Current River
Current River
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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Best nearby
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12 within 3 miles
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8 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
28 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Stephenee E
Long Beach, MS90 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
The river is gorgeous when you can view it without worrying about the young people consuming alcohol while steering the boats between people rafting and floating. The boat with Highway Patrol on the side did nothing about the alcohol drinking boaters nor did the Park Rangers.
The day is coming that there will be a serious injury or death on that river. The boaters cannot see swimmers and we witnessed a young boy nearly get hit by a boat speeding by.
The day is coming that there will be a serious injury or death on that river. The boaters cannot see swimmers and we witnessed a young boy nearly get hit by a boat speeding by.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BHappy2
Petersburg, IL45 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
The Current River, itself, is a National Treasure ! The clarity of the water, the beauty along its shores and its value to its diversity of wildlife species and conscientious human users is immeasurable. However, the use of Jet Boats on this otherwise quiet and serene river should be banned or strictly regulated. Presently, there are no HP restrictions on Jet Boat motor sizes in the area two miles up or down stream from Van Buren. This is unnecessarily liberal in terms of what should be permitted on the Current River. Pleasure boaters should be required to seek larger lakes for their racing, drinking and partying pleasures. The larger HP Jet Boats create dangers (worse, yet, when the operators are not considerate of canoeists and kayakers) for others on the water. Plus, and importantly, they distract greatly from the inherent peace, serenity and respect that the beautiful and treasured Current River both give and should get !!!
Written August 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnildarps
Altmar, NY64 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
Several decades ago, a proposal was made to the Missouri State Legislature to build a series of dams on the Current River to control flooding, and to create recreational opportunities which would bring an influx of tourists and money to the area. There are countless freshwater springs in the area that empty into the current river, and they would all have been under water, along with the town of Eminence, MO. This proposal was viewed with alarm by many people who already knew the tremendous opportunities the river offered for recreation, as well as those who knew Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring, and others. It was therefore suggested that the National Park Service take over the area, and create a park, which would be protected in perpetuity. The park exists, and is called Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The Current River remains in its natural condition today, thanks to the creation of the park. I have floated almost all of the current river at one time or another. In terms of terrain, the Current has the sharpest drop in elevation from its source to the end of the National Park of any river in the area, making it a faster flowing stream than many others. It also serves the confluences of many other streams, rivers, and springs, so it usually has enough water in it for canoe and tube fun throughout the summer season. It is a great fishing, swimming, and floating river, and therefore, it sees a lot of traffic in hot weather. As a matter of fact, the river gets so crowded that I seek out time in the area in Spring or Fall, when crowds are down, and in the case of Spring, when there is a lot of water in the river. If you are looking for class 4 and 5 white water, the Current is not your cup of tea. It will indeed keep you on your toes with its swift areas and submerged logs and rocks. I have tipped over in the Current River several times. The upper Current offers more canoe fun, and there are many tube and canoe rental enterprises up and down the river that can completely outfit you, and drive you to a variety of put-in and take-out points. It is a great family river, and you do not have to be greatly skilled to enjoy it. I have traveled many parts of the world, but the Current River and its joining streams have been the scene of most of my vacations.
Written April 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny C
Poplar Bluff, MO99 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
I've been coming to the Current River for 50+ years and will continue to do so as long as I am on this earth. It is such a beautiful, clear, cool, spring fed river. We find a spot on a gravel bar and just enjoy watching the river flow by or sometimes fish for Smallmouth bass, goggle eye or perch. The summer months on the stretch from Waymeyer to the Landing can be very crowded and even a bit rowdy. I hate seeing out of towners throw trash in the river, cuss like sailors and act like they own the entire river but the little town of Van Buren depends on tourism so it is what it is. There are areas above and below the "float area" that are very peaceful and amazingly beautiful.
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seasideljs
Joplin, MO293 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
This is a beautiful river and great for floating! But be careful, because as the name says, there are currents...also, it can get deep without warning and shallow, too. Some people dive or jump in certain places, but you never know what is in the water. Water shoes are recommended because of the rocks. It is spring fed, very clear, and usually really cool...so refreshing!
Written August 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tmf7150
Highland, IL1,119 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
My friends and I take an annual float trip down the Current River in Van Buren, MO. We come down on a Sunday and sit on a gravel bar later in the afternoon to relax. On Monday, we float in tubes from Waymeyer to Big Spring. The water was up this year and it took us only 7 hours. You have to be aware of the current and downed trees. Each year it looks a little different and is a great way to enjoy nature. It is called a National Scenic Riverway and it is gorgeous!
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy J
lake wale , fl, United States28 contributions
May 2015
float the river on a tube. fun, fun, fun. great relaxing time with the family. great views as you go floating by, clean refreshing water, lots of areas to park your tube and have lunch on the beaches.
Written April 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TaylorPettit
Van Buren, MO343 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
The Current River is the absolute cleanest clearest best cared for River on earth. That's why it's your national River . Avoid the root wads. Recognize that the boats aren't going to hit you and don't have props so the won't hurt you.
Written March 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TaylorPettit
Van Buren, MO343 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
The Current River is so awesome that it's a national park. This is the place to relax and let your troubles drift away. The River is a public space and yours to enjoy. Boats are regulated to outboards and forty horsepower, outboard jets are the norm as the River is shallow. The fishing is good smallmouth bass are abundant as are other game and rough species. The water is clear clean and spring fed. Bring a canoe kayak or raft or rent one in town. The water is chilly but not too much so.
Written March 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon64804
Joplin, MO130 contributions
Aug 2017
We tubed the Current River from Van Buren to Big Spring and had a blast! We couldn't believe the clarity of the water. Very easy to navigate and plenty of sandbars along the way.
Written September 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is current river open, I was told it was still close due to the coronavirus status??
Kayla Williams
3 contributions
What's recommended to bring with you on your float trip?
Did someone get the flesh eating virus from current river
Tequila R
Bowling Green, MO176 contributions
It was a hoax. No cases in missouri ever. I went with a whole group of people with no issues of any kind.
Anntim19
Colorado Springs, CO16 contributions
Where is a good family camping in the area of current river. We have a travel trailer
maintenancem22
Cape Girardeau, MO
where can you take a dog swimming on current river in van buren ?
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Claim your listingCurrent River - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Current River
- Hotels near Current River:
- (0.07 mi) Current River Inn
- (0.04 mi) Hawthorne Motel
- (0.21 mi) Current River Campground
- (0.08 mi) Cozy 1 bedroom near Current River
- (0.50 mi) The Rosecliff Lodge at The Landing
- Restaurants near Current River:
- (0.09 mi) Smalley's Convenience
- (0.12 mi) Jolly Cone Drive-In
- (0.21 mi) Las Margariras Mexican Restaurant
- (0.50 mi) The Blue Heron Restaurant at The Landing
- (0.45 mi) Float Stream
- Attractions near Current River:
- (0.00 mi) Van Buren Riverfront Park
- (0.19 mi) Ozark National Scenic Riverway
- (0.27 mi) Watercress Spring Campground and Park
- (0.60 mi) The Landing Canoe and Tube Trips
- (3.34 mi) Big Spring