How to unplug and create memories! 28 May 2024, 5:52 pm

When I was younger, my family would go on camping trips multiple times a year. It is one of my fondest memories. We would all have our specific jobs once we arrived at the campsite. Mine was setting up the inside of the tent. I would air up all of our mattresses, make all of the beds, and set up our own little areas inside the tent. My mom would always say “what would we do without our interior decorator?” We all had so much fun every time we would camp. There is something about getting out in nature, where you have no responsibility, no screens (although in my day there was not an alternative), and no plans. I feel as though camping is a lost treasure sometimes. In this day and age when you are always trying to keep up with all of life’s demands, it is exhausting and honestly unobtainable. You deserve to breathe, unplug from all of those demands, and make simple memories that make big impacts. I took some time to write down some of my most favorite memories from camping as a child.

1. No screens and no toys

I am a 90’s baby so I remember life before the screens were so accessible, and honestly find myself wishing we could go back to that time more and more often. My husband and I have two young boys and are constantly trying to immerse them into nature and the small things of life. We recently took a trip to a remote cabin with no service or wifi. We told them they were not allowed to bring any toys or screens. They thought we were crazy but what happened was they only had each other. There were no toys to fight over and there were no screens to occupy their time. So they explored. They hiked, they played hide and seek, they used their imagination. We are not perfect by any means and definitely have two tablets and two Nintendo switches, but take my word for it when I say, take the time to take them away and show them what their imagination can do.

2. Rise with the sun

I definitely like my sleep and I slept in most camping trips as a child, but I specifically remember many times waking up early while there was still fog lingering in the air, snuggled up in a blanket, sitting by the warm fire. There was something magical about waking up with the sun. I can still smell the campfire smoke, mixed with my mom cooking bacon over the fire, and my dad’s coffee brewing in his percolator. It felt so pure and magical. So I am here to tell you, wake up early, build a small campfire, brew some coffee and take some large deep breaths as you breathe in the morning air. Listen to the birds chirping, the squirrels rustling through the leaves, and the feel the magic of rising with the sun.

3. Go fishing

My family would always go fishing whenever we camped. Most of the time on a boat but sometimes off the dock as well. I was not a patient fisherman, if I hadn’t caught a fish or even had a bite within 10-12 times of casting I was closing up shop. As I sat there though watching everyone else, I thought “What if I’m missing out on a fish right now?” So I would grab my pole and try my luck again. Many times I would catch something if I gave it a few more tries. The excitement of the fishing pole quickly pulled down, the feeling of the fish swimming so fast against you, and the anticipation of “how big will it be?” sinks in. You finally get to the finish line and It is so exciting to feel the adrenaline of catching a fish. Give your kids a gift and take them fishing. Teach them to fish, teach them to remove the fish from the hook, let them hold it and take the picture. They will remember catching their first fish, I guarantee it.

4. FOOD

One of my favorite parts of camping was the amazing food. We had some meals that we only ate while camping. We always had bacon and cheese biscuits. My mom would wrap the biscuit dough in foil and set them over the fire to bake. Biscuits over a fire are next level! We always had fried potatoes for dinner, which were such a treat because we did not get them at home very often. It made them that much more special. One other thing my mom always made were foil packets. She would wrap potatoes, onions, and andouille sausage in foil, and cook them over the fire. Trust me when I say, using a campfire to cook your food, is the way to go. Food may seem strange to be in a blog about “How to unplug” but as I sit here and write this blog, memories of how wonderful it tasted, the cool and unique ways my parents cooked the food, and sitting at a picnic table enjoying it, still make my heart warm all these years later. People connect over food and I can tell you that is why I have these special memories. It may take longer to do It this way, but try and make it a special experience on your next camping trip. If you’re unsure on where to start, there are tons of recipes and how-to’s on the internet.

I understand not everyone has these fond childhood memories like I do, but it is never too late to start them with your own children. It may take a few times of camping to get the hang of it, but you will start to unwind faster each time you go. You will also give your children the gift of memories, that will never leave.

River Ranch Resort is the most serene during the week as there are much less people here, and you have so much of the area to yourselves. I love walking through the campground and seeing families making memories, connecting with nature and each other. I urge you to book a trip this summer or fall. We can’t wait to see you!

Written By: Marlinda Shurback (Owner)

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How to build a campfire: Step by Step 1 Mar 2024, 3:58 pm

Enjoy this experience with Family & Friends!

Building a campfire during your visit is a prime way to create memories that last a lifetime. Campfires can bring about laughter, passionate, silly, or even serious conversations. They are the stuff of cherished memories. Personally, I love enjoying fires with my family; it gives us the opportunity to connect and discuss various topics. Plus, what better way to enjoy the quintessential s’more? My kids love them! Fires with friends under the stars, enjoying some beers or cocktails in the outdoors, bring a deep sense of accomplishment, warmth, and relaxation. Imagine sitting with your friends or family, hearing the crackle of the fire during a quiet moment, or hearing one of your kids laugh at a silly dad joke—my personal favorite—or asking you a question. You get to fully engage with your family in nature under the stars. I am definitely ready for those spring to fall fires! Now, let me lay out the most effective way to build a campfire.

