By:
Submission
Getting to this campground was a breeze. Check in was easy albeit the recording keeping was a little unorganized. The site right on the water was just right and I really appreciated the port-a-potty just a few steps away. The camp ground was so nice and very clean, with a pavilion and picnic table. Staff was great getting us in/out of the water for our float. If you want a family friendly site without the noise, this is it.
I would leave 0 stars if possible!
For the last 3 years we have ONLY camped/floated with this company and I’m sad to say this will be the LAST year we ever float with them!
On Thursday, July 27th, I rented 3 kayaks to do a 9 mile float for my birthday with 2 other people. We were transported to the drop location and the only rule we were told was to be back by 6 & don’t tie your life jacket to your kayak because you can receive a $350 fine.
We then docked into the water and made it about 1 mile when 1 of our kayaks started taking on water and sinking. It took all 3 of us to save this kayak and keep it above water. During further inspection of the kayak, we found the word “REPAIR” written on the boat and when we flipped it over we found a fairly large hole that had been very poorly patched. We had to drain the water and made it another 1/2 mile before it started taking on water/sinking. Again we flipped the kayak to drain the water out of the hole.
At this point I called the office to let them know what was going on and to tell them that we were in distress! The man told me that I had to continue to float the non functional kayak or i would be responsible for the full price of the kayak (not the rental price) I tried explain to this gentleman/owner than the kayak was taking on way too much water and we were struggling and did not feel safe could we please leave the kayak or could someone come get us. The owner then extremely rudely YELLED at me stating that I needed to get his kayak to meremac state park and they would meet us there with a functioning kayak. He also tried blaming the shady patch job on us hitting something and ruining the patch. Meremac state park was 1.8-2 miles from the current location of the phone call. We chose to attempt to keep going and finally made it to meremac state park. Upon arrival we were told by their staff that Arapaho’s reputation in Sullivan is terrible and that they weren’t even allowed to dock in/out of their boat ramp, this caused an issue.
When I called the office at Arapaho from meremac state park boat ramp it took 6/7 different phone calls, on 2 different phones to get through. Once the gentleman finally answered he told me that he never told me to go there and that he send 2 of his guys down river in a canoe to come switch out our kayaks. We sat and waited at the boat ramp for the 2 guys he sent to switch out our kayaks. It took them about 15 minutes to get to us. We told them we didn’t want to continue to float that our entire experience was ruined and we just didnt feel safe! At that point we were EXHAUSTED from keeping a kayak above water & trying to make it to the location he told me. When we asked if we could get a ride back to our vehicles we were originally told no, that we had to finish out the float (another 4.2 miles.)
We attempted to get an Uber from the current location back to our vehicle which was at Arapaho. The Uber canceled 3 separate times.
Finally after explaining that we’re sick, and overheated we were then basically told we had to say we’re we’re overheated and in distress I’m order to get a ride back to our vehicle!
They finally agreed to give us a ride and by the time we got back to Arapahoe campgrounds I was physically sick between the heat and the physical exertion.
The owner/manager of this facility DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR LIFE OR ANYONE ELSE’S! It was very clear. Not once did they ask if we were okay, safe to drive, nor did they attempt to make the situation right in any matter. My fear is that someone with a child/children will float with them and this will happen!
Awesome experience! Friendly, helpful, and very prompt. I floated with 2 kids and our dog. Everything went well. It's a fun, country setup on a dirt road. We loved truly feeling like we were out of the city & not in a tourist trap
Were able to book a float trip for two the day before. The drive there was really spectacular, as is the campground. There were clean porta-potties (a welcome sight after our hour or so drive). Then we and our gear were transported upriver with two sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, PFDs and a mesh trash bag for each of us. The breathtaking beauty of the Meramec River never ceases to amaze, and we had an incredible 9-mile float back to Arapahoe Campground. The cost for the two of us was just under $100. I recommend it to anyone who is into nature and kayaking.
