YOU must MAKE A RESERVATION AT LEAST 12 HRS IN ADVANCE!
People kayaking and canoeing on the James River

Family Owned & Operated Since 1992

Canoeing Is What I'd Rather Be Doing!

Canoe, kayak, and raft rentals on the James River in the Missouri Ozarks. Shuttle service included — all you need to bring is yourself.

Family-owned & operated since 1992 · 12 Old Miller Road, Galena, MO

2026 Season Schedule

When We're Open

Open hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Closed dates highlighted in red

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Reservations required 12 hours in advance. We do not accept walk-ins. All floats must be booked in advance.
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August 2026

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Closed: Aug 17–21, Aug 24–25 & Aug 30. All other days open 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

September 2026

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Closed: Sep 1–2 & Sep 18–24. All other days open 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

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Closed: Every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday. Open Wed–Sat, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

November 2026

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Closed: Every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday. Open Wed–Sat, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Price List

Prices shown match our online booking system. Book through FareHarbor to confirm your rate. Book now →

6 Man Raft

$160.00 + Tax

Perfect for large groups. Fits 6 people comfortably with gear.

Canoe

$60.00 + Tax

Classic river experience. Fits 2–3 people.

Kayak (Single)

$40.00 + Tax

Solo paddling adventure on the James River.

Kayak (Double)

$65.00 + Tax

Tandem kayak for two paddlers.

Paddleboard (SUP)

$40.00 + Tax

Stand-up paddleboard for a unique river experience.

Tube

$30.00 + Tax

Relax and float downstream on a tube.

Happy family canoeing on the James River

Why Float With Us?

We are family owned and operated since 1992. We offer canoe and kayak rentals as well as shuttle service. Our goal is to make your float experience as relaxing and fun as possible.

Enjoy crystal-clear water, towering bluffs, great fishing, swimming spots, and peaceful scenery along one of southwest Missouri's most enjoyable rivers. Whether it's your first time in a kayak or your fiftieth trip in a canoe, our family is here to ensure your shuttle is on time and your gear is ready to go.

We handle the heavy lifting so you can soak up the sun. We can't wait to be a part of your next river memory.

See What We Offer

We Are Looking Forward to Seeing You!

What to Bring

  • Cooler and ice
  • Drinks
  • Sunblock
  • Towels
  • Snacks

What's Included with Your Rental

  • Shuttle service for you and your boat rental
  • Paddles
  • Cushions
  • Life jackets (children under 7 must wear them)
  • Trash bags

Why You'll Love Floating With Us

No Waiting After Your Float

Your vehicle is parked at the take-out, so when your adventure is over, you're ready to head home.

Convenient Shuttle Service

We take care of transporting you and your rental equipment to the river so you can focus on having fun.

Family-Owned & Operated

For over 35 years, we've been helping families and friends create unforgettable memories on the beautiful James River.

Beautiful Scenic Float

Enjoy crystal-clear water, towering bluffs, great fishing, swimming spots, and peaceful scenery along one of southwest Missouri's most enjoyable rivers.

Pet Friendly

Your well-behaved four-legged family members are welcome to join the adventure!

NEW

6 Man Rafts — $160.00 + Tax

Canoes are classic, but rafts are a vibe. We just added 6-man rafts to our online booking system, and they are moving fast.

  • Space for days: Room for the crew, the kids, and the Big Blue cooler 🧊
  • Conversation-friendly: It's a 5-mile long floating party
  • Stress-free: If you can hold a paddle, you can raft. No tipping, no drama, just drifting
Book Rafts or Kayaks
Group of people on a 6-man raft on the river

Group Discount Rate Information

Group of 30+ — Bring the Whole Gang!

Planning a family reunion, church outing, or work trip? We offer group discounts for parties of 30 or more. Contact us to learn more.

Contact Us for Group Rates

How It Works — Check-In & Shuttle

Includes choice of boat plus shuttle service! This float can take 3 to 5 hours to complete — you are not on a time limit (you have until 7:00 PM). We schedule a limited number of trips each hour to keep check-in quick and minimize wait times.

Step 1 — Arrive at Our Office

Please arrive at 12 Old Miller Road, Galena, MO at the exact time you selected when booking. Sign waivers if not completed online, then confirm and pay if not paid in advance.

Step 2 — Load Up & Follow the Bus

Load your coolers and personal belongings onto the shuttle bus. Keep your vehicle keys with you. Follow our shuttle approximately one mile to the designated take-out location and park your vehicle.

Step 3 — Shuttle to the Put-In

Board the shuttle for a short ride to the river put-in. From there, simply enjoy your float! When you reach the end of your trip, your vehicle will already be waiting for you — no waiting around for another shuttle after your float.

Plan Your Trip

Places to Stay

Float the James River and float right back to your cabin — no diving needed. These nearby lodges and cabins are minutes from our launch site.

