Who's Ready For A Real Rock River Weekend?

Have you already heard the news? Ozark Outdoors has partnered with KSHE 95 to bring you the 1^st Annual Real Rock River Weekend! The event will ROCK the campground June 4-6, bringing you live concerts from some of your favorite rockers!

Here are the concert line-ups for Friday and Saturday Nights:

Trixie Delight formed in 2001 and has been a favorite St. Louis cover band for years, delighting audiences with their favorite hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today. Audiences have traveled to see Trixie Delight perform all of their favorite songs, all on one stage, all in one night. When you hear them live, you are sure to become one of their many followers!

Trixie Delight is made up of some of the most versatile and talented guitarists and a slammin’ rhythm section: Steve Bunck on drums, Tyronne Davis on bass, and Steve Bunton and Obeid Khan on guitars. Leading the front of the band with lead vocals is Kelly Wild, one of St. Louis’ top vocalists. She can cover songs originally recorded by male artists like The Doors, Nirvana and Audioslave, and is said to sound just like the original recordings. Trixie delight is pleased to join us for the Real Rock River Weekend both Friday and Saturday night, center stage!

The Tony Campanella Band is advertised as “Heavy Electric Blues from the Lou!” Tony Campanella and his band brings to the stage influences like Buddy Guyd, Albert Collins, and Muddy Waters to create a heavy hitting but soulful sound that can’t be described as just Blues. The band has shared the stage with popular bands, including Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Walter Trout, and Indegenous.

This soulful trio is made up of Tony Campanella on guitar and vocals, Terry Melton on the drums, and Bike ok the bass. They will take the stage on Friday night!

Logos will put on the weekend finale with strong vocal melodies, interesting chord changes, busy bass lines, screeching guitar solos and thunderous drum breaks. If you are a new fan, be prepared for the solid, high energy and vividly compelling show exploding upon the stage before you! Logos is made up of Zach Czajkowski, Cullen O’Donnell and Tom Pike. Although these three performers are young, they bring 36 years of combined experience fused flawlessly and ardently. Their energy will surely fit the bill to be the finale of the KSHE 95 1^stAnnual Real Rock River Weekend!

Let’s rock together on June 4 – 6 at Ozark Outdoors! Bring your lawn chairs, a few cold drinks, and the drive to party in the outdoors with good times, good people, and great music. If you haven’t reserved for your group yet, call us today! We’ve saved a spot just for you!

It's Time for Spring Cleaning!

The snow melted off the hillsides of the Huzzah Conservation Area. Spring breezes brush fallen leaves off the landscape and expose a careless array of litter and garbage. Knowing the importance of keeping our area’s natural resources clean, employees at Ozark Outdoors in Leasburg took a few days to beautify the area. With spring near, and April showers in sight, Kevin jumped on the four-wheeler. He spent three days lining the roads between the Meramec River Bridge and Scotia Bridge, winding through the 4-way at Scotia Ranch Road and down through the Courtois Primitive Campground. All together, five miles of roadway, between these river accesses, are now litter- free. You would not believe some of the items found throughout the piles of leaves, tree limbs and root wads from recent floods! Everything from car parts and patio furniture to clothing items and hoses were mangled on the hill sides and in ditches. Piles were made along the road for employees to gather for sorting. For many years, Ozark Outdoors has been caring for the Courtois Primitive access area through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Adopt-An-Access Program. Mowing the grass, picking up trash and cleaning the facilities are among some of the responsibilities Ozark Outdoors has undertaken. Everyone benefits from the reduced agency costs for maintenance in the area. In August of 2009, Ozark Outdoors hosted their annual Operation Clean Stream event. During this event, 122 participants cleaned approximately 106 miles of the Meramec Watershed, including 16 miles on the Courtois Creek, 14 miles of the Huzzah creek, and 76 miles of the Meramec River. More than 3000 pounds of litter was collected, including more than 1000 pounds of metal material. Ozark Outdoors plans to continue this annual Operation Clean Stream event on August 29th 2010 with ambitions of covering more area behind the power of more dedicated volunteers.

The unique part of this process happens after all of the litter is compiled. The employees of Ozark Outdoors sort through every piece of trash, pulling out anything that can be recycled, including aluminum cans and old tires. These items are disposed of properly, making this area of the Meramec River Watershed a whole lot greener.

