Need a getaway? (Who doesn’t?) Like sand, cool water and lots of laughter? Can only get away for the weekend and live in/near Missouri?? Don’t want to spend a lot of dough? Need to social distance with people and increase proximity to nature? Go floating and camping in Leasburg, MO!
Late June, myself and eight other girls floated in a 10-man raft on the Meramec River in Leasburg, Missouri. We purchased our rafting tickets and camping reservations through Ozark Outdoor Riverfront. For around $37, you can float on a raft for roughly 5 hours through the gorgeous Missouri scenery. The water is clear and cold. The scenery is quintessential mid-MO, gorgeous bluffs, trees tall and proud, sandy spots to enjoy a snack, and hollers of cheer from other friendly floaters. (Everyone is a friend on a float trip in the Show-Me State!)
I have been on a few different float trips (Missouri, Utah, Colorado and Arizona) and I can never get tired of them! I love being able to hang out on the water with my closest friends and family while not having to stress about work or school. We went on this trip as a college reunion. A lot of us haven't seen each other in so long! If you are wanting to do a little reunion without spending a ton of money? I highly suggest going on a float trip.
Camping was such an interesting experience (lol). We floated all day and once we made it back to the end point...it started pouring down rain! I am offering a couple of recommendations for your next camping trip:
General Tips
- Don't forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen and bug spray!
- Bring a waterproof phone case and a dry bag. I know everyone may think: "there's no way that I would drop my phone in the water"....but when you are on a raft that is constantly running into things or if alcohol is involved....you'll be wishing you had the phone protection!
- If you are going with a large group, have everyone bring individual items. By planning out who is bringing what item, you are ensuring that all necessary items will be brought!
- If you are hardcore and sleep like a baby on a hard ground...more power to ya! I brought my cots and I slept all night long. I would suggest bringing a cot (only $50 at walmart) or a blow-up mattress.
Rain Tips:
- Bring an extra tarp just in case for your tent. Our tent worked like a champ and rain didn't get in, but I have had some rough experiences with camping during the rain before and it did not go smooth!
- Bring a pop-up tent if you own one! We used a pop-up tent to block the rain from getting onto our food. It was relaxing to sit around a table enjoying each other's company while it was raining. The campsites have some wooden picnic benches, but we had brought our own white fold-able table on which to put all the food and accessories.
- Thanks to my avid viewing of #nakedandafraid, I can usually say that I don't have a hard time with starting a fire...but when it is sprinkling, it is difficult to keep the fire going. Bring lighter fluid!
- Thankfully, I packed my hiking boots with me, even though it was hot and summer in humid Missouri…. and they were a BLESSING! Walking around the campsite after it rained, was much easier and safer.
The “camping reunion” only cost each participant a little over $50, but we made lifelong memories which are priceless!
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