10% off your float trip — book a cabin & book with us

Staying at one of these cabins? Book your float trip with James River Canoe Rental at the same time and receive 10% off your rental — just select the cabin discount at the time of reservation.

We'll pick you up right at your cabin

Book with us and we'll come get you — no need to drive to a launch site. Keep in mind that not all outfitters in the area offer cabin pickup or allow you to float back to these properties. To float back to your cabin, you must book with James River Canoe Rental.

Cabins at James River Landing

Float & Stay
CabinsUp to 32 guests5 cabins · 12 beds

Riverfront cabins with direct James River access, fire pit, and beautiful elevated views. Just 2 blocks from downtown Galena.

Riverfront Retreat — 15 Bedrooms

Large Groups
LodgeUp to 50 guests15 bedrooms · 30 beds · 16.5 baths

22-acre private riverfront lodge with covered pavilion, volleyball, fire pit, and one mile of private James River shoreline. Perfect for reunions and large groups.

BridgeWalk Riverside Cabin 2

Float to Your Door
CabinUp to 5 guests1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath

Cozy cabin overlooking the James River. Float trips pick up and drop off right at the cabin — no shuttle needed. Fire pit and grill by the river.

BridgeWalk Riverside Cabin 4

Float to Your Door
CabinUp to 4 guests1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath

Hilltop cabin overlooking the historic Y Bridge and James River. Screened porch, fire pit, and float trips that drop you right back at the hill below.

BridgeWalk Riverside Cabin 3

Float to Your Door
CabinUp to 4 guests1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath

Screened-in porch with a perfect view of the historic Y Bridge over the James River. Float trips pick you up and drop you right back — fish from the riverbank or just soak in the quiet.

BridgeWalk Riverside Cabin 1

Float to Your Door
CabinUp to 7 guests1 bedroom · 5 beds · 1 bath

Right on the James River with local outfitters next door. Loft sleeping areas, fire pit, and float trips that bring you back to the cabin. A guest favorite that people return to year after year.

Scenic view of the James River

James River Water Levels

🌊 JAMES RIVER WATER LEVELS
Galena, Missouri
Current Water Level
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FEET
Current River Flow
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Checking current river conditions…

🟢 BELOW 6 FEET
Normally within James River Canoe Rental's operating range.

🔴 6 FEET OR HIGHER
Trips may be suspended because of high-water conditions.

⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: The gauge reading alone does not determine whether we operate. Water clarity, current speed, floating debris, weather, recent rainfall and changing river conditions are also considered. Always check our current operating status before traveling.

Water-level and streamflow measurements are supplied by the U.S. Geological Survey and are provisional. Forecast information is supplied by NOAA's National Water Prediction Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancel and Refund Policy

  1. 1.Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to your reservation will receive a digital gift card for the amount paid, minus a 10% processing fee.
  2. 2.Discount codes and gift cards used at booking are non-refundable. Rebooking must be done within the current season.
  3. 3.Weather and 'Mother Nature' cancellations by the customer are not eligible for rain checks or refunds. We operate rain or shine when water levels are safe.
  4. 4.If we (the operator) must cancel your reservation due to unsafe conditions or other circumstances, you will receive a full gift card credit for a future trip.
  5. 5.To cancel, call us at 417-357-6957 or 417-294-5928. Cancellations must be made by phone — email cancellations are not accepted.

What Our Customers Are Saying

J

Joshua Miller

August 8, 2026

What a great place to rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy the river! Less than $75 for 2 kayaks with included shuttle to the river. Kayaks are big enough to hold *ahem* larger folks. The James River was amazing, we did the 5 mile float and spent 5 hours swimming and floating. Cannot recommend enough!

Google Review
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Taylor Jones

August 4, 2026

We had an amazing float this past weekend with James River Canoe Rental! Dana and her crew were amazing and it was an awesome experience all around! The weather was gorgeous, the river was perfect and we had a blast! Would definitely recommend James River Canoe Rental! We will absolutely be back! Thanks Dana and crew! :)

Google Review
M

Madison Stewart

August 4, 2026

Had a float trip for a wedding party and James River Canoe Rental took care of ALL OUR NEEDS!!!! We had a party of 15 and were able to rent several rafts, got shuttled to the river, picked up and dropped off at wedding venue location!!! Not only was this the most convenient and stress free float trip…the workers Dana and Billy were the nicest people! If there was ever a hiccup they were willing to work with us! Thank you JR Canoe Rental!

Google Review
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dakota stewart

August 4, 2026

Great experience amazing people highly recommend Danna with James river canoe rental

Google Review
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Virginia Maletic

August 2, 2026

Google Review
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Brisa Guarella

August 2, 2026

The staff is super helpful and they make the process very easy. They have various canoes, rafts, or kayaks to reserve. Best floating experience!

Google Review

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Get In Touch

Questions about your trip? We'd love to hear from you.