Kayaking & Canoeing the Missouri River
Iowa paddling guide
- 177 mi
- River mapped
- 39
- Boat launches
- 21
- Campgrounds
- 5
- Counties
The Missouri River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 177 mi through Fremont, Harrison, Monona and Pottawattamie and other Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the Missouri River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on 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.
Camping near the Missouri River
- ⛺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
Live Missouri River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, 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.
Paddle more of Iowa
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.