Plenty of spring rain has produced excellent floating conditions on Ozark rivers. Many outfitters are reporting the best floating conditions and water levels they have seen in years, with good volume and water flow. 2008 may prove to be the best year for floating Ozark waterways that we have seen in a long time.

A float trip on an Ozark waterway is an ideal vacation for the entire family. Our floatable streams are all cool, clear and spring-fed, providing some of the safest and most enjoyable recreation in the state.

All floating outfitters cooperate with the Missouri Water Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation in enforcing laws that apply to their waterways. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides National Park Service Rangers for added safety and protection. In addition, important signs are placed along the waterways to inform floaters about laws and regulations. As a result of these ongoing efforts, floating in the Ozarks is very safe and well-suited for families and groups. Cooperation between floaters and government agencies has encouraged the growth of group and family fun on the rivers. A new awareness concerning floating regulations has created an even better floating experience. The outfitters are happy to see more visible law enforcement on the rivers.

In September, the Missouri Canoe & Floaters Association, in conjunction with Stream Teams, sponsors a river clean-up. Stream Team members and volunteers are invited to participate. Clean-up teams work from canoes and the bank. Gloves, trash bags and refreshments are usually provided to participants.

Litterbags from the Missouri Department of Conservation are supplied to all outfitters and given to floaters to use during their trip.

Outfitters were recently polled via email and responded with the following float information:

Big Sugar Creek
Excellent floating and excellent camping. It is turned into a beautiful season in the Ozarks.

Upper Gasconade
We are experiencing excellent floating conditions with good water clarity. All canoeing and rafting trips are being offered and we look forward to a great floating season with the abundant rainfall this spring. Camping conditions are outstanding with warm days and cool nights. You can float during the day and enjoy a campfire at night.

Niangua River
Slightly above normal, great floating and fishing conditions.

Niangua River
We are floating at this time. Camping is open with good conditions.

Jacks Fork and Current Rivers
With ample water from our spring storms and showers, both rivers are flowing very well and are the cleanest we've ever seen. We have been able to extend the period of time we are normally able to take guests up to the Prongs, therefore allowing folks the opportunity to experience the entire Jacks Fork as the Ozarks come into their Spring color. The grasses came up thick and bright. The trees and plants have not suffered the late freeze we experienced in 2007 so we have much more color this year. The nights are still cool and the humidity hasn't set in yet so camping is perfect right now. I look at the stars at night and I could swear there are more than ever.

Elk River and Big Sugar
The 8 mile trip on the Elk River is the best that it has been in several years. The Big Sugar is good but experience paddlers are needed because of some downed trees. The campground is almost back to normal after three large floods.

Current River
River conditions are as good as they get--fast flowing with plenty of water which floaters will appreciate after several years of low-water floating. NPS has cleaned out blockages from flooding and the river is relatively free of root wads and overhanging trees which can get a canoeist in trouble. Camping is great with nights becoming warmer and things are very green and lush. As always, bring your suntan lotion and bug spray. I think we now have some of the best floating that we have had in years, and we hope it will continue into the summer months. Just a bit of rain each week will keep the rivers in top condition.

Northfork & Bryant Creek
Water is running a bit higher and faster than normal, but is a beautiful float. Water is clear and fishing is good.  Norfork Lake is very high and backed up to Dawt Mill (Lake Dawt). Floating should be really nice this year.

Huzzah, Courtois, Meramec Rivers
The Huzzah and Courtois floating outlook for this season is great. With above normal rainfall these two rivers are looking perfect for the floating season. Clear moving water means safe effortless paddling conditions. The Meramec section that we service is still a greenish color and the volume of water flow is a little above normal for this time of year. Our campground is mowed and ready for guests. Our full Service RV park is ready. The playground and volleyball courts are in need of visitors. Floating down the Huzzah is a perfect mindless activity that we as people need.

Meramec River
Today, May 20th, the river is flowing a little faster than normal for this time of the year. The water levels are up.  You don't have to do much paddling. The camping conditions are perfect. The days are nice and warm and the nights are cooler and just perfect for a campfire.

Current River & Jacks Fork River
Floating conditions are great this year. The rivers have plenty of water. This should be a great season. Camping conditions are also great this year.

Elk River, Big Sugar Creek, Indian Creek
Floating conditions are excellent right now on all 3 rivers. Excellent camping also.

North Fork River
The river is flowing faster and is higher than normal, but it is very floatable and is a class 2 in most areas and class 3 in some. Caution should be used to watch for debris; however most debris has been pushed on down the river. We are mostly launching at Hebron with take out at our campground.

Big Piney
The Big Piney is a slow moving crystal clear river. It is surrounded by woods and bluffs for a beautiful view throughout the float. There are great spots for swimming or fishing. Due to the wet spring season the river is up and the floating is smooth and easy.

James River
The river is a little full but it is fine for floating. The campground is open and there are gravel bars for camping on overnight trips. The scenery on the James is beautiful and wildlife around every bend, come on down for a great float.

Jacks Fork River
The Jacks Fork River is in great shape. We are able to float the entire river at the present time. Our campground looks great and the river is great for floating.

Current River
The river is in excellent shape for floating. Our customers are reporting that the water is nice and they are not experiencing any difficulties after all of the flooding. The river is clear again. The campground is in good shape and all obstacles are cleared. The Current River drops rapidly after a flood.