delightfully primitive yet not missing essential comforts

The Campgrounds
Somewhere around 4:30pm, which in Ozark time is when the first shadows grow in ridge hollows, your White River Famous Floats guide brings you ashore at the campground. We must admit, today's campgrounds are a little more comfortable than those of 100 years ago. If you want one, a shower is available, as are modern bathrooms. The grass is mowed, and a hard-surface landing keeps your feet dry when you step out of the boat. But all else in form and function is the same as it was 100 years ago.

You are still 50 feet from the river.  You are still surrounded by vast forests which come alive after dark with the calls of three owl species, the music of crickets and katydids, and the croaking of great blue herons on a nighttime fishing trip of their own. And you'll see so many bright stars from horizon to horizon you'll think you are in a space ship. Yet all of this begins only after dark - and after a truly great supper feast.

Who would ever think you'd eat this well on a camping trip!

Camping Trip Meals
On White River Famous Floats camping trips you'll eat way too much. After all, that is part of the tradition! You won't be able to help it.  We'd had too many years of practice at finding people's Point of No Resistance. You will come in hungry after a day on the river. And Nature herself amplifies the experience of an already great tasting meal. If you have special dietary needs just let us know. From Kosher to diabetic, we can accommodate most special culinary requirements on the river bank.

You sit down on a comfortable plank table under an awning cover. If the weather suddenly turns, we drop the flaps protecting you from wind and rain. Otherwise there's nothing between you and Mother Nature except your friends across the table.

Our 2-inch thick T-Bone steaks, which are almost as big as the fish that got away, are USDA Prime cuts. First marinated in some special blend of secrets only the chef understands, your steak is cooked to order by indirect heat from a fire stoked with real Ozark oak charcoal. Right next to that steak will be an Idaho baking russet, a fresh bean salad or other fresh veggie salad, a tossed salad, homemade dinner roll, and fresh raw veggies with dip. Choose from several beverages, then when you are sure you have no room left, we'll present a fresh homemade cobbler for desert.

If you are out for two or more nights we'll serve a different meal offering every night. All include the best cuts of meat, an array of fresh salads, rolls, and deserts. No matter what the meal plan, we've never had anyone complain about not getting enough!

Breakfasts are just as grand. Here too we stick to Country Breakfast traditions as much as sensibly possible. Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, cereal, juice, coffee - all cooked to order. However, if your diet requires a different breakfast fare, just let us know in advance and you'll have it!

For lunch you can choose between a box lunch or our traditional shore lunch.

what happens when there's no TV, computer, or telephone

Evening Activities
"Gee Dad! What did they do before TV and electricity?"
Well, what do you think? Should you bring them on a camping trip so they can live history to answer their own questions? They can fish from the bank before dark, explore the surrounding area, or play old-fashioned games like washer toss. Watch them discover the simple things in life where batteries are not required.

And you? Whether with your family, church group, or a handful of close business associates, it will be enjoying the comradery that grows only in a natural setting. A little more evening fishing, a walk, a game of horseshoes or washer toss, or - god save you! - some serious goofing off will do. We know your group will have a great time. Why are we so sure?

Because float fishing camping trips happening for a 100 years. And we've watched it happen for over 30 years ourselves. If so many people were not having fun, they'd not keep doing it!

you'll hear the water roll softly by from your camp bed

Your Tent
The white canvas expedition tent - it has not changed in 150 years. Rugged enough to repel wind and rain, roomy enough to stand up in, these durable old classics even have chimney outlets for wood stoves if you want to camp in cool weather.

The floor of the tent is the land it is pitched on. You'll sleep on yet another classic, the folding camp cot. Like the tent design, the cot has not changed much over the years.

Your tent is pitched for you before you arrive in camp. You'll have room for your gear and a place to change clothes. Take a nap before supper, read a little, or just stretch out and listen to the water and birds. Capture the peace of the moment. It makes supper taste even better!

Please note! White River Famous Float trips are popular so we book up fast each year. Call us as far in advance as you can and we'll help you plan a trip.