First, gather your firewood. You will need some larger chunks and quite a few smaller sticks, referred to as kindling. You will also want to gather some fire starters; for this, you can use dry leaves, twigs, grass clippings, or even some receipts or loose paper that we all have floating around in our cars, wallets, or even your wife’s purse—just make sure it’s okay to burn those items! (We sell them at the camp store in bundles; they are really handy because they include just about everything you could need except the matches or lighter, but we also sell those items as well!)

Next, ensure you BUILD THE CAMPFIRE IN YOUR FIRE PIT, provided at every campsite. DO NOT HAVE FIRES OUTSIDE YOUR DESIGNATED FIRE PIT. Unfortunately, cabins only have grills, but you can still build small fires there. (For cabins, we do have a community fire pit located near the volleyball court and the landing where boats arrive after a day on the water.)

Take all your wood that you have gathered (if you have bought the bundles, then they will include a couple of larger chunks along with smaller ones). A pro tip: use the bag as your fire starter; it’s excellent for this purpose.

Place a small amount of your smaller items like paper, leaves, twigs, etc., or the bag the wood came in, in the center of the fire pit.

Then, arrange your smaller branches or kindling from the bags into a teepee shape over your fire starter, leaving an opening on the windward side to light the fire. Ensure there is enough space between your kindling and fire starter for air to circulate.

Once you’ve done this, add more layers of kindling in the opposite direction to the first layer, forming a sort of criss-cross pattern. Continue this until you have a stable structure.

Now comes the fun part: lighting it. Use a lighter or matches to ignite the paper, twigs, leaves, etc., or your bag, and blow lightly at the base to help the flames spread to your kindling.

Once your kindling is burning well, gradually add your larger wood chunks to sustain the fire, but be careful not to smother your flames.

Now, all you have to do is maintain the fire. Keep an eye on it and add more wood as needed. It’s easy to get carried away and make too big a fire! It’s best to designate someone as the fire monitor or “fire stoker”—probably the most fun job, but it can be dangerous. Be careful not to just throw the wood on; place it gently and don’t burn yourself!

Lastly, once you’re done with your fire, it’s important to pour water over it and stir the ashes to ensure everything is thoroughly wet and extinguished. If water is not available, smother it with dirt.

Remember the famous saying: Leave no trace. It’s our job to keep our site as clean as possible so the next fellow fire builder can have an enjoyable experience just like you!

Hope this helps! And I cannot wait to see your campfires out there! – Dustin Shurback (Owner)

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SUMMER 2023! 23 Mar 2023, 2:44 am

We are so excited about the 2023 season!

It has been a long winter for all of us! We are anticipating another great season on the Elk River!

We are very excited about some of the winter projects that you will see and the many updates we have made! One of our favorite projects that we are closing in on is our remodeled store, we have changed the layout to be easier to navigate everything we have to offer in our store, along with helping with congestion from our check in counters and our kitchen area.

Along with this remodel we have added a coffee shop! Make sure to stop by our Elk River Coffee CO and snag you up either a tradition coffee or our personal favorite SPIKED to make that late night seem like a walk in the park!

Guys we cannot wait to have you all back for another fun filled season! Make those reservations now so you don’t miss out on your favorite spot on the beautiful Elk River!

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POPULAR CAMPING/RV SITES 24 Dec 2021, 2:51 am

Tent Camping with Electricity

The most popular campsites with electricity are hands down the Canoe Landing sites #191-181. These sites are right next to the river, next to the restroom and come with two 120v outlets. There is parking at these sites. Reserve these sites if you want to be right in the middle of the resort next to all the amenities. A close second would be the Sycamore Landing campsites #528-545. These sites are located along the river at our Sycamore Landing campground across the highway. These sites are more secluded than the Canoe Landing sites. If you are looking for a campsite with electricity but you want a more private setting Sycamore Landing is the perfect spot. Both areas are close to swim beaches.

Tent Camping w/out Electricity

Of the hundreds of sites without electricity our most popular is campsite #156 on Wilderness Island and campsites #525-527 at Sycamore Landing. Site #156 on the Wilderness Island is most requested for its close proximity to the river & a swim beach and because it can hold a group up to 40 people. As for the sites at Sycamore Landing, being on the point of the island is most requested. The view of the bluff from the point is magnificent, you are surrounded by water and have close access to a swim beach. 

RV Sites

RV site #200 is the most popular. This site is the easiest to back into and it is right next to the swim beach we take the floaters off at. It is the perfect people watching spot as you get to watch the drama unfold as floaters pull up off the river. RVing in this location also puts you close to the volleyball court and our store. We added RV sites at Sycamore Landing and of those you want to be at #708 because it is the closest to the river.  

