Floating in the Ozarks

The Jacks Fork and upper Current River are our most popular floating destinations.

NPS Photo / Jessica Poppa

 

Current Conditions

For the most up-to-date information about river closures or flood conditions, please visit our Facebook page or contact park headquarters at [phone].

 

Ways to Float

There are two main ways to float the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers: renting equipment or bringing your own. "Equipment" includes everything needed to float: Watercraft, paddles, and life jackets. In this article, "watercraft" refers to canoes, kayaks, rafts, or tubes.

Renting equipment is the easiest and most popular way to float the river. Renting can be done through our "outfitters." These are officially licensed businesses that work with the National Park Service. They will put you in, provide you with all the equipment you need, and pick you up at the end of your adventure. Some outfitters will even pick you up at your campsite (or room) and return you afterwards.

Prices are competitive. Most outfitters also host small stores, where you can purchase snacks, drinks, sunscreen, river shoes, bait, and other necessities for a day on the water. Some businesses offer rafts and tubes in addition to canoes and kayaks. For information on the rental process, click the "Renting From An Outfitter" tab below.

If you have your own watercraft, you can use it free-of-charge! There are no fees for floating on the Current or Jacks Fork River within park boundaries. Just be sure to follow the rules of the river, including all state and federal regulations. Click the "Private Vessels" tab below for more information.

Renting From An Outfitter

Our park's outfitters have decades of experience from floating the Ozarks. Renting from these businesses is the quickest and easiest way to get on the river. Here's how it works:

1. Pick a section of the river that you want to float. If you can't make up your mind, you can always call an outfitter or a park ranger for recommendations.

2. Choose a date and time when you want to float.

3. Call an outfitter that serves your chosen section. A full list can be found below. Call far in advance to guarantee availability. The outfitter will let you know which times they have available (if any) and the price for each watercraft.

4. Lock in your reservation. The outfitter will let you know where and when to meet. They will also explain how transportation works: you will be shuttled either before or after your float. Depending on the date and size of your group, you may need to pay a deposit ahead of time. 

5. Show up for your reservation at the agreed time and place. Outfitters often run tight schedules; showing up late could result in delay or cancellation of your trip.

6. Grab your equipment from the outfitter. Remember to always wear a personal flotation device (life jacket)!

7. Enjoy your float! Be sure to respect the rules of the river and be courteous to your fellow floaters.

Remember to also respect the rules of the outfitter. They have the final word on what is allowed/disallowed on their watercraft or shuttles. For example, pets or fishing equipment might not be allowed on rafts. When in doubt, ask the outfitter about their policies before booking a reservation.

Private Vessels

There are no fees for floating the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers within national park boundaries. However, there are basic rules and procedures that everyone must follow.

1. Remember to arrange transport ahead of time. You are responsible for moving your own people and equipment. Some outfitters offer paid shuttle services, but they are not obligated to provide them. Also, keep in mind that cell phone service is limited in the area: Set up a second vehicle or discuss pickup in advance.

2. Only use designated river access points and follow any posted signs. Areas designated as a "boat launch" are prioritized for jet/motor boats. Also, in the summer, certain areas may be restricted to outfitter vehicles only. Help us maintain a smooth operation by following the posted signs.

3. Unload vessels and move your vehicle in a timely manner. If you have a setup that requires more than a few minutes, please pull out of the flow of traffic before unloading. Extended parking at river access points is not permitted.

4. Park in designated areas only. Be courteous to your fellow visitors: Do not leave your vehicle in loading zones or parking spots reserved for other services. These include picnic shelters, day use areas, campgrounds, stores, etc. Improper parking could result in towing or fines.

5. Enjoy your float! Remember to follow the rules of the river, including all state and federal regulations.

 

Outfitters

Click an outfitter name to visit their website. Call the associated phone number to make a reservation.

