A Float Trip Guide for the Upper Meramec River

Set on 150 scenic acres on the banks of the Upper Meramec River, Blue Springs Ranch is the Ozarks’ signature destination for fun on the water. From a 10-hour, 10-mile kayaking route designed for adventure clubs to a leisurely 1-mile tubing experience, there’s a float trip for all groups and explorers at Blue Springs Ranch.

Choose Your Craft

Before picking a route, select your watercraft. At Blue Springs Ranch, we have four ways for you to experience the river.

For the ultimate lazy drift, our family-friendly river tubes and cooler tubes let you kick back and let the gentle current of the Meramec River do all the work.

If you’re rolling into Blue Springs Ranch with your crew, float down the river in a raft. Our 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-person rafts so your entire party can stay together on the water.

For a team-building river adventure, opt for our two-person fiberglass or aluminum canoes. Meanwhile, solo adventurers can hit the Meramec on a one-seater kayak to explore the Missouri outdoors at their own pace.

Compare Float Routes

With your craft secured, it’s time to choose your route. Blue Springs Ranch offers three route options on the Upper Meramec, each conveniently ending right back at the resort.

Keep in mind that certain routes will not be available depending on the watercraft you select, and that trip pricing may vary between weekdays and weekends.

1-Mile Tube Loop

Exclusively for river tubes, our one-mile route is ideal for guests of all ages who want to get their feet wet. Take our complimentary hourly shuttle up to the upper beach and drift along the one-mile stretch as many times as you like between 9 AM and 3 PM.

Blue Springs Ranch’s one-mile tube loop is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing adventuregoers to experience the Meramec River without committing to a long-distance paddle.

5-Mile Float Trip

Putting in at Campbell Bridge, float trips on Blue Springs Ranch’s five-mile route—our most popular option—takes between 3 and 5 hours to complete.

Guests can go for a five-mile float on a tube, canoe, kayak, or raft. Note that our five-mile trip is the only route that accommodates rafts, so book this option if you’re planning an Upper Meramec adventure for a church group, youth camp, or homeschool co-op.

The 10-Mile Float

For those who want a full day immersed in the Missouri Outdoors, our 10-mile route is designed exclusively for river warriors in two-person canoes and solo adventure seekers in one-person kayaks.

This 10-hour journey starts at Ozark Outdoors Resort, Blue Springs Ranch’s sister resort, and requires steady paddling from start to finish. Since rafts and tubes aren’t permitted on this route, our 10-mile stretch is best suited for experienced outdoorspeople looking for an active, all-day adventure.

Need-to-Know River Rules

Before you start your river trip, here are some safety and preparation tips to know.

Under Missouri law, glass containers are prohibited on the river, so pack cans or plastics inside a cooler measuring 50 quarts or smaller.

Safety regulations also require all floaters to be at least 5 years old, though this age minimum can rise depending on extreme heat or river flow. Always provide the ages of any children 15 and under when booking to prevent them from being turned away at the bus.

Four-legged companions are welcome to float with you as long as they ride loose in the craft and are never tied down. Just be sure to inform us ahead of time so that we can make room for your pet on the bus.

Finally, we want to make sure the Meramec River is safe before your float, so we may postpone or cancel trips if water levels become unsafe. If that happens, you’ll receive a one-year rain check for your booking. If your personal schedule changes, reservations canceled or modified at least 8 days prior to arrival receive a refund minus a $25 fee, while cancellations made within 7 days of the trip are non-refundable.

Ready to hit the water?