Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground: Your Missouri Ozarks Adventure Base

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground Introduce

Are you a Missouri local with a passion for the great outdoors, eager to embark on a quintessential Ozarks adventure? Do the sounds of a flowing river and the promise of a peaceful night under the stars call to you? Then Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground, nestled in the scenic heart of Devils Elbow, Missouri, is a destination designed for your next unforgettable escape. This unique establishment offers the perfect blend of thrilling river activities and a relaxed camping experience, making it a beloved spot for those who truly appreciate the natural beauty of the Show-Me State.

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a hub for authentic river adventures. Specializing in float trips, they provide everything you need to explore the Big Piney River, from canoes and kayaks to rafts and tubes. After a day of paddling, fishing, or swimming, the campground offers a rustic and welcoming environment to unwind. It's a place where you can connect with nature, enjoy a campfire, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

The feedback from visitors often highlights the genuine hospitality and the rewarding experiences offered by the owners. Guests have shared stories of successful fishing trips, long, enjoyable floats, and the warm, knowledgeable assistance provided by Angie, the owner. This personal touch and dedication to ensuring a good time contribute significantly to the park's appeal, making it more than just a commercial campground but a place where visitors feel truly welcomed. Whether you're a seasoned floater or new to river adventures, Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground promises a memorable experience for locals seeking the true essence of the Ozarks.

Location and Accessibility

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground is located at 12000 Timber Rd, Devils Elbow, MO 65457, USA. This address places it squarely within the historic and naturally stunning area of Devils Elbow, a well-known spot along the famous Route 66 in Pulaski County, Missouri. The region is renowned for its rugged grandeur, including towering bluffs and the picturesque Big Piney River, which defines the landscape around the community.

The campground's strategic location provides direct access to the Big Piney River, making it an ideal launching point for float trips. For Missouri locals, accessibility to Devils Elbow is generally straightforward, typically involving a drive along major state routes that connect to the broader highway system, including nearby I-44. This means that whether you're coming from St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, or Jefferson City, a scenic drive leads you directly to this outdoor haven.

While the campground embraces a rustic and natural setting, its proximity to the community of Devils Elbow and other nearby towns means that essential services are within reasonable reach. This balance allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness experience during the day, yet easily access supplies, dining options, or emergency services if needed. The iconic steel bridge and the surrounding bluffs of Devils Elbow itself are local landmarks that add to the charm and accessibility of the area, making it a recognized and celebrated destination for residents.

Services Offered

Canoe rentals: Available for various river adventures.
Kayak rentals: Offering youth (6'6"), 9.5 ft, 11.5 ft, and tandem kayaks to suit different paddler sizes and preferences.
Raft rentals: Accommodating groups of 3-8 people for larger float trips.
Tube rentals: Providing a relaxed way to enjoy the river.
Float trip outfitting: Includes life vests, paddles, trash bags, and portage to put-in locations, with take-out at the campground.
RV sites: Offers 30 amp ($35/night) and 50 amp ($45/night) RV sites.
Tent camping: Available at $15/night for adults (ages 13 and older), $10/night for children (ages 6-12), and free for children 5 and under.
Day Guest/Visitor's Pass: Available for $5 per person to swim & fish.
On-site management: Known for being polite, knowledgeable, and hospitable.
Group discounts: Available for large groups (at least 10 vessels rented).
Waiver requirement: All guests must sign a liability waiver for river and campground safety.