If you and your organization would like to help in the river clean-up efforts or would like information on
Adopt-An-Access, contact Ozark Outdoors at 1-800-888-0023 or visit The Missouri Stream Team website, www.mostream.org/AAAprogram.asp.

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Kayaking isn't Just for Olympic Athletes!

When you think of the Olympics, what comes to mind? Gymnastics? Figure Skating? Beach volleyball? How about canoe and kayak racing? Yes, canoe and kayak racing is an Olympic event that gains little attention. Fifty years ago, in the 1960 Summer Olympics, the United States winning a medal in canoeing or kayaking seemed impossible. Now, fifty years later, the US still lacks in the medal department, only winning 2 bronze medals in the past 20 years.

Ozark Outdoors Challenges YOU to get in on the canoe and kayak race! We are calling all Americans, young and old, to find their passion on the water. Who knows - Maybe your 8 year old daughter will be the next Olympic Gold Medalist in the 1000m kayak sprint! Let Ozark Outdoors be your “Flat Water Training Center,” and let the games begin!

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Is is true...?

Is it true that there are no two snowflakes that are exactly alike? According to the Library of Congress, this myth is true! Each and every powdery snowflake that falls from the heavens has its own story to tell. The chance that two snowflakes could ever prove identical is minuscule. Trillions of assorted snowflakes will fall this winter, each one with a different design and purpose – to awe the world.

When you think about snow, what comes to mind?: White, sparkling diamonds, scarves and gloves, frigid temperatures, hot chocolate, warm fires, snowmen and igloos? Most people would give similar answers, however; because of the wonders of snowflakes, these answers are also different. The snowball you threw at your brother's face yesterday is nothing like the snowball you threw at your sister's face today!

For about a week now, snow has been covering our back yard with this unique blanket, each patch in the pattern built and sewn differently to create a masterpiece. The photo opportunities right now are priceless.

You can't enjoy the snow from the recliner in your living room, so bundle up, head outside and build a snowman, create a barrier between you and your children so you have something to hide behind when they attack you with snowballs, rent a snow-covered cabin in the heart of the Ozarks, and capture these memories on film. The window of opportunity is closing.

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A Day with the Bald Eagles

Thanks to the unusually warm January weather, I was fortunate to spend part of my afternoon attempting to capture a glimpse of the kings of the air – the Missouri Bald Eagles. Gossiping blackbirds, gusts of winds full of secrets and trickling streams filled my ears as my eyes ventured into the sky. My sense of sight reigned at the top of my priority list, but my sense of hearing was fighting for my attention. These sounds are a constant flow of communication. Dying to jump into the conversation, the wind continues to whisper a soft invitation more tempting than the invitations of summer.

The ripples of the Meramec stay uniform, never stepping out of line until just around the bend, a merry-go-round sucks the children in to play before they are quickly tugged back into their formation. Jealous, I sit back and watch this parade as it continues downstream, always aware of where it has been and where it is going. The water never doubts or questions its direction but trusts its banks and fellow streams. Jealousy is the only way to describe this feeling; jealous that we can’t have such a luxury. Standing over the water, a dim reflection shows hope that I can somehow be part of this paradise. The watery outlines of my silhouette are a promise between nature and man: We are always welcome here.

If only we can trust Mother Nature like Mother Nature trusts us. We act out of fear, misunderstanding and denial. The river acts out of trust, peace and freedom. We often take the river and its surroundings for granted, unearthing those promises by disguising its trust with ignorance and pride.

After an hour of waiting and the winter clouds killing the sunlight, I spotted a bright white dot in the distance start to grow. The closer it got, the more my heart pumped. Looking through the lens, I held my breath, focused on Baldie and hoped for the best. I caught him! Check these out…

The invitation is extended to everyone: Man and beast, rain and snow, sun and storm, draught and flood. Accept your invitation to enjoy the gossip of the outdoors this summer. Come down, see Baldie, and let Ozark Outdoors guide you to a perfect vacation away from the real world. We’re ready.

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Whass Up? – Our New Store Expansion!

