Float Time!
The time has come! The Reicherts will soon descend on Sunburst for a weekend of family fun. At this time reservations are closed and we've got a great group again this year! Below you'll find all of the information you should need to prepare for the weekend. (The map below is a little outdated but gives the general layout of the campsite.)
Sunburst Ranch
776 Co Rd 352
Caulfield, MO 65626
(417) 284-3443
Camp Details:
Once you get down the hill into the campsite you’ll see a general store, parking area, and the bathrooms and showers. Sunburst has updated the showers and bathrooms this year after all of the flooding in the last year. We’ll be near the front this year with RV spots 1-5 and tents scattered around that area as well.
Those arriving on Thursday can head to those spots and take their pick and just stop by the general store to let Stephanie know you’ve arrived. Any arrivals on Friday can head directly to our area, no need to check in as Kate will handle the check in for everyone else.
There is a general store that is open during the day (I believe 7am to 6pm) that has things like lighters, starter logs, tshirts, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other goodies. Sunburst does not cover their firewood so if it has rained the firewood will be wet (we learned this the hard way.) The general store accepts cash, credit, debit, and mobile pay.
There is river access and a gravel bar down the boat ramp near the general store at the front of camp. You are welcome to dip in and hang out, just keep an eye out for incoming boats as this is the camp’s take out spot.
It is supposed to be a full campsite the weekend we’re there. Keep this in mind as you plan for bathrooms/showers, ice, and firewood.
Friday:
Those floating on Friday will need to meet at the camp boat ramp at 11:45 to be on the river by noon. This is a shorter 7-mile float taking 3-4 hours that leaves from camp and ends at Sunburst’s Landing Spot down river where you will be shuttled back.
Althea Spring is behind the gravel bar on the left just past the low water bridge. It’s easy to miss as its set back further and there’s not much landing space. There is a waterfall from a man-made dam you can stand under and then just a little further back there is a spring spot you can stop and dip in.
The shuttle leaves every hour from the Landing Spot so depending on timing we may spend some time hanging out on the gravel bar or in the river waiting for the bus.
Saturday:
We are taking the 10am bus to our put-out spot. We will try to take a group photo before we head out for the day so please be down at the front of the camp ready to go by 9:45.
We are the only ones heading out at 10am from our campsite but it is a popular shuttle drop off time at the river so they ask that you toss your stuff in a canoe and move over to the gravel bar to finish settling in before heading out for the day.
There has been a TON of rain. The river may be a little muddy and should be moving pretty good while we’re there.
We will take out back at Sunburst. The Sunburst boys should be there to help us drag boats out of the water but those who are able should help drag boats up and out of the way as the landing spot is not very large.
This float is 12 miles and usually takes 6-8 hours depending on how many stops we make.