The Rafting Co River Resort

For Missourians seeking the quintessential river adventure coupled with comfortable lodging and a vibrant atmosphere, The Rafting Co River Resort in Steelville stands as a premier destination. Located on the crystal-clear Upper Meramec River, this full-service resort is more than just a place to launch a boat; it's a comprehensive hub for outdoor fun, relaxation, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. It seamlessly blends the thrill of a float trip with diverse accommodation options and a welcoming environment, making it a highlight of summer for many.

The Rafting Co River Resort is renowned for its ability to cater to groups of all sizes, from intimate family getaways to large annual reunions and celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned river enthusiast or new to the joys of a Missouri float trip, the resort provides everything needed for an epic outdoor experience. Beyond the river, the resort cultivates a family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from comfortable lodging to on-site dining and entertainment. It’s a place where the love for the outdoors meets thoughtful hospitality, encouraging visitors to return season after season, confident in a fun and easygoing experience.

The Rafting Co River Resort is ideally situated at 95 McCormick Rd, Steelville, MO 65565, USA. This prime location places it directly on the banks of the Crystal Clear Upper Meramec River, a jewel among Missouri’s scenic waterways. Steelville, often referred to as the "floating capital of Missouri," is a charming town in Crawford County, nestled amidst the picturesque Ozark Mountains. This strategic positioning provides guests with immediate access to the river while remaining conveniently close to the amenities and services available in Steelville.

For Missouri locals, the accessibility of The Rafting Co River Resort is a significant advantage. Steelville is well-connected by state highways, making it a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Springfield, as well as smaller towns across the state. The drive itself is often part of the charm, winding through scenic Ozark landscapes, setting the tone for a relaxing retreat. Once in Steelville, finding the resort on McCormick Road is straightforward, ensuring a smooth arrival and quick transition from travel to leisure.

Crucially, the resort’s riverfront location means that float trips begin with ease. Guests are typically bused upstream, allowing them to float directly back to the resort, eliminating the hassle of a bus ride after a long day on the water. This "no bus ride after your float" convenience is highly appreciated by groups and families. Furthermore, being in Steelville provides access to local shops for forgotten essentials, dining options, and other attractions, blending the wilderness experience with modern comforts. This combination of natural beauty and practical accessibility makes The Rafting Co River Resort an incredibly suitable and convenient destination for Missourians seeking their next outdoor adventure.

The Rafting Co River Resort offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a complete and enjoyable experience for all guests, from float trip enthusiasts to those seeking comfortable lodging. Their full-service approach ensures that visitors have everything they need right on site:

• River Float Trips: The core offering includes float trips on the Upper Meramec River. Guests can choose from various crafts, including rafts, canoes, kayaks, and tubes. They offer trips of varying lengths, such as 7-mile, 5-mile, and 3-mile options, with a convenient shuttle service that takes you upstream so you float back to the resort.
• Diverse Lodging Options: The resort provides a wide array of accommodation types to suit different group sizes and preferences:
  • Riverfront Camping: Offers 3/4 mile of riverfront camping for tents, with sites varying in size from 1-2 tents to 10 or more tents, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
  • RV Sites: Available for recreational vehicles, including full hook-up options.
  • Cabins & Cottages: Various cabins and cottages are available, offering more comfort than traditional camping. Some may include basic kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
  • Manor House / "Big House": A large lodging option that comfortably sleeps up to 22 people, featuring amenities like air conditioning (e.g., window units in upstairs rooms), making it ideal for large family reunions or group gatherings.
  • Lodge Rooms: Additional room-style lodging options may be available.
  • Glamping Pods: Some information suggests the availability of glamping pods, offering a more upscale camping experience.
• Group Rates and Packages: The resort offers special group rates for float trips and can arrange deals for groups, including options for cooked meals. This is highly beneficial for large gatherings.
• On-site Dining & Bar: A significant convenience is the presence of an on-site bar and a small kitchen/store. One review specifically mentioned "Bloody Marys at the on-site bar" and a "gourmet sandwich shop that specializes in smoked meats, plus a sports pub."
• General Store: A well-stocked general store or camp store provides essential camping supplies, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
• Shower House: Modern shower facilities with fresh running water and flush toilets are available, offering "Free" showers, which is a great amenity for campers.
• Recreational Facilities: Includes a swimming pool, two private river beaches, and potentially a playground and volleyball area, providing additional entertainment options beyond floating.
• Event Hosting: The resort is suitable for parties, reunions, and even seasonal events like a Halloween bash and Christmas lights, suggesting they have facilities and staff to accommodate such gatherings.

