I had a great experience with Old Cove Canoe & Kayak. I went for the short tubing float trip, which took 3-4 hours with occasional stops. I chose this location because it is one of the closest to St. Louis (1 hour drive), and was less expensive than other locations ($15/person for tubing as opposed to $25-30 elsewhere), and I'm glad I did. The staff were incredibly friendly. They pulled up to our car in a golf cart as soon as we arrived, got us checked in, and had a van ready for us within minutes to take us over to the launch point. They also took care of my car keys so that I didn't have to worry about losing them on the river. The inner-tubes they have are nicer than other companies I have tried because they have a head rest and cup holder. Despite being on the river for about 4 hours, it was very comfortable. The Meramec river was beautiful, peaceful, and clean; I only saw one or two bottles of trash during my float. The river is broader than other ones I have been on and is therefore less shaded, so make sure you bring sunscreen. During our float, someone from Old Cove stopped by in a kayak to make sure we were doing well and having a good time. Overall it was a very well-organized and enjoyable experience. I will definitely be back here for my next float trip adventure! read more

We go kayaking every year with a group of friends and have tried several outfitters near the STL area. We went with Old Cove this year for the first time because it was close to town and folks had evening activities to get to. Honestly, everyone was unanimous that Old Cove is the best outfitter we've used. The rental process was painless - no long lines, they were ready for us before we were ready even; the grounds are clean and quiet and felt peaceful without the chaos and noise of the bigger outfitters; and the folks who work there are incredibly friendly, competent, on top of things and prepared. I asked one of the young kids who help get the boats in and out of the water if this was a good summer job and he said it was the best. I believe him. They seem like they treat everyone well - guests and employees both. Anywho, the group was in agreement that this is our preferred outfitter going forward. Thanks for a great trip, Darryl! read more

Second time I've floated here. Loved it the first time doing the short float, but did not have a good time this go around. Did the long float on some kayaks this time. There were a LOT of motor boats on the first half of the 9 mile float. You can tell not many people do this stretch of the float. On the second half it got super crowded and people were not very respectful of other watercraft cause it's just a big drinking fest on this part. When we got towards the end another motor boat (probably the 15th I saw that day, that's to many boats to see on a float trip) these jerks zoomed right between us causing a huge wake and laughing. You can tell the people who live in this area don't like floaters. While Darrell is very nice, the experience wasn't very good this time around. Made me sad cause I thought I had found a place to float on regularly. read more

Amazing experience! Worth more than 5 stars. The staff were friendly, super thoughtful and overall it was the highlight of our family trip. Can't wait to go again! If your looking for a place to kayak, tube or canoe then I highly recommend them! We left our vehicle at the office, which is also where the float ends. They took us up river where we were helped into our kayaks and put out on the river. There were many rock banks to get out on and swim or just relax on. No boat traffic at all the day we went. Once we reached Old Cove stopping point we were helped out of the water. There was a place to change, they had a porta potty there also which was as clean as a porta potty could be. If your looking for a place to kayak, float or canoe then Old Cove Canoe and Kayak is the place to go! read more

Went on a short float (rafts and tubes) on a Sunday and it was perfect for our group of 14 (included kids, teens and parents and we all had a great time). Left on the bus at 9:00 am and didn't get off the river until 5:00 pm...this was by choice, we stopped at the many sandbars and hung out so the kids could swim, adults could hang out, etc. They have life jackets available for kids and adults and most of them looked to be in pretty new condition. The rafts and tubes seemed to be in pretty new condition as well. The river was not very crowded, there were locals who were at some of the sandbars via boats and ATVs and were all very friendly. The water was calm for most of the float. Staff was friendly. Only negative was that there was only one porta potty onsite at check-in..... read more

I have used OCC&K twice now. I did the long and short float. Each of which are fantastic. What I like most about the operation is the the professionalism and safety factor. I had brought a group of my kid's friends and didn't want a big party scene on the river. Being I was the only adult, I didn't know what I would run into on the river (drunks? debris? dirt?). I was pleasantly surprised at how remote it felt even though we were only 40 min from St. Louis. It ended up towards the end of the float the weather changed for the worse. The crew was all set to come rescue us off the river but we pulled up just in time. For those who want to experience the river, short drive from St. Louis in a family friendly atmosphere OCC&K is the best. read more

This place is my Paddle Haven when time permits. My friend and I discovered Old Cove two years ago and we feel that we struck gold. Just an hours drive from STL was the main attraction, but we return again and again for the top-shelf service experience. It feels like family, attentive and courtious, making sure that your time spent is all that you hoped it to be. The paddle itself (we always do the Long Float) is a nice section of the Meramac. I rather like the excitement of dodging boats, but be aware of that element. If you pick just the right day, the water is a sheet of glass in spots and the bank reflection is amazing - really does your brain good to disconnect so pleasantly. See ya next season One Cove Canoe and Kayak! read more

