Plan a floating trip in the Ozarks with this guide which gives you the lingo, the places, and tools to make a plan. We break it down step-by-step and even provide a packing list so you don’t miss a thing.
With dozens of rivers and numerous lakes and streams, there is no shortage of places to float in the Ozarks. So, if you’re looking for where to plan a float trip in the Ozarks, you’ve got options.
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In this article: What is Floating | The Lingo | Ways to Float | Guided Vs. Solo | Where to Go | Tips | Steps | Packing List | FAQ
What is Floating?
Floating includes non-motorized watercrafts like kayaks, canoes, and inflatable tubes or rafts. These are slower-paced than boating and are best enjoyed on a river or stream where the water is helping to move you along.
Of course, you can also float in a lake, you just won’t be moving much without a paddle and more physical effort.
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The Lingo
If you’re planning a float trip with your family, let’s cover some lingo you should know before jumping in…
| Put-in | The launching point where you put your tube/kayak/canoe into the water |
| Access Point | A place to put-in and launch from or to take out |
| Portage | Carrying your canoe or kayak over land to go around a blockage in the river (like trees or very shallow spots) |
| Water Level | How deep the water is (this changes based on local precipitation accumulation), a good depth is between 1-3’ deep. If the water level isn’t at least 6”, you will probably have to portage often. Check water level & flow rates here or on your outfitter’s website. |
| Flow Rate | How quickly the water flows in a river or stream. Safe levels for beginners are under 500 cubic ft/s (CFS), but should be at least 100 CFS to float. Avoid faster flowing rivers above 500 CFS for your first trip. |
| Capsize | Getting flipped out of your canoe or kayak |
| Dry Bag | A waterproof bag used to keep items dry in case you capsize. |
| PFD | Personal Floatation Device aka Life Jacket – take it, you’ll need it even if you think you don’t. |
>> Check out our top 10 life jackets roundup for kids.<<
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Why Float in the Ozarks?
Floating is very popular in the Ozarks not only because there is such an abundance of places to “put-in,” but also because the rivers and streams are naturally lined with smooth rock. This makes the water crystal clear rather than muddy and murky. While floating in the Ozarks, you can watch fish swim right underneath your kayak, even in deeper water.
Ways to Float
You can float solo on a:
- Single Tube
- Single Kayak
- Canoe
Or, if you want to team up with your kids or partner, check out
- Tandem kayaks, also called double kayaks, allow for two people in one watercraft
- Canoes can accommodate 2 or 3 people
- Raft rentals are available at some venues for larger groups of 4-10 people per raft
Lastly, if you have a wide river or are floating on a lake with the fam, you can get a double (for 2 people) or quad (4 people) tube.
Large groups can even enjoy lounging around on a large floating pad on the lake like the Rubber Dockie Floating Mat pictured here.
Taking a Guided Trip Vs. On Your Own
If you’ve never been on a float trip before, there are two ways to do it. You can hitch a ride with a tubing or kayak rental vendor (aka an outfitter), or you can find a public “put-in” spot and play musical cars by parking one at the put-in spot and the other at the end of your trip.
**Pro Tip: We highly recommend that you go with an outfitter for your first trip (until you become comfortable in the water and very familiar with the area)**
Why Go Guided?
There are a lot of reasons why we prefer guided floating trips, here are just a handful:
- You don’t have to find access points for putting in and taking out
- You don’t need 2 vehicles to get back to your starting point
- You don’t need a truck or special equipment to transport kayaks/tubes/canoes
- You get a ride back to your car
- You don’t have to make a big investment in vessels, equipment, or maintenance
- You’re in a group if anything goes wrong
- Venues provide life jackets
The only downfalls to going with a rental venue are that you are limited to the location, equipment, and schedule of the outfitter that you choose. Plus, your experience may be less private and you have to pay for the trip.
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Costs vary by vendor, but typically—floating equipment rental rates are in these ranges:
- Kayak Rental: $35-80
- Tandem Kayak Rental: $50-100
- Canoe Rental:$50-80
- Tube Rental: $20-40
- Raft Rental: $120-400
Pro Tip: Floating trip prices are generally cheaper during the week and more expensive on weekends.
Going on Your Own
It is possible to go floating without renting from a vendor. You’ll just need to prepare ahead, get your own gear, and find a way to transport your riders and gear.
Here are the additional minimum equipment requirements to go floating without an outfitter:
- Tubes, rafts, kayaks, or canoes
- 2 Vehicles & 2 Drivers
- A way to transport your watercraft(s)
- Flotation devices for each person
To transport your floating device of choice, you have a few options. Tubes are the simplest since you can transport them in any vehicle. Tubes can be inflated with a manual air pump on site and then deflated for transport. If you’re floating with kayaks or canoes, you’ll need a hauling rack, trailer, or pickup truck with straps.
