We floated in July 2012 and had a great fun. We used our phone navigator to find this place from Branson, MO, which took us around some winding but pretty streets. We rented a canoe for $35 for two adults and a dog. They also had kayak and tubes for renting. The check-in place is really small but people there were really friendly. They sell river essentials like sun block and water shoes and the prices seemed reasonable. We brought a cooler with drinks and sandwich. I did not see many places to shop around so I would def recommend packing your own food/drinks. The river itself is real pretty but was quite low (which we knew before going). There were some places we had to push the canoe. It may be a little difficult to maneuver if you have never canoed before. Water was pleasantly cold/warm. They had life vests we could borrow for free but we didn't need them, as the deepest the water got was about 4-5 ft. There were no rapid currents, which worked well for our puppy. There were only a few other families when we went and people were very friendly. Very quiet and no crazy parties going on, which was nice. Overall, we had a good time and if we lived around here, may come back a few times a summer. read more

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where do I start? The only reason you got one star is because I could not give you a half!!!!!If you are planning a float trip do not use James River outfitters!!!made reservations for 23 people and full payment 2 weeks in advance. scheduled shuttle time was 10 am, arrived 10 minutes early, waiting in long line for check in. finally got to counter and was informed that there was a shuttle fee of $30 for each floating cooler one way . This was an additional $180 cost! there was no mention anywhere when on website! when we inquired about transporting the coolers ourselves, we were told we could not do that; don't know if that meant that it was private property or there was no public access. We surrendered because we had no other options as far and paid their huge fee. Waited over an hour for transportation to put in spot, our group was split up in two buses, loaded kayaks were blocking the seats before we were allowed to get on, and passengers were scolded because some younger people did not climb over the bus seats and were expected to do so versus the older passengers!!! Shouldn't have had to climb over the seats at all. This is also a safety hazard, probably against the law. We finally arrived and only one person there to assist our large group and many other people to put in the river. They did have outfitted canoe kayaks staged for our group, but other groups were taking half of the one set aside for us which further delayed us another 45 minutes, we finally got in the river only to find out that three of the kayaks were broken. Overall, I would rate this outfitter as the worst I have ever seen personnel under demand equipment, and very poor condition. Operation for basic services was not very well organized. Needless to say we will never return to this outfitter or recommend anyone else use them. In fact we will recommend they use anybody else than James River Outfitters!!!! read more

JRO has been my go to outfitter on the James can't beat the price for them to shuttle your personal boats. Beautiful float all season pending river conditions you may or may not drag but that's mother nature. My only complaint is I wish they could get the 5 mile float back as it was perfect for beginners in the group. The 7 mile was a beautiful float just long. Hoping that there will be improvements for the 2025 season but over all a great spot!! read more

James River Outfitters - Campgrounds Near Me - Galena, Missouri

We called on Sunday afternoon to see if we needed reservations for Monday, they said no just come on down as we already had our waivers signed. We told them we have our own kayaks they said no problem we will shuttle you for $30 per person. We knew the price as we have been there before. We drove an hour to get there and they told us we can't accommodate you because we're servicing our trailers. They wouldn't even let us park on the property to get to the river. BAD business, don't recommend read more

Our group found it to be misleading. Not a activity for small children. We highly recommend doing the 2 mile tubing due to no current. You could walk the entire 5 miles which we had to do otherwise you will go in circles. Literally no current 3/4 of the way. No one told us if we needed to be picked up half way we could do that. Had a local say "Yeah they are misleading". Canoeing or kayaking looks like a better way to go! At least you have paddles to keep moving. By the time we reached the end (which I thought was never going to happen) everyone was so tired and exhausted not to mention disappointed. read more

We rented two canoes for the 5 mile trip. We made several stops to swim and eat. The current is not strong, so if you plan to do the tubes, do the 2 mile trip. River is very clear. Could see all types of fish. We really enjoyed the whole trip. It was 95 degrees, but being on the River made it very tolerable. Only negative at the end was the two workers were doing a lot of cursing, not at us, and vaping. Might be a minor thing, but should always try to put your best foot forward. We are planning on doing this trip again. read more

