Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground

Highway noise from fast-moving traffic defines the experience at Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground, where some RV sites sit just five feet from the road. This established campground in Steelville provides full hookups for RVs alongside primitive tent sites, with the Meramec River accessible across the highway.

The property spreads across a large area with a mix of shaded and open sites. Campers can choose from primitive tent camping, electric sites, or full hookup spots with water, sewer, and electric connections. Two shower houses serve the campground, though some reviewers note maintenance issues with electrical boxes containing "wasps and spider webs," as Allie A. discovered. The general store offers coin-operated showers and basic supplies.

River access requires crossing the highway and walking to reach the Meramec River, where the campground operates canoe and raft rentals. Float trips run during the season with various packages available. The property includes a pool, though it closes on Sundays, and weekend entertainment features DJ and karaoke nights. "Very quiet thru the week," notes one reviewer, with most activity concentrated on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sites vary significantly in quality and location. Those near the highway experience constant traffic noise, while interior sites offer more distance from the road. Some areas provide good tree coverage for shade, and the campground allows pets with reservations recommended. For campers exploring the region, camping near Steelville includes several other options along the river corridor.

The combination of highway proximity and river access makes this a practical base for float trips, though light sleepers should request sites away from the road.

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Location

RV Park

Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Directions

From jct Hwy 19 & Hwy 8: Go 1-1/2 mi E on Hwy 8, then 2-1/2 mi N on Hwy TT.

Address

287 Highway Tt
Steelville, MO 65565

Coordinates

38.01473839 N
91.31922382 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Such a cute campground!

We booked our campsite very last minute and the staff was extremely helpful and kind! The only down fall to this reservation was we booked an electric tent site and the site the put us in and the ones around it had no electricity. The electric boxes were filled with wasps and spider webs... so if you book there be sure to make sure your reservations are correct! Other then that the camp ground was VERY homey and cute little place the shower houses were clean and they even had a little cafe and other entertainment things such as pizza and a little amphitheater! I feel like this is a local hidden gem! Will be returning here (hopefully on an electric lot lol)

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Allie A., August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Allie A., August 1, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2021

Peaceful

We stayed in our pop-up camper that was close to the road at the front of the campground. Across the road was the river so we were close to the river which was very nice. We did take a walk through the campground which is very large. We found a dry riverbed where we looked at rocks. There was a nice sized store and a pool as well.

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Primitive and Full Hook Up

I've seen some reviews say its outdated and I'm not sure where that comes from. On season they offer a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced. Cute little campground with "primitive", electric and full hook ups. All tent camping is still pretty close to the general store that also has coin showers! You have good options for a shady and grassy spot if you're tent camping too. Great folks working there, always very friendly and helpful.

  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Gina L., September 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Gina L., September 28, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Good spot for an all day float trip.

This location has been a constant location visited over the last ten years for an annual float trip with my friends. Enough ground to spread our tents out and still being close to the campfire while not being bothered by other campers.

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Great Experience

A group of friends and I go to Garrison’s every year for a great float and two nights of camping. We have been able to reserve a private area for a pretty large group, and we have the area to ourselves!

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Dangerous

We stayed here as a group of 5 RV campers. Our campers backed up to a fence about 5 feet off the highway. Cars and trucks fly down this highway at very fast speeds all hours of the day and night. Worried for everyone’s safety if there was a crash. Second worry was getting hit by a car trying to cross the highway to get to the river. Once we finally all got across it was quite a walk to the water (meramac River) and the water smelled terrible! We never got in the water there it smelled so bad..we all packed up and went to RedBluff for the day to play in the water. Only thing that made this place fun was the DJ/karaoke at night

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2019

Great float

Showed up late for a float trip. They were very accommodating for our group. We rented the new tubes they carry. They were very comfortable with back support and pillow when you’re leaning back. 20 bucks for a 4 hour float, ya can’t beat it! Definitely be back

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2018

Great Place

Full hookups(electric/water/sewer) for rvs, as well as primitive tent sites. Facilities are bit on the older side, but 2 shower houses are available. River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available.

  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Jesse C., July 2, 2018
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Jesse C., July 2, 2018
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Reviewed Jun. 29, 2018

Dancing on the river

Fun place to float the river. Have camping and RV rentals. Very accommodating staff. They provided a cookout on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus a dance hall after floating.

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

This was a clean well organized camp ground.

This campground had a good deal of trees for shade while still offering plenty of open spaces for kids to run around. Some areas had close access to the river. The staff was very friendly and the prices were reasonable.

Site42
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Holli K., June 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground by Holli K., June 27, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does Garrison River Resort campground offer?

Garrison River Resort offers a mix of camping options including full hookups (electric/water/sewer) for RVs and primitive tent sites. The campground features two shower houses, though some facilities are noted as older. There's a general store on the property, a pool (closed Sundays), and river access within walking distance. The grounds provide a good balance of shade trees and open spaces for recreation. On Fridays and Saturdays, they host special events including cookouts and a dance hall. The campground is spacious enough for groups to reserve private areas.

Can you rent canoes at Garrison River Resort?

Yes, Garrison River Resort offers canoe rentals directly at their facility. They also provide raft rentals and comfortable tubes with back support. The rental equipment is well-maintained and reasonably priced, with some float trips costing around $20 for a 4-hour experience. The staff is accommodating even for late arrivals for float trips.

What floating opportunities are available near Steelville and Garrison River Resort?

Garrison River Resort offers excellent floating opportunities right from their property. They provide various floating options including canoes, rafts, and tubes with back support and pillows for comfort. Float trips typically run about 4 hours and cost around $20. The resort also offers float and meal packages at reasonable prices. Many visitors return annually specifically for these floating experiences, and the resort can accommodate both individuals and large groups. The river is easily accessible from the campground, with some campsites located close to the water.

Are RV rentals available in Steelville near Garrison River Resort?

Yes, RV rentals are available at Garrison River Resort. The campground offers rental RVs on-site, which can be convenient for visitors who don't have their own equipment. For full details on rental options, availability, and pricing, it's recommended to contact the resort directly as offerings may change seasonally.