Contributing greatly to the beauty of McDonald County is the picturesque Elk River with its towering bluffs and treed banks. The Elk River beckons thousands of families and friends every summer to come float in kayaks, canoes, rafts and tubes -- to swim in it, to picnic and camp beside it -- to enjoy nature to the fullest.
There's plenty of time left to take advantage of experiencing the many activities available along the Elk River -- which is also a low-cost vacation alternative for families on a budget.
Ruth Young, one of the owners of Kozy Kamp, at 71 Elk River Road, Pineville, said this season has been great for camping and floating. She said there has not been any serious flooding so far this summer and the water level has been good.
"Cabins -- some with bathrooms, as well as kayaks and canoes are rented at Kozy Kamp," Young said, "and we have very good security here with security guards who do a great job keeping everyone safe and preventing any rowdyism. We're family-oriented here at Kozy Kamp and make sure everything is under control. We have not had any accidents all summer."
"We're looking forward to a big turnout on Labor Day Weekend," Young said.
Kozy Kamp has been in business since 1962.
For reservations at Kozy Kamp call 417-223-4586. Young said, "If no one answers, please leave your number and your call will be returned."
Eagles Nest Campground and Canoe Rentals, near Noel, has been at the same location since 1981. In 1995, Bill Hanes became the owner.
Hanes said canoe, raft and kayak trips on the beautiful Elk River, Indian Creek and Big Sugar Creek are offered at Eagles Nest. Float trips range from 4 to 12 miles.
"We have full hookup RV sites and 40 acres of shade for camping and three-quarters of a mile of river front with two big beaches," Hanes said.
Hanes said June and July are the busiest months at Eagles Nest. The water level remains very good. "It has been a very good summer for us with no flooding problems," Hanes said.
"We run a clean, quiet campground," Hanes said, "it is a great place to bring a family."
Other facilities offered at Eagles Nest are: fishing and swimming, tube rentals, volley ball, horseshoes, game room, firewood, picnic supplies, ice, cold drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, clean restrooms.
Eagles Nest is located on Elk Springs Road, just off Highway 59 North, about 4 miles from Noel. Follow Elk Springs Road for a quarter of a mile and cross the low-water bridge -- up the hill and to the right.
For information call 417-475-3326; reservations: 1-800-843-7080; and email: [email protected]
Big Elk Floats & Camping is at the center where the Elk River starts where Little Sugar Creek and Big Sugar Creek come together. It has been owned and operated by Patrick Tinsley since 1989.
"RV camping is our specialty," Tinsley said, and we rent kayaks, canoes, and rafts. There are 60 RV hookups with 50 or 30 amp services, water/sewer, electricity and Wi-Fi."
Big Elk Floats & Camping has a variety of camping facilities available: The River House which sleeps 16 people; the Cabin accommodates 7 people and has 200 feet of riverfront; the Huts accommodate 4 people and are equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, TV, DVD player and air conditioner.
Tinsley said it is a family oriented campground mainly for families and church groups. "We don't need security here," Tinsley said, "since we screen closely when renting our facilities."
"Twenty percent of our clientele come to fish," Tinsley said. "This week someone caught an 8-pound large mouth bass."
For children, there is sand volleyball, a basketball court, playground, petting zoo, swimming, inner tubes, and paddle boards.
There is a beach and a swimming area where the children don't have to worry about floating traffic at the Little Sugar Creek.
Tinsley said it was ideal this summer for the campground and he is expecting a full Labor Day weekend with a lot of people from Fayetteville and Kansas City and one coming from as far away as Montana.
"Our location is great, with Junior's Smokehouse restaurant, a grocery store, and a dollar store within a 100 yards of our site."
Big Elk Floats and Camping is located at 5029 South Business Highway 71, Pineville. The website is: www.bigelkfloatsandcamping.com/services. For reservations, call 417-223-4635 or 800-813-0907.
Community on 07/28/2016