Features / Highlights

Direct River Access: Located on the Big Piney River, providing immediate access for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, swimming, and fishing. The take-out spot for float trips is conveniently at the campground.
Variety of Watercraft: Offers a wide selection of canoes, kayaks (including tandem and fishing-recommended sizes), rafts, and tubes to cater to all types of floaters and group sizes.
Rustic Camping Experience: Provides a natural, un-marked camping environment, primarily grass sites, ideal for those seeking a genuine outdoor adventure.
Friendly and Knowledgeable Owner/Staff: Angie, the owner, is frequently praised for her politeness, extensive knowledge, and exceptional hospitality, making guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Big Piney River is known for its diverse fish population, including bluegill, large and smallmouth bass, and even gar, providing rewarding experiences for anglers.
Scenic Beauty: Situated in the heart of the Ozarks, surrounded by bluffs and lush natural landscapes, offering picturesque views and a truly immersive nature experience.
Flexibility for Day and Overnight Visitors: Offers both camping options and day passes for those who only wish to enjoy the river and campground amenities for the day.
Pet Policy for Watercraft: Note that pets are generally not allowed in rafts or tubes (important for pet owners to know).
Focus on Fun and Relaxation: Reviews consistently highlight "great times" and a relaxed atmosphere, emphasizing the recreational and enjoyable aspects of the experience.
Iconic Missouri Location: Positioned in Devils Elbow, a historic spot on Route 66, adding a unique cultural layer to the outdoor adventure.

Contact Information

Address: 12000 Timber Rd, Devils Elbow, MO 65457, USA

Phone: (573) 855-4733

Mobile Phone: +1 573-855-4733

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Missouri locals, Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons, primarily its authentic Ozark experience and dedicated hospitality. This campground provides a genuine taste of Missouri's beloved river culture and natural beauty, all within a convenient driving distance from various parts of the state.

The core appeal for residents lies in the comprehensive float trip services. Missourians cherish their river adventures, and Devil's Elbow makes it easy to enjoy a day (or several hours, as one reviewer noted) on the Big Piney River, whether it's for fishing, swimming, or simply paddling downstream. The availability of canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes, along with the provision of life vests, paddles, and portage, streamlines the entire process, allowing locals to focus purely on the enjoyment of their trip.

While the campground might be described as "small" and "rustic" with unmarked sites or gravel roads, this simplicity often appeals to locals seeking an unpretentious, nature-focused camping experience. It’s a place to truly disconnect and appreciate the raw beauty of the Ozarks. The emphasis on being "cool as cucumbers out there fishing" even in high heat, as one satisfied customer described, highlights the immersive and enjoyable nature of the river experience, which is a key draw for Missourians.

Furthermore, the high praise for Angie, the owner, speaks volumes about the hospitality and personal touch that defines the campground. For locals, knowing that they will be met with a polite, knowledgeable, and accommodating host significantly enhances their experience. This level of personalized service fosters loyalty and makes guests feel genuinely valued, turning a simple camping trip into a cherished memory.

In essence, Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground is perfectly suited for Missouri locals who yearn for an authentic, fun, and accessible outdoor adventure rooted in river recreation. It’s a place where the thrill of paddling meets the tranquility of nature, offering an unforgettable experience for families, friends, and individuals alike, all within the beautiful landscapes of their home state.

You can see more about the area and the beauty of the Ozarks surrounding this campground by watching (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWkbfP_hVqw).

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground Photos

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Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground Location

