Sunshine, nature, a river nearby and the smell of a campfire – nothing beats camping and a float trip during those hot summer months! One of the best things about living in Springfield, MO. is there is a river an hour in any direction outside our fair city… At least, this is what Celine says (she’s a glamp-master). This could be why so many Springfieldians, Nixans and Ozarkians have chosen camping, canoeing, and kayaking as their hobbies.
Regardless as to whether you want to have a fun adult excursion or are looking for something to do with the entire fam, there are an abundance of places to hole up in your tent or go for a day float trip. Just another fun thing to do in and around Springfield, MO.!
*NOTE*. Prices are subject to change. Please check with campgrounds and outfitters
for current pricing.
Camping and Floating Near Springfield, MO.
James River Outfitters
What: They operate an on-site RV park and campground with a clean bathhouse and restroom. RV sites are all full hook-up with water, sewer and 30 & 50 amp electrical.
Where: 110 Y Bridge Blvd, Galena, MO. 65656
Distance: Between 50 and 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: $7 per person to camp overnight (children under 8 are free). Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 357-6443
Hootontown Canoe Rental and Store
What: Year-round riverside campground – bring your RV, tent or go for a day float here. They also have a store, a small café and restrooms.
Where: 1254 Hooten Town Rd, Crane, MO 65633
Distance: Between 50 and 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: $12 per tent per night at their campsite. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 369-2266
Shoals Riverview Canoeing and Camping
What: Camping, canoeing, fishing, watersports and more!
Where: 29285 MO-413, Galena, MO 65656
Distance: About an hour from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: unknown
Reservations: Call (816) 527-6157
Y Bridge Canoe Rental, Kayak and Camping
What: They offer canoeing, kayaking, rafts, float tubes and camping on James River.
Where: 309 Elm St, Galena, MO 65656
Distance: About an hour from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Check out their price list here.
Reservations: Call (417) 231-7842
Riverfront Campground and Canoe
What: Located on the banks of the Niangua River, you can pitch a tent or camp out in your RV!
Where: 13 Riverfront Trail, Lebanon, MO 65536
Distance: Between 50 to 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Camping for children aged 3 and under is free. Prices are between $3 and $6 per person per night. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 727-0853
Adventures Float Trip
What: Camping, floating, RV hookups and more!
Where: 1667 MO-64, Lebanon, MO 65536
Distance: Between 40 and 50 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: $3.25 per person per night to camp. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 588-7238
NRO Campground and Canoe Rental
What: Camping and canoeing on the Niangua river! Modern bath house and toilets, a store on site, security and fishing licenses available as well!
Where: 171 Nro Rd, Lebanon, MO 65536
Distance: Between 50 and 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: 2 nights free camping if you rent your canoes or kayaks and tubes from NRO! Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 532-6333
Maggard Canoe and Corkery Campground
What: Camping and canoeing on the banks of the Niangua river. The have shower houses, a store, and some campsites can accommodate small RV’s and trailers.
Where: Corkery Rd, Lebanon, Missouri 65764,
Distance: Between 50 and 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: $5.00 each for the first night, second night FREE with rental of canoes, rafts or kayaks. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 532-7616
Fort Niangua River Resort
What: Fort Niangua’s River frontage offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or just plain relaxing. Our total facility offers a choice of air-conditioned and heated cabins, along with a large bunk house for family reunions, and primitive campgrounds.
Where: 84 Cat Hollow Trail, Lebanon, MO 65536
Distance: Between 50 and 60 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: $6 per person per night to camp. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 532-4377
Hidden Valley Outfitters
What: Camping, RVing, floating and more is all available here. There is a shower house, convenient store, and even handicap access!
Where: 27101 Marigold Dr, Lebanon, MO 65536
Distance: Between 45 and 55 minutes from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Children aged 4 to 13 $3, and adults pay $6 to camp per night. Electrical sites are $25 and include up to 6 guests. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 533-5628
Camp Tomahawk Tube Float
What: Tubing, swimming, RVing, fishing, and more!
Where: 2430 Horsecreek Rd, Galena, MO 65656
Distance: About an hour from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Adults pay $7 per night to camp, children under 12 are $3.50 and kiddos under 3 are free! Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 840-6511
White River Kayaking & Outdoors
What: White River Kayaking and Outdoors offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard (SUP), and bike rentals in Branson/Hollister Missouri and provides access to Lake Taneycomo. However, they do not offer camping.
Where: First St, 187 Turkey Creek Dr, Hollister, MO 65672
Distance: About an hour from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 335-2210
James River Campground and Outdoor Center
What: While they are closed for 2018 for remodeling, they will be open in 2019.
Where: 2462 Warner Rd, Crane, MO 65633
Distance: About an hour from Springfield, MO.
Price/Fees: Camping is $25 for 2 people and $5 for each additional adult. Check out float trip prices, canoe rentals and kayak rentals here.
Reservations: Call (417) 988-8970.
And there you have it folks – complete with price, and contact information. To be honest, I wrote this article more for myself. This way I have a list of all the campgrounds outside Springfield, MO. where I can grab a canoe and get on (or in my case, in) the river!
Happy camping Springfield!
Jana Moreno,