After two summers of, “What are you building on the side of your store?” We are ready to do more than tell, it’s time to show! This winter, the crew at Ozark Outdoors is working hard to make this a reality! Estimates, measurements, meetings, drawings, and headaches have come and gone, but the plan is set, and we’re ready to rock and roll!

Whass Up? The foundation; a concrete slab covers the yard next to the store.

Eyes on the prize – The gentlemen of OORR can’t wait to see your face when you come to visit this summer. Our expansion will pave way for a more efficient check-in process, more store merchandise, and a more comfortable atmosphere at Ozark Outdoors. Even the dogs, our team mascots, help make sure everything measures up properly.


Whass Up? Walls of timber standing tall on the west side of the building to make way for the incoming addition.

The expansion is here ~ Stay tuned for continuous updates. Be part of the action, check back regularly, and watch our resort grow! It’s all because of you, our valued guests, we work hard so you and your family can escape and have fun!

Whass Up? Our appreciation. Without people who love nature as much as we do, we wouldn’t have friends to share it with. Thank you!

You can see these and more picture on our Facebook page.

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The 2009 Christmas Extravaganza Was A Huge Success!

With paths of garland and streams of lights outlining the Meramec Mercantile and Confluence Center, the Crew diligently put the finishing touches on this year’s Christmas Extravaganza. Though almost December, the temperatures neared 70, making conditions perfect for an afternoon float. Thirty-eight of Missouri’s finest Meramec River paddlers met here to embark on a 5 mile trip from Ozark Outdoors to Campbell Bridge. Believe it or not, while sitting on the bank snapping a few photos, swimsuits began to appear in November.
While the Indian sun was ripening their noses, turkeys were basting, rolls were rising and deserts were cooling, preparing to be a feast for many. Dozens of staff, customers, family and friends gathered around together and honored the blessing of the food, engaged in interesting fellowship, played a few games, shared stories of the year past and danced the night away!
Throughout the evening, a slideshow played reminding all who attended what a fantastic year we had. Every single person in the Confluence Center had made a difference to this industry. If you weren’t able to make it down for this year’s Extravaganza, then we encourage you to do your best to join us next year. Between a perfect float trip and a perfect dinner, the next best thing is to have you there with us!

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Our First Frost

For several weeks, Indian Summer has graced us with her warmth and beauty. However, it was only a matter of time before Cold would sneak in and nip our noses, allowing Frost to sting everything within reach. As chilly as Winter sounds, Summer can not compete with its dazzle and splendor.Surprised to find everything covered in white, I raced to work to catch a few still shots before the sun’s rays stole the blanket of diamonds. Walking through the fields was nothing short of a field of glitter. The sun and I both could not wait to reach down and touch Mother Nature’s riches.

Cold and Frost will continue to knock on our front doors for months ahead. Don’t ignore it; embrace it. Wrap yourself in warmth, fill up your thermos, put on an extra pair of socks, and welcome these friends with open arms.

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Marty's Legacy

We appreciate stories from customers who share our passion for the outdoors. One group in particular loved our surroundings, so they made it the spot for an annual memorial to their dear friend, Marty.



Marty was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed the sanctity of the Meramec River. He loved spending time with nature and rode his Harley every chance he got. He camped and floated during the summer and snuggled with loved ones next to campfires when fall chilled the night air.

This summer, Marty’s family and friends joined once again to honor his legacy. Twenty-three people from varied backgrounds came down for this special weekend. They arrived on Harleys and wore biker attire to celebrate Marty’s life. A brief memorial service by the Meramec River commemorated his impact on those present.


Afterwards, they enjoyed Marty’s favorite meal prepared by the Ozark Outdoor staff: fried chicken, corn, green beans and a dinner roll. They ended their evening huddled around a huge bonfire and shared memories of their beloved friend.


Marty’s spirit remains strong at Ozark Outdoors. He loved bright, summer days on the river and cool, starlit nights by the fire. If you visit Ozark Outdoors, you’ll find a black memorial ribbon hung on one of the front porch trusses, a ribbon of strength, friendship and love. The ribbon reminds us that one person can make a difference; Marty did.
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Deer Season Is Here!

6am – I woke up this morning, completely refreshed and ready to start moving. It’s opening day of rifle season, and I can’t be more excited! Although I can’t hunt today, I will definitely strap on my camouflage and join the adventure this week.