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground

Missouri Pulaski County Devils Elbow Timber Road

12000 Timber Rd, Devils Elbow, MO 65457, USA

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground Reviews

The campground is small and does not have sites marked out very clearly if at all. Stayed on our way through and there was quite a few bugs which is to be expected. I would not recommend this area if there is any rain in the forecast as sites are not on any gravel it’s simply grass unless you have 4 wheel drive. I will say it is also not very friendly to larger sized RV’s as I am 43ft long and had a chore getting situated into a site.
Jul 09, 2024 · Vallan Wiest
Our experience with the devil elbow campground and safari have always been great. Angie the owner is always polite and very knowledgeable. It's always me and my gf who float. We fish the whole time on the river catching anything from bluegill, large and smallmouth bass to even a gar now and then. The float this time lasted over 5 hours but it was well needed. Boy did we get sunburn lol. It doesn't matter tho. The heat was in the high 90s but we were cool as cucumbers out there fishing. We usually pull our kayaks over wen we hit a nice beach and swim. It's the perfect way to cool us down. This was our 1st float of 2022 and there will be many more to come. Thanks Angie and the safari, we love coming and your hospitality makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Oh yea. Plus Angie took these awesome pics.
Aug 09, 2022 · samuel sloas
Definitely do not recommend this place. First time I called and paid in full she answered her bailbonds phone twice and told me to hold on. After that we tried calling with questions and no answers to texts or calls. I recommend calling her bail business phone if you want to get ahold of her.between us and the other couple we probably called 40 times. We arrived at 3:00 p.m. on a Friday nobody was around and the office door was closed and locked. No note on the door or deposit, payment or refund policy info people says she has but cant provide.we drove around the campsite and did not see anybody went back to the office it was still closed so we sit outside and tried calling and got no answer. Even though we paid in full and for camping she said we did not have camping but then said we could have set up our stuff anywhere. With there being four adults and five kids and she said it was a busy weekend we did not think it would be smart to set our stuff up anywhere and then have to move it later because someone else had reserved that spot...so we left. We kept calling and sent texts finally she responded back days later and was rude and full of excuses. there was no refund given even though we did not use her services. We had to dispute the charge now there is an investigation going forward. Wish we would have read the reviews on this place before hand. FDB
Aug 09, 2024 · Shane Mcelfresh
This is a HORRIBLE outfitter! Save yourself time and money and use a better company! I wish I could give negative 15 stars.We called and paid ahead of time- but after the treatment when we arrived we really second guessed ourselves using this place!First, the owner, Angie was very rude and rushed us like it was our fault- even though we showed up early and had waited over 15 on her. Our transport ride was awful, and the worker told us the load ahead of us had their trailer hauling the kayaks and rafts come off.When we got down to the water we were rushed into the raft with no instructions on when/where to depart.We finally pulled up to a depart sign 7.5 miles after being dropped off and asked for them to tell us where River Safari pick up was. They laughed and said about 2 miles back and that Angie doesn’t own land for her pick up and uses other people that is why we didn’t see a sign- there isn’t one. They said they help other customers of hers often!We waited over two hours to hear that she would come get her raft tomorrow morning but not a word about us.The Boiling Springs Campground folks took us back to River Safari to get our cars. Angie refused to answer and added charges to us!The BSC workers didn’t want to speak badly about Angie, but they didn’t have to- we heard plenty of people’s stories about how awful she is and why they won’t go back there.Do yourself a favor and go to Boiling Springs. Be treated right by landowners who care about people, and are not out to make a buck.The BSC staff were concerned that she was dropping people in the Big Piney that day as they canceled their float trips due to the water rising over two feet the night before and flood waters making it unsafe. They instead rerouted their customers for their own safety.With trailer crashes, horrid manners, and no concern for our safety, we were overcharged and then rushed into a river with no instructions! Who does that?!?That woman should lose her freaking license and I plan on being a straight up Karen and going to the business bureau for the county to share my safety concerns.If you are dumb enough to book with her after reading this review be sure to get someone’s number beside Angie’s because she won’t answer and you’ll be like us- literally up the creek- without a way home!
Jul 08, 2024 · lindsay smith
Don’t let the website fool you. The owner was absolutely foul. She was not helpful, didn’t answer the phone, and overall did not aim to please. When we arrived it seemed as though nobody knew what was going on. Our experience was about $200 more than expected per the website. When we asked why that is, she said they were not able to update the website in time and, I quote, “you don’t HAVE to float.” The float trip was shorter than expected, so the nice lady driving my bus said to hangout on the first gravel bar (where we put out) as long as possible. We were then scorned by the land owners for being there too long. The immaculate amenities is a joke, they were awful, but unfortunately not worse thing about our experience. Save your time and frustration and go ANYWHERE else.
Jun 25, 2024 · savannah Myers