Many of us are looking for a fun filled family vacation. If float trips are your thing, look no further than Missouri state parks. Missouri state parks have some of the most scenic float trips in the Midwest and are a family friendly environment. Families in the Midwest have been enjoying floating on the rivers for many years and have become a family favorite for a vacation destination.
There is no experience as relaxing with family and friends as lazily floating down one of the many rivers that flow through the Missouri park system. Floaters will love the lush greenery that surrounds the rivers and provides habitat for native wildlife. Many families enjoy bird watching form their raft as they slowly float down the rivers. This is a great opportunity to teach children about the importance of conservation while still having fun floating down the river. Float trips are not only great recreation for the whole family; they can also be educational for all involved.
The float trip season starts on Memorial Day weekend and runs until the second weekend in September. Many of the parks start taking reservations in the beginning of April. Canoes and rafts are available for rent at many of the parks. So do not worry about buying or transporting a raft or canoe.
A float trips length vary from park to park. Some floats can last a few hours to an all day trip. The time the float trips depart from the starting point will also vary depending on the length of the float one intends to take part in. Families with younger children prefer to go on the shorter floats, while families with older children tend to spend the whole day on the river.
Safety is one thing the whole family should know before going on a float trip. Here are some basic safety rules to follow to insure a safe rafting experience.
- Before entering the water one should familiarize their selves with the surrounding area.
- While canoeing be on the look out for water hazards such as stumps and logs.
- Never swim or wade in the water alone.
- One should wear a life jacket when floating.
- Children should never be left unsupervised in or around water.
- Know personal swimming limits.
- Never swim when consuming alcohol.
Going on a float trip is a great way to reconnect with nature and family. Missouri state parks have some of the most beautiful rivers and scenery in the country. After going on a family float trip once, it will soon turn into a vacation tradition. Come and enjoy what Missouri state parks have to offer and get back to nature.
Finding a Missouri State Park Campsite
Missouri, like most states, has an excellent system of state parks that offer camping facilities. There are a variety of sites available from primitive backpacking sites to sites will full hookups (electric/water/sewer). Missouri has a nice color coding system to help users identify the amenities of each site. Some parks have specialty sites such as those for equestrian trailers or those for groups. Site costs range from $12 for a basic campsite off-season to $36 for a family electric site on-season. The season runs from April through October, with a few exceptions. Each campsite has specific capacity regulations for occupants and vehicles with information provided on the state park website.
The Missouri State Parks website has detailed information about each park and the campground within it. Numbers of campsites and which campsites have amenities is listed as well as the features, attractions and activities available in the park. Such features as rivers, lakes, swimming pools and playgrounds can make a camping much more enjoyable for a family.
Campsites can be reserved in advance at 37 of the 40 state parks that offer camping. Sites are eligible for reservations beginning six months before the requested date and continuing up to two days before that date. Reservations may be made online at www.icampmo.com or by toll-free phone 877-ICampMo (877-422-6766). Not all of the camp sites at any park may be reserved. At 34 of the state parks there is a campground area designated for first-come, first-served arrivals.
To use the reservation system you will need to register, providing your name, address, phone and email, and choosing an ID and password. You will choose the park and choose the date(s) to be reserved. The next step is to choose the campsite, cabin, or yurt. Your options may be divided into sections with maps available. When you click on one of the campsites on the map you will see a photo of the site and details about the dimensions of the site and all of the amenities offered by the site. You then can check for the availability of the selected site. Be sure to choose a site that has all of the amenities that you may require (electric, water, sewer). Once you have found an available site it is placed in your cart.
Checking out of the reservation system is logical and straight-forward. You will need to identify the type of camping vehicle you will be using and the number in the camping party. There is an additional fee of $8.50 per reservation. Payment for online reservations is made by credit card and Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. Money orders may be mailed in for phone reservations. Discounts are offered for those over 65 and those with disabilities. There is a $5.25 fee to change or cancel a reservation. A two-night minimum may be required on weekends (Friday/Saturday).
Missouri State Parks are great places to camp. Visit parks around the state to see some of the beauty of Missouri. Enjoy the facilities that are supported by your state tax dollars. State parks are generally less expensive than private parks. Make a reservation to camp at a state park in Missouri.