I passed several vehicles with passengers covered in orange from head to toe, only small pieces of camouflage showing. One gentleman was parked next to his trophy, grinning from ear to ear, as I passed by.

The drive to work reminded me of the vivid oranges I photographed just weeks before when the autumn leaves changed colors. Every hunter is required to be 1/3 covered in orange as a safety measure, and I’m extremely glad they follow those guidelines!

When I got to Ozark Outdoors, I wondered if any of the hunters I passed were camping and lodging with us. Around 10am, one of our customers, dressed in camouflage and bright orange, stopped in the office to show us the button buck he had just shot.

It makes me feel good to know we can provide a place for hunters to stay next to hundreds of Huzzah Conservation Area acres, free to anyone with a valid tag. It’s another way to enjoy the gift of nature’s bounty..

I invite you to spend your days in the sanctity of the outdoors and your evenings around a campfire. Share the story of the 30-pointer you saw, but couldn’t get the trigger set in time. Deer season is here at Ozark Outdoors; the coffee is hot, the cabins are warm, and orange abounds. Tell me your story, and I’ll tell you mine :-)

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The Sound of Music

Last night, clasps of thunder and rays of lightening filled the sky as the rain fell from the darkened clouds to quench the thirst of hundreds of miles of Ozark vegetation. The dry, humid air fell quickly to a chilly fog. It is funny how everyone seems to sleep better when it’s raining, but why is this so common? Is it because the sound of heavy wind mixed with a reoccurring pattern of water droplets reminds us of a soft lullaby? Is it because the smell of fresh rain and crisp, clean air threads comfort through our veins? The natural music of nature is so unique that no other song can compare.

As I was listening to the rain slowly dissipate around 6am this morning, I couldn’t help but compare each sound to the instrument in a band; the water droplets a steady drum, the wind a multitude of strings, the dissolving crashes of thunder an unexpected guitar. Each sound had its specific purpose. Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?


It’s nice to be able to wear a long sleeved shirt to work and not have to roll up your sleeves halfway through the day. Now that the heat wave of the summer is finally over, the warmth of a sweatshirt is finally comfortable. Soon everyone will be trading in their flip flops and tank tops for flannel shirts and boots, but that doesn’t mean our outdoor fun is over. Snuggle up next to someone you love in front of a warm campfire, fill your thermos with hot chocolate, and take a late-night hayride. The comforting music of the outdoors will keep you satisfied throughout the year.

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The Sun Might Be Beautiful, but Boy Does She Sting!

As the water falls and temperatures climb, my sun soaked skin thirsts for high SPF block in Leasburg. Finally....clear water, blue skies and hot temps at Ozark Outdoors...YES!

My entire body needs color, but I know the dangers of UVA and UVB rays, so I'm taking precautions with good sunscreen and plenty of it. My white legs need blush, but hold the red please. I want a tan, but it's not worth the long-term damage to get it, so pass the sun screen and I'll slather it on!

I love the sun's positive effects like warmth, light and immunity boosting vitamin D3 synthesis in my body. Sunshine also enhances my mood and kills pathogens. Finding the happy-medium between healthy sunlight and damaging UV rays makes me a happy camper.

It's going to be a scorcher this weekend, so cover up and cool off at the river. A golden glow is the finishing touch to a great outdoors experience!

This past weekend, I witnessed dozens and dozens of floaters and campers with skin-damaging sun burns, and it reminds me how precious our skin is. We were given our skin to protect our bodies, and when our skin is damaged, our bodies are vulnerable to damage. My teeth cringe and my skin tightens when I see all of those sunburns!

So take care of your skin this summer! I hope to see you soon!

Life in the Fast Lane!

Let’s Talk Express Lane!

