Missouri Float Rivers

Explore all the beautiful rivers Missouri has to offer. From gentle family floats to exciting rapids, find your perfect river adventure with real-time conditions and detailed guides.

Showing 13 of 13 rivers

Current River

3.5 ft

Missouri's most popular float trip destination with crystal-clear spring-fed waters

184 miles total
Beginner to Intermediate
Crowd Level: Moderate
Crystal clear spring-fed waterBig Spring - one of America's largest springs (286 million gallons/day)Blue Spring, Welch Spring, and Alley Spring
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Jacks Fork River

2.8 ft

Scenic tributary of the Current River with excellent swimming holes

45 miles floatable
Beginner to Intermediate
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Alley Spring Mill historic siteClear spring-fed waterScenic limestone bluffs
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Meramec River

4.2 ft

Popular river close to St. Louis with beautiful spring and state park

218 miles
Beginner
Crowd Level: Moderate to High
Maramec Spring ParkMeramec State Park with 40+ cavesClose to St. Louis (1 hour)
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Niangua River

3.1 ft

Spring-fed river famous for trout fishing at Bennett Spring

60 miles floatable
Beginner
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Bennett Spring State ParkExcellent trout fishingSpring-fed consistent flow
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Eleven Point River

4.1 ft

Wild and Scenic River with pristine waters and remote floating

44 miles designated Wild & Scenic
Intermediate
Crowd Level: Low
National Wild and Scenic River designationGreer Spring - 2nd largest in MissouriRemote wilderness floating
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Gasconade River

3.8 ft

Missouri's longest river with diverse scenery and excellent fishing

280 miles
Beginner to Intermediate
Crowd Level: Low
Missouri's longest riverLimestone bluffs and cavesExcellent smallmouth bass fishing
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Big Piney River

2.9 ft

Peaceful river through Mark Twain National Forest

85 miles floatable
Beginner
Crowd Level: Very Low
Mark Twain National ForestPeaceful, uncrowded floatingWildlife viewing
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Black River

3.2 ft

Clear waters with Class II rapids and swimming holes

90 miles floatable
Intermediate to Advanced
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Class II rapids (seasonal)Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park nearbyCrystal clear water
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Huzzah Creek

2.1 ft

Popular creek near St. Louis with swimming holes

23 miles floatable
Beginner
Crowd Level: High (weekends)
Close to St. LouisFamily-friendly rapidsSwimming holes
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Courtois Creek

1.8 ft

Small scenic creek with clear water and bluffs

20 miles floatable
Beginner
Crowd Level: Low
Crystal clear waterLimestone bluffsLess crowded than Huzzah
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North Fork River

3.5 ft

Trophy trout fishing destination with cold spring waters

35 miles in Missouri
Beginner
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Trophy trout fishingRainbow SpringNorth Fork Spring
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James River

2.8 ft

Scenic river near Springfield with smallmouth bass fishing

60 miles floatable
Beginner
Crowd Level: Moderate
Close to SpringfieldSmallmouth bass fishingLow-water bridges
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Elk River

4.5 ft

Clear spring-fed river in Southwest Missouri with scenic float trips

50 miles floatable
Beginner to Intermediate
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Crystal clear spring-fed waterLimestone bluffs and cavesExcellent swimming holes
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Your Complete Guide to Missouri Float Rivers

Missouri offers some of the best float trips in the United States, with crystal-clear spring-fed rivers winding through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Whether you're planning a DIY float trip or looking for guided tours, our comprehensive river guides provide everything you need for the perfect adventure.

Popular Missouri Float Rivers

From the famous Current River to the family-friendly Elk River, Missouri's rivers offer diverse experiences for every skill level. Each river has its own unique character, from gentle floats perfect for families to exciting rapids for adventure seekers.

Planning Your Float Trip

Use our real-time water level data and crowd predictions to choose the perfect time for your float. Our DIY planning tools help you coordinate vehicles, find access points, and estimate float times. With over 500 mapped access points and detailed river sections, you'll have everything needed for a successful self-guided adventure.

Safety and Regulations

Always check current conditions before floating. Missouri law requires children under 7 to wear life jackets at all times. Glass containers are prohibited on most rivers. Respect private property along riverbanks and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful waterways for future generations.