These comprehensive services make The Rafting Co River Resort a self-contained destination, minimizing the need for guests to leave the property for supplies or entertainment, and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The Rafting Co River Resort stands out with numerous features and highlights that contribute to its strong appeal and reputation as a beloved destination for Missouri locals. These elements create a unique and memorable experience for visitors:

• Direct Meramec River Access with Easy Floats: The paramount feature is its extensive 3/4 mile of riverfront property on the Crystal Clear Upper Meramec River. The convenience of being bused upstream and floating directly back to the resort ("No bus ride after your float") is a major highlight, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing post-float logistics. The ability to "float by a spring & walk into it" offers a unique and refreshing experience, even if the spring water is "cold but so amazing!"
• Diverse Lodging for All Group Sizes: The resort offers an impressive range of accommodations, from traditional tent sites in shady riverfront areas to RV sites, comfortable cabins, cottages, and particularly the spacious "Manor aka the 'Big House'" which comfortably sleeps 22 people. The inclusion of AC in lodging, like the "window units stay really chilled" in the Manor, is a huge bonus, especially during hot Missouri summers.
• Exceptional Group Friendliness: The resort is clearly designed to accommodate and welcome large groups. Reviewers consistently praise their "group rates for the float" and the willingness to "cook your group a meal," making it "super easy for everyone to jump in" for large annual trips and reunions. This focus on group hospitality fosters a strong sense of community and ease of planning.
• Dedicated and Friendly Staff: Customer reviews frequently highlight the excellent staff, with Tina being specifically called "hands down the best" for her helpfulness and the overall sentiment that staff "make you feel like family." This personalized and welcoming service significantly enhances the guest experience.
• On-Site Amenities and Conveniences: The resort boasts valuable on-site facilities including a bar, a small kitchen/store, and a general store, meaning guests don't have to leave the property for essentials or refreshments. The "spotless" shower house with "free showers" adds significant comfort for campers. A swimming pool and two private river beaches offer additional recreational opportunities.
• Resilience and Continuous Improvement: Despite facing challenges like "a rough time lately with all the flooding," the resort is praised for its ability to "always make a come back" and is consistently "making new improvements to everything." The anticipation for "the new building" indicates ongoing investment in guest experience, promising an even better future for visitors.
• Vibrant Seasonal Events: Beyond regular river activities, the resort hosts special events such as a "great Halloween bash with blow ups, music, kid friendly games & bar for adults" and "amazing Christmas lights & blow ups." These events demonstrate a commitment to creating year-round fun and a lively atmosphere.

These features collectively underscore The Rafting Co River Resort's dedication to providing a high-quality, fun-filled, and family-oriented outdoor experience, making it a beloved destination for many Missourians.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about planning your adventure at The Rafting Co River Resort, please use the following contact information:

Address: 95 McCormick Rd, Steelville, MO 65565, USA

Phone: (573) 775-2628

Mobile Phone: +1 573-775-2628

It is always recommended to contact the resort directly, especially when planning group trips or during peak season, to confirm availability, specific rates, and any current event schedules. Their friendly staff, lauded by many guests, will be able to assist you with all your planning needs and ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your visit to this popular Steelville destination.

For Missouri locals, The Rafting Co River Resort in Steelville is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for numerous reasons, making it a go-to spot for annual traditions and new adventures. Its unique blend of prime location, comprehensive services, and a truly family-friendly ethos aligns perfectly with what many Show-Me State residents seek in their leisure time.

Firstly, the resort’s location on the Crystal Clear Upper Meramec River is a significant draw. Floating the Current or Meramec Rivers is an iconic Missouri summer activity, and having a full-service resort directly on the river with seamless float trip logistics (floating back to the resort) is a huge convenience. This eliminates the usual hassle of shuttling after a long day on the water, allowing more time for relaxation and enjoyment. Locals who appreciate Missouri’s natural springs will also value the opportunity to "float by a spring & walk into it," a unique experience that highlights the region's natural beauty.

The resort’s strong emphasis on group accommodations and rates is another major plus for Missouri families and friends. Annual float trips and family reunions are deeply ingrained traditions for many in the state. The availability of large lodging options like the "Big House" that comfortably sleeps 22, coupled with group float rates and even options for catered meals, makes planning and executing large gatherings incredibly easy and stress-free. This caters directly to the strong community and family ties prevalent in Missouri culture.

Furthermore, the diverse range of lodging options, from traditional riverfront camping to RV sites, comfortable cabins with AC, and even glamping pods, means that The Rafting Co River Resort can accommodate various preferences and budgets. Whether a group is "past the tent-camping days" or prefers a more rustic experience, there’s a comfortable option available. The consistently praised "friendly and patient" staff, particularly "Tina," who "make you feel like family," fosters a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits and builds loyalty among local clientele.

Even with challenges like past flooding, the resort's demonstrated resilience and continuous commitment to "making new improvements" and putting "a lot of love into their hard work" shows dedication to their guests. This forward-thinking approach, including anticipation for a "new building," signals a reliable and evolving destination. The addition of seasonal events like the Halloween bash and Christmas lights also extends the appeal beyond just summer, offering reasons for locals to visit year-round.

In conclusion, The Rafting Co River Resort is more than just a campground; it’s a cherished Missouri institution for countless families and friends. Its combination of unparalleled river access, diverse and comfortable lodging, exceptional group services, and a dedicated, welcoming staff makes it an ideal choice for Missouri locals seeking annual float trip traditions, memorable family reunions, or simply a fun and easygoing escape into the heart of the Ozarks.

The Rafting Co River Resort

95 McCormick Rd, Steelville, MO 65565, USA