UPPER CURRENT RIVER	JACKS FORK & MIDDLE CURRENT RIVER	LOWER CURRENT RIVER
Akers Ferry Canoe Rental [phone]	Harvey's Alley Spring Canoe Rental [phone]	Big Spring Canoe Rental [phone]
Carr's Canoe Rental [phone]	Two Rivers Canoe Rental [phone]	Current River Outfitters [phone]
Current River Canoe Rental [phone]	Windy's Canoe Rental [phone]	Float Current River (formerly Big Spring RV Camp) [phone]
Jadwin Canoe Rental [phone] or [phone]		Hawthorne Canoe Rental [phone]
Round Spring Canoe Rental [phone]		The Landing Canoe Rental [phone]
Running River Canoe Rental [phone]
Silver Arrow Canoe Rental [phone]
Wild River Canoe Rental [phone]

 

 

Rules and Expectations

When visiting the riverways, everyone must show respect for other floaters and the world around them. All state and federal laws apply, and disruptive or dangerous behavior are not tolerated in the park. We ask all visitors to read the park regulations before visiting.

For floating specifically, read the list of river rules below:

Lashing / tying of tubes or vessels is prohibited.

Lashing tubes or vessels together is strictly prohibited. Clusters of vessels greatly increase the risk of drowning, as people can become tangled in ropes or get stuck underneath the group. This rule applies to unmanned vessels as well (for example, a tube with a cooler).

Jumping or diving from trees or rope swings is prohibited.

In the past, serious injuries have been caused by people slipping, falling, or simply landing too hard. Trees and rope swings are common locations for these accidents. While jumping into the water from small heights is allowed, visitors are responsible for their own safety. Always search the water for roots or rocks beforehand, and never tie or use rope swings along the water.

One PFD must be on board for each person.

State and federal law require one Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board per person, if the vessel is less than 16 feet in length. To prevention drowning or injury, the park encourages visitors to wear a PFD at all times.

Children under 7 must wear a PFD at all times.

By law, children under 7 years of age must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while in a vessel.

Glass and styrofoam are prohibited on or around the river.

To prevent litter and injury, glass and styrofoam are not allowed in any vessel prone to capsizing. This includes kayaks, tubes, canoes, rafts, and most other non-motorized vessels. They are also prohibited on trails, in caves, and within 50 feet of rivers.

Dogs may not be leashed / tethered while in a vessel on the water.

For the safety of your pet, the park does not allow animals to be tied to vessels while on the water. Leashes/tethers pose a drowning risk for both themselves and people. Consider bringing a dog life jacket instead.

With that in mind, owners are still expected to control their pets while on the water. Dogs are not allowed to chase wildlife or otherwise disrupt the river experience. As soon as the vessel is back on land, the dog must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. This also applies when pulling onto the side of the river, no matter the duration. Visit our Pets in the Park page for more information.

Reminder: Alcohol and drug regulations are strictly enforced (including marijuana).

Public intoxication and use of drinking "paraphernalia" are not allowed in the park. This includes items like beer bongs. State and federal alcohol laws apply as normal.

Also, while the state of Missouri has legalized recreational marijuana use, Ozark National Scenic Riverways is on federal land. Regardless of personal opinion, law enforcement rangers have a duty to enforce federal marijuana laws. Please leave any marijuana products or paraphernalia at home.

Reminder: All caves within the park are protected and closed to entry.

While floating the riverways, you will see many bluffs, caves, and other features. In order to protect bats, all caves within the park are closed to entry. Humans can spread white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease, or interrupt hibernation / rest cycles. Since 2014, local bat populations have seen losses of 90-100% of their previous total. Help us protect the remaining bats by leaving caves undisturbed.

The only exceptions to this rule are Round Spring Cave (summer only), Devils Well, and Cave Spring. Round Spring Cave is open for tours during the summer season. Devils Well and Cave Spring may be visited year-round. Cave Spring is located halfway between Akers and Pulltite; visitors may float or walk inside. We ask that you preserve this beautiful site by treading lightly.

 

"The song of the river ends not at her banks but in the hearts of those who have loved her." - (Buffalo Joe)