This was a fun and close to home day trip for us! Coming from northern St. Charles, it only took us a little over an hour to get there. We signed up for the long float, however due to waiting three hours for the lightening to pass, we had to take the short float (note: if taking this, be sure to stop often and for long periods along the way, otherwise you will be back before you know it!). The kids found some bluffs to jump off into deep water and had a blast. The entire team at Old Cove was very friendly and accommodating, even offering us the opportunity to cancel or reschedule due to the weather we were experiencing. We will definitely be back this summer and will take the long float! read more

We booked a 4 mile float trip through Old Cove for my sister's bachelorette party. We had a blast! The staff was friendly and welcoming, helping us load our belongings from our cars onto the bus to the starting point, and then again to get our packs onto the float. They were also very knowledgeable when we asked to learn about the area's history. The float trip itself was enjoyable and relaxing, with beautiful scenery and calm waters. Along the way, we had ample time both to swim in the river waters and to take in the experience on shore. Overall it was a great day, and I would definitely recommend Old Cove in the future! read more

Had a great time last Sunday kayaking with Old Cove. Just recently moved from TX and I was itching to get on a river and found this place after a little googling. Friendly staff, hassle-free process, and easy drive from STL. I'm used to the very crowded floating rivers of Central Texas but this part of the Meramec was very tranquil and it almost felt like I had the river to myself. I enjoy the party group float scene sometimes, but this was a nice change in pace. Darrell, who I presume to be the owner, introduced himself, thanked me for coming and encouraged me to spread the word...and I will. read more

What a fun experience beginning to end! The roads were clearly marked on our way getting there. The parking lot/registration desk was very well organized and laid out. Two people were waiting to greet us with smiling faces. They gave us all the instructions and information of what to expect. We were loaded on the bus before our scheduled time. When we arrived at the launch area, 4 people were there to load our cooler and help us board and push off safely. The river was very calm and relaxing. TONS of sandy shores to pull off and have lunch. I would highly recommend checking them out! read more

Our first time floating at this place. VERY friendly staff, accommodating and concerned about safety. We will definitely be back and appreciate the owners' help. I was running late from my appointment time, called and they said no big deal, just arrive before 1pm. Got there and we had also reserved the wrong size boat for our party size. They were VERY accommodating and had a different size available they had given us for the same price. Very organized with the drop off and pickup as well. We will definitely be back! Highly recommend this place for family or friends trips! read more

What a great place. Easy to find. Very nice parking, with a changing tent and plenty of portable bathrooms. GREAT, friendly service. Super clean and SAFE buses. Definitely recommend. We rented two canoes, and it was my wife and me, and two of our teenage kids. We all enjoyed. Based on my experience, I don't see how someone would give this place a bad review. We've been on a lot of float trips, and I've never been on such nice buses, had such nice employees, and such clean, convenient facilities. read more

I was impressed!!! Live in the area and have been on many float trips in the area but never from this spot. Floated Sunday. Staff was organized and super friendly. Grounds and canoes well kept and maintained and was only 40.00 a canoe. Floated the 9 mile. Upper half was very peaceful. Very few people on it. Lower half was busy but nothing like putting in by the state park. Plenty of sand bars to take a break along the way and never had to drag the canoe. Would highly recommend. Karen K. read more

Great venue for canoeing, kayaking or rafting! We did 7 man rubber raft with a great small attached raft for our coolers. Great staff, scenery on the trip was gorgeous. Lot's of opportunity to makes stops and eat and swim or whatever. Most of the trip, current moves you along nicely. Some areas, yes you have to paddle to get moving. We went on Friday so the crowds, well there was very light traffic so we didn't run into many swimmers as obstacles. This is worth the trip and you won't be disappointed! read more

Love this place! Short drive and easy drive from St. Louis. Easy to find. Staff is always kind and helpful. Definitely feels like a "mom and pop" operation, which makes me love it even more. Very reasonably priced. We've done both the short and the long float. The short one took us about 2 hours and the long was about 4 hours. It's the meramec river, so unfortunately you do have to deal with a little boat traffic, but for the most part, it's not much of an issue. Highly recommend! read more

We had such a great time on this float and the all the staff members were really nice! If you live in Saint Louis it isn't too far of a drive; a little less than an hour from Maryland Heights. We did the short float (about 4.5 miles) but we made it last longer by stopping off along the river several times. We went with 8 adults and 2 dogs but it would be a nice float if you have kids. We all got kayaks but they also have canoes and rafts. Overall it was a great experience! read more

We had a wonderful trip kayaking down the river. The weather turned out perfectly and the water level was great. The management was very accommodating regarding our weather concerns prior to our arrival. Darryl said "just call and ask about the river level and the current weather conditions", and he meant it. The team took wonderful care of us and our dog. They made sure that everyone was safe and ready to go. We will definitely return to Old Cove Canoe and Kayak. read more

The staff was genuine, friendly, and helpful. A well-organized and clean business, obviously interested in making sure the customers have a nice experience. We rented kayaks and a cooler tube for the short float trip. Could have brought a couple small coolers instead (lunch box size) as they would have fit on the kayaks. Nice part of the river - didn't go under any highways or anything. Lots of places along the route to stop for lunch and/or enjoy the scenery. read more