Linda Gordon

A group of canoeists on the "rec river"

General Information

Exploring the "Big Muddy" by canoe or kayak is something you'll never forget. It is an adventure that is beginning to draw travelers from around the world. This recreational activity, however, is not for the novice paddler. If there is one thing that the Missouri demands, that is respect.

The Missouri is a big river that on windy days looks more like a large reservoir with white-capped waves that can easily swamp a canoe. There are no rapids, but sunken sandbars, snags--uprooted trees stuck in the river bottom--that may or may not be visible above the water's surface, and other obstacles abound. An eddy is a sure sign of an obstacle just below the water's surface. The Missouri is also deep--20 feet or more in places. Know your paddling ability and don't exceed it. 

Canoe Access: Access to the river is available only at public launch sites. These are few and unevenly spaced along both reaches of the park. Call 402/667-2550 or contact us to obtain your copy of the brochure that locates these river accesses. 

River currents: Depending on releases from Fort Randall Dam and from Gavins Point Dam, the river can flow from three to five miles an hour. (Click on releases to find out about river levels and other data.) Local storms can temporarily increase flows as runoff pours in via the James River, Vermillion River, Bow Creek, and lesser streams. Experienced canoeists can travel faster by reading the river and using paddling skills, while new paddlers are not as efficient.

Though the river is now forced to stay within its banks, the thalweg or channel will change its course from year to year. This ten- to twenty-foot deep channel is constantly moving as it erodes banks, islands and sandbars and then builds up new sandbars or adds onto existing ones.

The river will surprise you with its power. Its flow can move you into obstacles and hazards quicker than you might expect. Respect the current and always try to use it to your advantage. Canoeing a Great Plains river is a recreational experience and taking time to "smell the roses" should be your main goal. "Getting there" is pretty far down the list of priorities. "Getting there" is what the river does for you.

Click here for river guides to the 39-mile reach and the 59-mile reach.

Wind: The wind is an issue on most days. The wider portions of the river are most affected by wind. In the summer the prevailing wind is from the south and southwest. That, and the river current (from 2-7 mph), can make steering a straight course difficult. Wind can hide changes in the river by creating surface ripples, which have nothing to do with water depth. If the wind is gusty, read the surface between gusts. Wind is always a challenge with which canoeists must deal. Strong wind is something most canoeists may want to stay away from altogether.

Weather: On the Great Plains, storms may crop up abruptly. These storms are often accompanied by strong winds that can easily capsize a small craft. Lightning, heavy rain or hail can turn a pleasant trip into disaster. Watch the sky and be aware of your surroundings for signs of inclement weather. If you see bad weather approaching, get off the water and take cover (not under trees) as quickly as possible.

Campsites: Most of the land along the park is privately owned and there are few public camping possibilities. Call 402/667-2550 or contact us for suggestions. Primitive camping is normally allowed on islands and sandbars. Please adhere to the "Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out" (Leave No Trace) ethic. The river bank on both sides of the river, sandbars and islands on the Nebraska side, and deeded islands on the South Dakota side of the river are private property. Only the water belongs to the public. In areas other than designated campsites, permission is required to walk, picnic or camp on private property. Sandbars on the South Dakota side of the river are public property. In several locations along the "rec river," the state border is still undetermined.

Canoeing Plans: It is a good idea to provide someone with your planned put-in and take-out locations, expected length of trip and number in party. They can then contact authorities if you are overdue. Cell phone signals are weak or non-existent along much of the park.

Outfitters: Click here for a list of local canoe/kayak outfitters.

Protect the River: Sandbanks and bars provide habitat for the summer nesting of least terns and piping plovers. They are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act due to their low populations and loss of habitat. The chicks and eggs are difficult to see and avoid; therefore, restriction signs may be posted on sandbars to minimize disturbance to nesting colonies. Please do not disturb any nests of birds.

Take trash with you when you leave. Don't dig, bury or litter. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints.

Zebra Mussels: These are an unwanted invasive species in North America. These small, striped mollusks have created problems on other big river systems such as the Mississippi River. Once established, they compete with native species for resources, can clog river intake structures, and create other unwanted problems. In many places, explosive population growth has led to heavy encrustation of boats, docks and native mussel species.

It is possible to transfer accidentally the juvenile form of zebra mussels to your boat or equipment. If you have paddled other locations, please take the time to clean your equipment and boat properly prior to launching on the Missouri or its tributaries.  

Personal Safety: The National Park Service recommends that all canoeists wear life jackets at all times while on the water. Paddling alone is not recommended. If you go alone, let someone know your launch and take-out points as well as your estimated arrival time.

Bring insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and an extra paddle. For Nebraska waters, each canoe/kayak occupant must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or IV life preserver. Persons under 13 must wear a life preserver. Also for Nebraska waters, each canoe/kayak must have a bucket or sponge for bailing water.

Take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. The sun's reflection off the water can be intense. If it is hot, start early or later in the day and make the trip shorter.

Cold water can be paralyzing to both mind and body. Know proper procedures for cold weather paddling if going on the water in spring and/or autumn.  Dress appropriately and bring spare clothes in case you get wet. Know the symptoms of hypothermia.

Weather on the Great Plains is very unpredictable. Carry foul weather gear for unexpected storms and emergencies. Layered clothing is best. Tennis shoes work but once your feet are wet, they will stay wet all day and they will draw heat away from your wet feet at the same time. Have dry shoes for the end of each day.

A basic first aid kit should be in every canoe or kayak. Learn what poison ivy and poison oak look like, as well as black widow and brown recluse spiders.

Have tether ropes on both ends of the canoe/kayak.

Kneel in the bottom of the canoe while in areas of rough water for stability. Standing and sudden sideways shifts can make the canoe unstable.

If you fall out of a canoe keep your head upstream, feet downstream, kick back and paddle to control your movement if you can't stand up. Your canoe floats, so you can also hang onto it, remembering to stay on the upstream side.

Water riffles mean that rocks lie close to the surface. Follow the smooth water shaped like a "V" point downstream.

Keep the bow of the canoe headed downstream with the current or headed into boat wakes.

Dial 911 to reach emergency personnel in the area.

Available for free by calling 402/667-2550 or contacting us are three brochures: South Dakota Missouri River Canoe/Kayak Map (Pickstown to Running Water), Big Sioux River Canoe/Kayak Map, and Canoeing & Kayaking in South Dakota.