Who ever thought that it would be possible to check in to a resort as big as Ozark Outdoors by simply providing a few extra details before you arrive? It might seem a little hard to understand at first, but the staff and management at Ozark Outdoors are constantly trying new technologies to benefit our customers from the time they check in to the time they leave. You can qualify yourself for our Express Check-In service so that you can detour your vehicle through the Express Lane and avoid long lines in our store! Here’s how it works:

1. Call a River Fun Guide to make your reservation.
2. Register and Pay for your reservation by vehicle (This is the most important part - Don’t pay for Johnny if Johnny isn’t riding in your car!)
3. Obtain your reservation number from your River Fun Guide.
4. Visit our website: http://www.ozarkoutdoors.net/
5. Click on the “Vehicle Registration” link.
6. Fill out the simple form and email it straight back to us at least a week before your arrival.
7. Receive our email confirmation that you have been registered for Express Check-In.
8. Arrive the same way you registered and enjoy a speedy check-in!

If you have used our Express Check-In service before, let us know how well you liked it! You can share those feelings with us on this blog or on our Facebook. Like all new technologies, there will be the occasional kink in the cord, but we are working hard to lessen each of those kinks until we have marked perfection.

Already this year, hundreds of Vehicle Registration Forms have allowed customers to enjoy the benefits of Express Check-In. You can get to your site sooner, set up camp faster, spend more time relaxing and less time sweating and stressing.

If you haven’t tried our Express Check-In process yet, try it next time you come down! We’ll be happy to help you!

Oh the B-e-a-utiful Meramec!

The week has been extremely busy, and my blogging has fallen behind. Here is an update on the river conditions around our place...



The Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois look absolutely fantastic. The storm that rolled through last night didn't rain on our parade. Check this out...

The highest point on the blue line was where the river peaked at last week when I blogged. If you look at the previous post, you will see tha that the Meramec crested at more than 8 feet above normal. Where the line ends is where it is now. See the fluctuation? The Meramec had fallen more than 6 feet in a week. As you can see, the rain the past few days has made the water levels jump up and down, but it's nothing to worry about. There won't be any dragging this weekend!

As long as the rain stays minimal, it will be a perfect weekend for floating. It's going to be a busy weekend, and we are so ready for it!

Take some time off from you daily lives and join us for a relaxing weekend in the outdoors. You won't regret it!

Meramec Overflow Update

All of the recent rain has finally caught up with us at Ozark Outdoors. The rain that drenched Northern Missouri has traveled down the Meramec right into our back yard. Although the water is a little on the high side, its absolutely nothing compared to the floods of recent years. Check out these pictures that I took this morning...

This is normally where you would end your float. Our beach is a tad bit under water.

Meramec River up stream from the take-out bridge.

Scotia bridge - Huzzah Creek

Yup, there's only about 1-2 inches on the bridge.

No floating underneath the bridge today!

There is always a positive outlook to an overdose of rain. Because there was so much rain, stretches of river that we wouldn't even attempt to float in July and August have enough water in them to experience. We put several groups upstream on the Courtois today, and they came back with smiles!

Although the rivers are up today, they could easily be back within their banks tomorrow. The water levels fluctuate at a rate that is mind-boggling. To show you how much they fluctuate, take a look at this graph provided by the USGS:

As you can see, the Meramec has crested, and water levels are already starting to drop. I'll try to have an update on the river conditions tomorrow. In the mean-time, keep soaking up those rays! It's going to be 80 degrees this weekend!

Sunlight...Shine On!

Cool rain finally submitted to the bright rays of summer, and skin kissed by sunlight never felt so good. Last week was pretty bogged down with rain and clouds, but the rain stopped, the clouds cleared, and the Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois fell back to normal. After limiting our guests to “rafts only,” because of water levels, it’s nice to know our customers can come enjoy warm days and soft breezes in the boat of their choice.

Some of our staff were able to take a break before the busy season and enjoyed a few lazy days on the river. They returned with sunburns, tans, and lots of interesting stories. It’s nice to send the entire staff out on the river every now and then. It gives our crew a chance to get to know each other, and be together in a fun setting without work responsibilities. Our mini-trips bond us and allow us to experience the same stretches of water our guests float. We can offer personal guidance and share our paddling stories with customers; something we LOVE to do!

Even if you can’t visit us, please make an effort to find a gravel bar and share the beauty of the outdoors with someone special this weekend. You deserve a relaxing day by the river. Pack a lunch, bring your favorite someone, grab some sunscreen and meet us at Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort. Rain or shine – It’s always a great time!

Meramec Overflow

The Meramec River overflowed in a flood that peaked out just above 21 feet along our resort property today. Nothing compared to the March, 2008 surge, but enough to gain attention. The water roared into our campground and discharged debris in its wake.

