Current River Camping and Kayaking
This is a 2-day paddle with base camping at Pulltite.
Saturday we will put in at Cedar Grove and take out at Pulltite. On Sunday we will put in at Pulltite and take out at Upper Round Springs.
The Current River is a year-around stream with adequate flow almost anytime. It is a flatwater river that is fed by more springs than any other Missouri river, keeping its flow constant. The river drops at a rate of about 4.4 feet per mile. Its designation as part of the National Scenic Riverways program protects the Current River under federal law from over-commercialization, damming or otherwise obstructing the flow of the river or disrupting natural plant and biological life on and around the river. Surrounding the river are dense stands of maples, hickories, oaks, elms and many other species of hardwood trees, all of which provide a visual feast during the fall season when the colors begin to change. The Current River is known for its astounding natural beauty amid Ozark vistas that were made for photo postcards. With many springs to see, and some are quite amazing for the volume they pump into the river, and other topographical wonders to explore there is plenty to keep you busy and interested on any part of this beautiful river.
Be sure to bring along a camera (and drybag!) with plenty of film, compact flash cards or disc memory for the photos you will surely want to take.
Meeting Location: Cedar Grove access, 8:00 am.
Camping: Pulltite Campground.
Water classification: The Current River is a Class I (occasionally Class II) river.
Class I: Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves; few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training; risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting; occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers; swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.
Possible hazards or difficult sections of water paddled (other hazards may also be encountered on the trip):
Strainers, root wads, rocks and other obstacles to navigate around.
Skill level required:
Beginner (paddler who has a proficient forward stroke, knows other basic strokes, and can maneuver their boat in Class 1 moving water.)
Type of boat required: As the Current River is somewhat rocky, you may want to bring a plastic (“rotomold”) boat.
How to dress: Dress for immersion. The Current River is spring fed, so it is cold year-round. No cotton. If wearing sandals, they should have back straps.
Participants must bring: (Take this off the Request form for STL Canoe & Kayak Club trip/event.)
- A complete change of clothes in a dry bag.
- water
- lunch for 2 days on the river
- U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket)
- “pealess” whistle
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- camping gear and food
For a list of items to bring that might be helpful for new paddlers, here is a link: Kayaking Gear for Every Trip
Minors are welcome on this trip if a parent or guardian attends.
Please check out the Club Sanctioned Trips forum for additional information as it is posted, or to ask questions or post comments. Club Sanctioned Trip Info & Comments – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club
Risks involved: Paddlesports and related ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH. These Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating, leading, or helping in the Activity, and the condition in which the Activity takes place, There may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.
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Tip leader: Dave Haessig 314-304-7970
To attend this trip/event:
You must reserve a ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
This provides the trip leader with important information they need for safety and communication, and information the club needs for ACA reporting.
If you get a ticket and then cannot go for any reason, let the Trip Leader know.
- If you are an ACA member, please make sure you have an annual waiver signed on their website and have linked your account with St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club. You must have re-signed this waiver since January 1, 2026 because they have updated their website. Here are instructions: Linking your ACA account to St. Louis Canoe and Kayak..docx
- If you are not an ACA member (American Canoe Association), you will be asked to sign a paper waiver from ACA at the meet-up location. Here is the waiver to read before attending the trip: aca_waiver__release_of_liab
Ticket sales end Sept. 26 at 5:00 pm.