General

Camping

Float Trips

Can I bring my dog?

You are welcome to bring your dogs but for the safety of our guests we ask that you keep them on a leash the entire time it is on the grounds, pick up their poop, and do not leave them unattended unless they are in a crate. Dogs are free if you are floating, camping, or staying in an RV. If you are staying in a cabin, there is a $50 fee per dog for the duration of your stay. There is a 2 dog limit per cabin.

What happens if it floods?

Primary concern is for safety.  If the water is too high to float or forces an evacuation of the resort rain checks will be issued for a later date of your choice, based on availability. See policy page.

When should I check-in for my reservations?

Check-in for lodging and camping begins at 3:00pm every day and ends at close of business (on busy weekends we will have after hours security to help you check-in and find where you are going – during the week please make arrangements if you are arriving after business hours. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled floating departure time to check-in and finalize paperwork.

Can I check-in early for my reservations?

Early check-in for lodging and camping depends on whether or not the site / unit was rented the previous night & if it is guest ready yet. You will need to call ahead. There will be an early check-in fee for arrivals before normal check-in time.

Do you have a Restaurant on property?

On weekends, Memorial through Labor Day, our Cafe is open Friday & Saturday from 5pm-11 pm, Saturday & Sunday from 7am-10am. Our Elk River Coffee Co., in-store coffee shop, is available during store hours.

Do you have WiFi at the resort?

We do not have Wi-Fi available, however with most carriers you should have cell service.

Do you sell fishing licenses?

We do not sell fishing licenses at River Ranch Resort, but you go online and purchase one before your arrival.

We do sell fishing worms and a limited amount of fishing tackle in our store.

What is your deposit and cancellation policy?

Payment in full is due as deposit within 10 days after reservation is made, unless your reservation is booked within the cancellation policy – in which case full payment is due at time of reservation. To cancel a reservation or to move a date requires a 14 day notice (30 days on lodge cabins #1-6). There is a 10% cancellation charge on any cancellation made even if you cancel it the next day. Inside 14 days all reservations are final – no refunds if cancelled.

Can extra people sleep in a cabin that already has a specified number of guests allowed?

No it is against the fire code to allow more people than the cabin is designed to hold. We will NOT make any exceptions no matter what you have planned. If you do happen to bring extra people they are welcome to rent a camp spot if available. If you have an infant that sleeps in the with you, that is ok.

Are fireworks allowed? Is there a display on the 4th?

No, fireworks are not allowed because we are in the city limits. They also can easily set tents on fire.

The city typically has a nice display on the Saturday closest to the 4th. We have no control over it, so if the city, for whatever reason, doesn’t put one on please don’t be mad at us.

How many people does a site hold?

Each site is a different size so they vary based on that. When making a reservation each site will give a minimum that you must have to rent that site and a maximum that we will not allow more people than that.

How many tents will my site hold?

We rate sites by the amount of people on average they will hold, everyone has a different sized tent so that can vary quite a bit.

When should I check-in for my reservations?

Check-in begins at 3:00pm every day and ends at close of business (on busy weekends we will have after hours security to help you check-in and find where you are going – during the week please make arrangements if you are arriving after business hours. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled floating departure time to check-in and finalize paperwork.

Can I check-in early for my reservations?

Early check-in depends on whether or not the site was rented the previous night & if it is guest ready yet. You will need to call ahead. There will be an early check-in fee for arrivals before normal check-in time.

Can I bring my generator for my tent site?

No, generators are loud and disruptive to the whole camping experience.

Can I bring my Golf Cart, ATV or Dirt Bike?

No, If there is an extenuating situation we will evaluate that on a case by case basis.

Can I put an RV or Pop-Up Camper on a tent camping electric site?

No, RVs and Campers are allowed only on RV sites.

Can I put a tent on a Full Hook-Up camping site with my camper?

Yes you may, but it will be the normal rate of that site.

What happens if the water is too high to float, but sites are ok to camp?

If floats are cancelled a rain check will be issued and placed in your master account for future use. No refunds.  Rain checks for sites will not be issued if the sites are usable.

Is it safe to bring my child on a float trip?

We will not float children under 38” tall. For children 38” and over we ask that as a parent you evaluate your child’s ability to react if something were to happen on the river. We recommend they be able to swim, we do have children life jackets available but they are one size – we recommend you bring a jacket that best fits your child. Missouri law requires boaters to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board and accessible for each occupant of the boat. Children under the age of seven are required by law to wear a life jacket whenever they are on a boat.

What will I encounter on my float?

The Elk River Is a class 1 river so mainly slow moving water except a couple shoots of small currents. This all varies based on water levels. There is some trees down near the banks of the river that you can easily avoid. Always be looking ahead to prepare.

Can I get picked up early from our float?

Yes, but you must be at a campground for us to be able to get our van/bus to you. You must be able to describe where you are at as well.

Can I bring my own floating equipment?

Yes, see our rates page for pricing here.

What are the water temps?

The water varies during the early summer to late summer. April – early June it runs around mid 60s to low 70s. Late June – end of August it runs upper 70s. The water temp can also vary on rainfall.

Do you have special rates for groups or organizations?

Yes, our group rates are listed below on applicable floating equipment. We would love to customize a trip just for you!

Canoe: 10+ canoes = $65.00 p/canoe ($32.50 p/person)
6-Man Raft: 5+ rafts = $220.00 p/raft ($36.67 p/person)
8-Man Raft: 6+ rafts = $300.00 p/raft ($37.50 p/person)

Is alcohol allowed on the river?

Yes, it is. No glass or styrofoam coolers on streams by state law.

What class is Elk River?

Elk river is a class 1 to 2 depending on rain fall. Basically meaning a nice recreational floating stream.

What happens if the water is too high to float, but sites are ok to camp?

If floats are cancelled a rain check will be issued and placed in your master account for future use. No refunds.  Rain checks for sites will not be issued if the sites are usable.