blankets, and utensils.
• Please bring your own water and snacks.
• Signed rental agreement
• Photo ID