The Niangua River is a class I/II and flows 125 miles from South to North in the southern and central region of Missouri and is a tributary of the Osage arm of Lake of the Ozarks. The Niangua is a popular river to float in the hot summer months because of its cold spring-fed water of Bennett Springs and can be very busy on the weekends. This river is considered one of the best fishing streams in the state of Missouri, and it has plentiful trout near the confluence of Bennett Springs. While The Niangua is comprised of various springs, it’s usually only navigable from April - September unless aided by rain throughout the off season.

Jacob with a late afternoon rainbow

Jacob with a late afternoon rainbow

Public Access Points

  1. Hwy 32 Bridge 0.0mi

  2. Big John Access 1.3mi

  3. Williams Ford Access 12.2mi

  4. Moon Valley Access 22.3mi

  5. Bennett Spring Access 30.2mi

  6. Barclay Conservation 36.5mi

  7. Prosperine Access 40.8mi

  8. Leadmine Conservation 50.7mi

  9. Herrick Ford 54.3mi

  10. Berry Bluff Access 56.1mi

  11. Lake Niangua 61.9mi


Campsites

Public Campgrounds
Because the Niangua is surrounded by private property, most campgrounds on the Niangua are private. The Public Campgrounds that are available include Bennett Springs State Park and the Lead Mine Conservation Area. Check out the Missouri Conservation website for more information.

Private Campgrounds
RiverFront Campground & Canoe Rental www.riverfrontcampcanoe.com 888 67-FRONT

Niangua River Oasis (NRO)
www.nrocanoe.com 1-800-748-7249

One-Eyed Willy’s
www.oneeyedwillys.com 417-993-2628

Hidden Valley Outfitters
www.hvoutfitters.com 417-533-5628

Fort Niangua River Resort
www.fortniangua.com 417-532-4377

Little Niangua Campground
www.gorvcamping.com 855-646-2267

Ho Humm Canoe Rental & Campground
www.hohumm-campgrounds.com 417-588-1908

Mountain Creek Family Resort & Canoe Rental www.mountaincreekcanoes.com 417-426-5641

Maggard Canoe & Corkery Campground https://maggardcanoe.com 417-532-7616

Cedar Camp
www.cedarcamp.net 573-363-0042

Mother Nature’s Riverfront Retreat & Family Rec Park
http://www.mothernaturesriverfrontretreat.com/
573-363-5408

Readbeard’s Ranch
www.redbeardsranch.com 417-533-7337


River Outfitters

Adventures Float Trips
https://mo-adventures.com 417-588-7238


Reviews

"Great Fishing!"

“The Rainbow Trout were very plentiful in the river below Bennett Spring. I was amazed at the size of trout we were hauling in from float fishing and stopping at the riffles.”

— J.L.

"Are you ready to Party?"

“This is the Ozark Float trip that all party-floaters are looking for.”

— Anthony

"Close to Kansas City."

“If you're looking for a fun river to float that is close to Kansas City, this is the perfect one!"

— Stasia


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