Rented 1 Canoe & 1 Kayak. The facilities and staff are so nice! A little more $ than other nearby outfitters, BUT MUCH NICER restrooms, boats & campgrounds. Can't wait to come back to camp! read more

James River Outfitters - Campgrounds Near Me - Galena, Missouri

Everyone was rude and commanding us like we were soldiers. We payed for a 6 hour float and was given 2 hours. they told us if we went around again we'd have to pay again. Absolutely ridiculous. Do not come here if you're looking for kind workers read more

The worst time we could have possibly had. Nasty, flood conditions with mud everywhere. Then all our camper rigs got stuck in the mud. Management was rude to our organizer too. We were lied to about this condition. Then ecoli levels were high. Management never said anything about it. Then they said you couldn't use a canoe, because of flooding, so we had to pay more 6money for a raft. There are much nicer campgrounds in our state. If you want rest and relaxation, do not go there. read more

The place is located in an old trailer in the middle of a campground near the river. Canoe's were 35.00 each or 30.00 each if you rent 5. We also rented a raft for 65.00. The raft was really nice and a lot bigger than I expected. They put us in 7 miles upriver from the campground and we floated down. We went on a saturday in July and I was impressed at how clean the river appeared. We had a good time, floated about 6 hours taking our time and grilling lunch on the river bank. They were a bit unorganized when it came to checking in. We had been warned but it really wasn't a big deal. The staff was really nice and friendly, the bus ride upriver was bouncy but added to the charm. I'd definately do it again! read more

We had a great experience! There were several float trips to choose from, so their estimates of how long each would take for how fast the river was flowing helped a lot in picking which one. read more

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Different reservation details brought to the register 3 times in a row (somehow they found a different result each time they looked); they stated that we just had to deal with the fact that they'd overbooked themselves (after confirming our reservations the day before), and were nothing but rude and condescending when we were polite and conciliatory. Just trying to pay took a bit over an hour, as they failed to fulfill their reservations and tried to insist on upselling us. No bags were provided, we unloaded our own crafts. The river itself was nice enough - calm and slow. Would use a more organized, professional outfitter. This business didn't seem capable of running their business. read more

this was horrible. we went as a big group to go and go down the lazy river, and was told it would take 2-6 hours. as we were worried abt 6 hours, they further told us that they only say that because people stop and eat lunch, talk, etc. This was totally misleading. Before we even got onto the bus we were told the rules and safety protocols that took 3 minutes to say. All we were told basically is there is a house on stilts that is out half way, and we only pass one bridge. as we start floating we start finding out that the river is very very slow. i'm gonna fast forward a couple hours and still not house with stilts in sight. the tubes would not move due to no current in the river, the river was so shallow the tube kept getting stuck in rocks, making us have to get up and walk most of the way. after a long, exhausting 4 1/2 hours of extreme heat we finally make it to the end. this was when locals told us that we could have done two hours, which if we were given that option it would have been taken, told they are completely misleading for tourists, the house on stilts isn't the half way, it's actually the last spot you could get out and call for them to pick you up if you were done. my group did not know this. locals told us they hate how they advertise this place. if you are willing to sit in a tube for hours and hours on end, sometimes not moving, then this is your spot. but you might wanna bring a paddle in order for you to get anywhere. disappointed. read more

Best Float Trip Ever! No Joke. We did not drag at all. The staff was very helpful and nice. The campground is just getting started with some upgrades so it is a bit a mess. However, what they have planned looks really great. Prices are good, but the canoes are outdated aluminium. They have kayaks and tubes as well. They did have a lot of buses to put people on the river so the wait to get going was not long. read more

Had a great float on a Saturday, river was at a perfect level. Real friendly people running the operation. This is a completely different scene from the Niangua River weekend drunk fest. read more

Spent 4 nights here this past weekend. Nice, clean park with full hookups. Friendly, friendly owners and staff. Friends of ours rented the cabin (not in the campground), then joined us for a float trip one day. The river was clean and clear, and the kids couldn't resist playing in it, although the weather was cool. We are already making plans to go back next summer. read more

James River Outfitters - Campgrounds Near Me - Galena, Missouri

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