DIY Float Trip Guide

Everything you need to plan a self-guided Missouri river adventure. Save money and float on your own schedule!

Why Go DIY?

Save Money

  • Save $30-60 per person vs guided trips
  • Rent canoes for $40-50 vs $80+ with outfitter
  • Free if you own your equipment

More Freedom

  • Start and end whenever you want
  • Choose your own route and distance
  • Stop and explore at your pace

Step-by-Step DIY Planning

1

Choose Your River & Section

Start with an easy river like the Meramec or Elk for your first DIY trip. Plan for 2 miles per hour of casual floating.

Beginner-Friendly Sections:

  • • Meramec State Park: 7 miles, 3-4 hours
  • • Elk River Noel Section: 6 miles, 3 hours
  • • Current River Big Spring: 8 miles, 4 hours
2

Plan Your Vehicle Logistics

Two-Car Method (Best)

  1. 1. Meet at take-out point, leave Car A
  2. 2. Everyone drives in Car B to put-in
  3. 3. Float to Car A
  4. 4. Drive Car A back to get Car B

One-Car + Shuttle

Park at take-out, pay $35-50 for shuttle to put-in. Float ends at your car!

3

Get Your Equipment

Essential Gear:

  • • Canoe/kayak ($40-50 rental)
  • • Life jackets (required by law)
  • • Paddles + spare
  • • Dry bags/waterproof containers
  • • Rope for tying boats

Where to Rent:

  • • Local outfitters (canoe only)
  • • Sporting goods stores
  • • Facebook Marketplace
  • • Walmart (basic kayaks $200)
4

Check Conditions & Launch

Before You Go:

  • ✓ Check water levels (2-4 ft optimal)
  • ✓ Weather forecast (no storms)
  • ✓ Tell someone your float plan
  • ✓ Start early (8-10 AM best)
  • ✓ Pack trash bags (Leave No Trace)

DIY vs Guided Cost Comparison

ItemDIY CostGuided CostSavings
Canoe Rental$40-50$80-100$40-50
Shuttle (if needed)$35Included-
Life Jackets$5 rentalIncluded-
Total Per Canoe$80-90$160-200$80-110
Per Person (2 people)$40-45$80-100$40-55

Pro DIY Tips

Timing

  • • Start by 9 AM to avoid crowds
  • • Weekdays are much less crowded
  • • Allow extra time for first trip
  • • End by 4 PM for safety

Navigation

  • • Download offline maps beforehand
  • • Mark GPS waypoints
  • • Look for landmarks
  • • Ask locals for beta

Common Mistakes

  • • Underestimating float time
  • • Not checking water levels
  • • Forgetting sun protection
  • • No backup paddle

Parking

  • • Arrive early for best spots
  • • Never leave valuables visible
  • • Take photos of parking spot
  • • Have backup access points

Ready for Your DIY Adventure?

Use our trip planner to map your route and find access points

Plan Your Trip