 As you can tell the best sites are close to the river. To make a reservation give us a call at 800-951-6121 or follow the link. Check out our maps of the Resort

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ALL ABOUT OUR SUP / KAYAKS 19 Mar 2021, 2:58 am

New for 2021

We added 8 new hybrid kayaks to our fleet. These kayaks can be rented as a stand up paddleboard or as a sit on top kayak. In other words, the seat is removable so make sure you let us know whether you want the seat or not. I recommend having the seat when floating the river just in case you want to sit. Do not forget to make a reservation for these due to the limited quantity. You can float our 8mi, 5mi, or Indian Creek float trip. More on the Indian Creek trip below (fishing trip only). New for 2021 is the ability to rent these boards for day use around the resort. Take advantage of the day use to play with or fish from near the resort. Kids and adults will have fun jumping off it and running off it into the water.

FISHING TRIP RENTAL

With this boat you have the option of renting it for a fishing trip. When you do it is outfitted with rod holders, fishing crate, seat w/ drawer underneath, and a cup holder. This boat is ideal for fishing because it allows you to stand up quickly, the open deck makes it easy to flip fish on board, and it is easy to maneuver making it effortless to reach that honey hole. Also, the fishing rental comes with an option to float Indian Creek, well known for its smallmouth bass. Along with the option to float Indian Creek you have the options of floating the Elk River for 5mi or 8mi. Indian Creek is not commercially floated so the fishing pressure is less than that of the Elk River. Do not pass up the option to float/fish Indian Creek, you will not regret it. Below is a photo of the kayak rigged for fishing minus the Garmin fish finder.

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KAYAK FISHING ON ELK RIVER 8 May 2019, 3:11 am

Our staff here at River Ranch Resort love to fish!  While the summer time keeps us exceptionally busy, the spring and fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and wet a hook.  We have really been enjoying fishing from our kayaks on the Elk river as well.  

Hooking into a good sized large mouth or small mouth bass and having it pull your boat around is pretty exhilarating!  Kayak fishing offers the ability to reach some holes that are not accessible from the banks.

This large mouth was caught just up from the resort. (I could tell you exactly where, but I think I’ll keep that to myself :).)

These two smallies were caught right in the same spot on Elk River late last summer.  Elk river used to be highly ranked for small mouth fish.  The larger limit on the fish is helping them make a good return.

All of these were caught on artificial baits.  Some just like the top water buzz baits and other prefer the basic jig head and a worm body.

Whatever your luck give kayak fishing on Elk River a try sometime!  It’s never a bad day to be floating and fishing!

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RIVER RANCH RESORT POD & PADDLE PACKAGE 1 May 2019, 3:19 am

Our two person glamping pods are perfect for couples looking to enjoy a float trip and stay the night with us.  

The package includes 1 night stay in any pod and floating for two.  You can choose to take single seat kayaks, canoes, or tandem two seat kayaks, tubes, or a raft.

If you aren’t familiar with glamping that is the popular term for “glamour camping”. Essentially leaving the “roughing it” behind.

The pod features a queen bed with linens provided.  Basically like tiny cabins for rent.   You would only need to bring your towels and toiletries for showers, which are right by the pods and feature private tiled showers and private toilets with sinks. The Mega Pods have a restroom and shower in them.

Each pod has two Adirondack style chairs and a deck to enjoy the view of the Elk River. Mega Pods #12 & #13 do not have a view of the river.

There are also double Adirondack style benches around a large community fire pit where you can sit and roast a hotdog or marshmallow if you choose.

We have 13 of the pods, so bring your friends up to enjoy a night or two also!

The pod and paddle package is available Sunday through Thursday nights only, and excludes holidays.

The price for the package is $200 plus tax.

That’s a nice savings over full price for each which would come to about $70.

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COOLER SIZES FOR FLOAT TRIPS ON ELK RIVER 26 Apr 2019, 3:24 am

Cooler Sizes

Coolers come in all shapes and sizes, therefore we don’t go by quart size.  The following are the physical dimensions for our rafts, kayaks, and cooler tubes.

Jackson Kayaks: 

Total Length is 27 inches.  Width at widest section is 12 inches.  We recommend a soft sided cooler that can be secured with rope or a bungi cord.

6 person raft: 28″ x 30″ is what the space measures between the twarts and there is one of those spaces.  We do have a few rafts that have a larger space, but they are mixed in the fleet and can not be requested.

8 person raft:

The 8 person raft has two bays between thwarts and those measure 13″ x 29″

Cooler Tubes:

Cooler tubes are a great way to gain some space in your boat.  The space for coolers measures 21″ x 31″.

We hope these measurements help you with your upcoming float trip at River Ranch Resort!  

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KAYAK TRIP ON THE ELK RIVER 12 Apr 2019, 3:31 am

Kayak float trip on Elk River

Kayaks are fast becoming one of the most popular ways to float the river.  We have a fleet of Jackson kayaks that are great for beginners and the experienced alike.  They are sit on top style kayaks and are pretty stable kayaks for kids.

They allow you to maneuver much faster than rafts, great for steering around low water, brush, stray limbs etc.  

They have small flat areas on the back of the kayak for strapping down small coolers.  You can also rent cooler tubes and tow those behind you.

We recommend the five mile float for beginners.  Our five mile float starts just above the low water bridge on elk springs road and ends up back our campground in Noel, Missouri.

Elk river is great stream to start out kayaking on.  We recommend beginners and youth to come Sunday – Friday when there are less people on the water.

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