Just prior to its arrival, our employees teamed to load equipment, tools, supplies, and anything else not nailed down, to prepare for the worst. Thankfully, this time a typical spring deluge meant the worst didn't arrive. We all breathed a sigh of relief when we didn't have to clear out our Mercantile store.

Floods are an odd phenomena; the water recedes as fast as it rises, so two days from now there will be little sign of today's drama. With another investment of sweat on our part, things will be good as new by Wednesday.

This is part and parcel of the unique experience we share at Ozark Outdoors. It's the best of jobs and the worst of jobs, but for us, it's all in a day's work. As our mission statement so aptly puts it, "We work hard so our guests can escape and have fun." We hope you get to appreciate the overflow of our efforts soon.

Paddle for the Cure

The news riveted our attention, even as the shock settled into our bones. Someone we loved became another statistic, another life put on hold to wage war against the monster Cancer. Over the past few months our Ozark Outdoors family has grieved. In the form of tears, encouragement, panic, prayers, and even laughter; our bonds are strengthened. A soul-wrenching combat knits our hearts in a unified cause - to stand shoulder to shoulder so we can win a hard-fought victory.

In less than a month we will host our First Annual Paddle for the Cure event. We invite you to stand with us. This is personal, and we want to help others in a similar predicament. Come help us celebrate the lives of those valiant warriors who fight the good fight.

May 16, 2009 promises to be a day of hope as we walk together, paddle together, eat together and play together. It promises to be a day of love and friendship; a day none of us will ever forget."

Regret not a life of trial and failure, but a life of failure to try."

Life Worth Living

I woke up this morning to the sweet sound of birds singing outside my window. Their harmonies promise warm weather, fresh breezes and renewed energy. Like a snake charmer they mesmerize me with their melody, and I find it easier to rise and meet the day.

I poured a brisk cup of coffee, stepped onto my front porch, and breathed deeply of rich soil and new grass. I took in the sight of my cherry tree in full blossom, and the blanket of fuchsia flowers on my Red bud. Both danced in the wind as I watched with admiration. And all the while, my ears were treated to another chorus from an array of birds who call my trees home. I love springtime in Missouri!

There are two times of year when I especially enjoy my drive back and forth to Leasburg. Spring and fall. The tone of colors are vastly different, but each one stimulates creativity none the less. In March and April I appreciate the pinks, greens and whites sprinkled throughout the hills in our area. As the temperatures rise, the whole world comes alive after a long winter of hibernation.

Once I arrive at work, I step out of my vehicle, and I'm greeted by a new song. The music of birds who call Ozark Outdoors home. There is one small difference here. The welcoming sound of our feathered troupe carries across the water, and the symphony magnifies and reverberates around the resort. Nothing compares to the energy generated by the river.

I long to hop in a canoe, float down the river, and let nature soothe my winter-worn soul. However, the door of opportunity only opens a short time, and allows me entry to the unique pleasures of spring. I hope I don't miss it and I hope you don't either. It's time to celebrate spring in Missouri, God's best, life worth living!

Ozark Outdoors + Spring = FUN!

The rise in temperature brings a rise in energy. It thrills us to see campers, lodgers and floaters cross our threshhold to experience the great outdoors. Singing birds, warm breezes, blue skies and fluffy white clouds fill the air. What a beautiful world we enjoy!

It's the time of year when a walk around the resort makes you breathe deeper and count your blessings. With so much bad news floating in the air, it's nice to remember good things and show gratitude for them. The smiles on our guests faces lets us know they are doing the same.

We were team training yesterday when a father walked in to take his children on a last minute float trip. You could hear the excitement in his voice and each time we see this kind of reaction it inspires us. To watch people make lifetime memories is an honor.

The phones are ringing, we are training, the weather's gorgeous, and the river's fabulous. Just like 1+1=2, this adds up to a wonderful time for our guests. The forecast is magnificent, so give us a call and get outside so you can breathe deeply the things of spring.

Don't miss the budding trees, blooming flowers, and fresh air unique to this time of year. Get outside and make your own memory; we're waiting to help you write the equation. Ozark Outdoors + Spring = F-U-N!