Kayaking & Canoeing the Missouri River

39 public access points for putting in and taking out.

• ▸Bartlett AccessFremont Co.
• ▸Bartlett Lake AccessFremont Co.
• ▸Beck Memorial Park
• ▸Bertrand Access
• ▸Blair Optimist Access
• ▸Boat RampPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Copeland Bend Wildlife AreaFremont Co.
• ▸Dakota City Ramp
• ▸Deer Island AccessHarrison Co.
• ▸Desoto Lake South AccessPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Fishing PierPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Hamburg AccessFremont Co.
• ▸Haworth Park
• ▸Huff AccessMonona Co.
• ▸Lake Manawa Park AccessPottawattamie Co.
• ▸louisville bend wildlife areaMonona Co.
• ▸louisville bend wildlife areaMonona Co.
• ▸louisville bend wildlife areaMonona Co.
• ▸ManawaPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Mile Long IslandWoodbury Co.
• ▸Missouri River Boat RampFremont Co.
• ▸N.P. Dodge Park
• ▸Narrow'sPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Pelican Point Access
• ▸Plattsmouth Access
• ▸rand accessHarrison Co.
• ▸Remington AccessHarrison Co.
• ▸Riverview Marina
• ▸Scenic Park Ramp
• ▸Sunset IslandMonona Co.
• ▸Tyson AccessHarrison Co.
• ▸upper decatur bend wildlife areaMonona Co.
• ▸Waubonsie AccessFremont Co.
• ▸Weedland AccessWoodbury Co.
• ▸Whiting Lighthouse (PRIVATE)Monona Co.
• ▸Wilson Island AccessPottawattamie Co.
• ▸Winnebago Bend AccessMonona Co.
• ▸winnebago bend wildlife areaMonona Co.
• ▸winnebago bend wildlife areaMonona Co.

• ⛺Beck Memorial Park Campground
• ⛺Beck Memorial Park Campground Busse Addition
• ⛺Camp Brewster
• ⛺CampgroundPottawattamie Co.
• ⛺CampgroundPottawattamie Co.
• ⛺CampgroundPottawattamie Co.
• ⛺CampgroundPottawattamie Co.
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Campground
• ⛺Cottonwood Cove RV Resort
• ⛺FAMCamp
• ⛺FAMCamp
• ⛺Haworth Park Campground
• ⛺Hildreth RV Park
• ⛺River View Park Resort
• ⛺Safari Tent Camp
• ⛺Scenic Park RV Campground

The Missouri River is generally paddleable in normal summer flows, but Iowa rivers change fast with rainfall. Check the live USGS gauge and flood-safety status before you launch, avoid the river during or after heavy rain, and never paddle water flagged as dangerously high.

River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Missouri River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.

Is the Missouri River safe to paddle right now?

The Missouri River is generally paddleable in normal summer flows, but Iowa rivers change fast with rainfall. Check the live USGS gauge and flood-safety status before you launch, avoid the river during or after heavy rain, and never paddle water flagged as dangerously high.

Where can I put in and take out on the Missouri River?

A popular run is from Hamburg Access to Scenic Park Ramp. In all, the Missouri River has 39 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.

How long is the Missouri River?

About 177 mi of the Missouri River is mapped for paddling across 5 Iowa counties, with 39 access points to build shorter day trips.

Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Missouri River?

No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.

Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:

• ▸Willow Creekkayaking & canoeing1 launches
• ▸Mosquito Creekkayaking & canoeing1 launches
• ▸E. Branch of West Nishnabotnakayaking & canoeing5 launches
• ▸West Nishnabotna Riverkayaking & canoeing4 launches

The Missouri River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.