Where to Float
If you’re looking for places to float in the Ozarks, check out our float trips page. It includes a directory of outfitters in the Ozarks that can get you in the water with everythign you need. You can also find places to go on your own on our swimming holes page.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared to portage. There will almost always be some spots where your tube, raft, or kayak needs carried across shallow spots or blocked areas of the river.
- Plan on getting wet. Recently my dad and I went kayaking on a creek in southern Missouri and didn’t think we’d have to worry about getting too wet other than some dripping water from the paddles. Boy were we wrong, we both capsized when we came across a fast-moving current and trees across the creek. That’s where a dry bag and floating cooler come in handy.
- Avoid flip flops. You’ll want water shoes when floating to save your tootsies because you will need to walk through the river at times. Flip flops fall off easily, so unless you want to struggle with your shoes or sore feet all day, we highly recommend water shoes for everyone.
- A mile takes longer on water. A 3 mile trip is the perfect distance for a beginner or family floating trip. It can take about 2 hours to complete 3 miles. Save 6-mile trips for when the kids are 10+ years old. And unless you’re an avid floater, avoid trips longer than 6 miles or you’ll be out there past dark!
- Start early and allow extra time. Begin your float trip before noon to give yourself plenty of time to make it to the access point at the end. You do not want to depart later in the afternoon and have to fumble around in the dark. Allow extra time to stop on sandbars to play.
- Eat before you go & pack snacks. You’ll be out in the sun for several hours, so be sure to eat a good breakfast and stay hydrated with water.
- Pack light. Find a way to fit everything you’re taking on the float trip into your dry bag so that you don’t have to worry about losing anything or soaking things that shouldn’t get wet! Don’t load up your dry bag with extra things you don’t absolutely need.
- Be alert. Rivers are dynamic and conditions change quickly. Be aware of your surroundings and upcoming bends in the river to take the safest route when the river splits. If an approaching area looks dangerous, portage around.
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Steps To Plan A Floating Trip In The Ozarks
- Pick a Location: Find places to float in the Ozarks on our float trip page.
- Pick a Vendor: Once you know which river you want to float on, find an outfitter and scope them out for departure times, cost, and float options.
- Pick a Trip Length: 3 miles on a river can take 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the flow speed of the water and how much you paddle. A 6-mile trip is considered an all-day trip, taking 3-5 hours.
- Book Your Trip: Book online and fill out waivers so that you’re all set to go
- Pack Your Dry Bag: Invest in an affordable dry bag and load it up with drinks, phones, keys, debit cards, sunscreen, and other essentials
- Show up [30 min early] & have fun!
Some of our favorite outfitters include Meramec Caverns in Missouri, Buffalo River Outfitters in Arkansas, and Diamondhead Resort in Oklahoma.
What to Pack for a Floating Trip
| Here is our floating trip essentials packing list |
| Dry bag | Reusable trash bag |
|---|---|
| Inflatable Cooler | High-Protein snacks |
| Ice | Water Shoes |
| Drinks (no glass) | Rope |
| Sunscreen | Compact River Towels |
| Find More… | If lake floating is more your flow, shop our favorite things for Lake Life. |
Floating FAQ: More things to know before Floating
What time should I arrive?
Float trips usually begin in the morning and depart hourly until noon. Check specific vendors for instructions, but always arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time to grab your gear and make sure you make the bus that takes you to the put-in spot.
Can you drink alcohol while floating?
Usually yes, but check with your specific vendor or park to confirm. Do not take glass bottles and make sure you have a way to collect your trash for later disposal. Do not bring styrofoam coolers. Some vendors offer a floating cooler tube rental for an additional charge (usually about $10).
How old do you have to be to float?
If renting from a vendor, rules vary by location. Some places have no rules and age restrictions may change depending on current water conditions. Typical floating age requirements are:
- Tubes and rafts: 3 years old
- Kayaks: 10 years old for tandem, 13 years old for single
What flow rate is best for floating, kayaking, or tubing?
For beginners, a flow rate under 500 ft3/s is safe for leisurely kayakers and floaters on rivers and streams. A minimum of 100 ft3/s is recommended to ensure the water will push floaters along.
What water level is best for floating, kayaking, or tubing?
For beginners, a water level between 1-3 feet deep is safest for kayakers and floaters on rivers and streams. The water must be at least 6″ to avoid portaging.
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