Bearcat Getaway

Bearcat Getaway Overview

Rating

Phone (573) 637-2264

Address 8933 Co Rd 364, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA

Website https://www.facebook.com/bearcat.getaway/

Hours

Bearcat Getaway Location & Map

Missouri Reynolds County Annapolis County Road 364

Bearcat Getaway About

For many Missourians, the quintessential summer experience involves cool river waters, warm campfires, and the rhythm of live music under the stars. Bearcat Getaway, nestled in Annapolis, MO, offers precisely this vibrant blend, making it a beloved destination for locals seeking an unforgettable outdoor escape. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a dynamic hub where the thrill of Black River float trips meets the joy of community and entertainment. Guests consistently rave about the "friendly staff and people," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home from the moment they arrive.

Bearcat Getaway has carved out a unique niche by combining the serene beauty of the Ozarks with a lively, party-friendly vibe, particularly on summer weekends when "music and entertainment are offered." Despite the lively atmosphere, reviews note that the campground remains "not overly crowded or loud," striking a balance that allows for both energetic fun and peaceful relaxation. This versatility ensures that whether you're looking for a thrilling float trip or a quiet evening by the river, you'll find your perfect pace here.

One of the standout features that makes Bearcat Getaway a top choice for Missourians is its direct access to the "amazing" and "absolutely beautiful" Black River. This pristine waterway is the heart of the Bearcat experience, offering endless opportunities for floating, swimming, and simply enjoying the clear waters. Coupled with convenient amenities like "clean bathrooms and shower houses available for use day and night" and an on-site general store, Bearcat Getaway provides a comprehensive and enjoyable camping experience. This article will explore everything Bearcat Getaway has to offer, from its prime location and array of services to its unique highlights, potential offers, and how to plan your next memorable visit to this lively Ozarks retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Bearcat Getaway is ideally situated at 8933 Co Rd 364, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA. This location places it in the scenic heart of the Missouri Ozarks, a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, clear rivers, and lush forests. Annapolis is a small town, offering a tranquil backdrop while still providing accessibility for visitors from across Missouri.

The campground's most significant geographical advantage is its direct access to the Black River. This means that float trips, swimming, and other water-based activities are incredibly convenient, with the river being "amazing" and "absolutely beautiful" right at your doorstep. This proximity to the river is a major draw for those looking to experience the best of Missouri's waterways without extensive travel once they arrive at their destination.

Accessibility to Bearcat Getaway is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained county roads leading to the campground. This ensures that even those pulling RVs or trailers can reach the site with relative ease. While the campground is in a natural, secluded setting, it's also positioned to be a central point for exploring other nearby Ozark attractions, including various state parks and natural wonders. For instance, it's located near Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, and Elephant Rocks State Park, making it a convenient base camp for wider regional exploration. This blend of remote natural beauty and practical accessibility makes Bearcat Getaway a highly desirable spot for Missouri locals seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

Services Offered

Bearcat Getaway offers a comprehensive range of services designed to make your camping and floating experience on the Black River as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Their commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in the positive feedback received.

Camping Sites: The campground provides various camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and possibly cabins, catering to different preferences. While some sites might be "smaller camp sites," they offer a great base for exploring the river area.
Clean Bathrooms and Shower Houses: A highly praised amenity, "clean bathrooms and shower houses were available for use day and night." This is a significant comfort for campers, ensuring a refreshing experience after a day on the river or trails. Some reviews suggest ongoing improvements, indicating a commitment to guest comfort. Wheelchair accessible toilets and showers are also available.
Float Trip Rentals: Bearcat Getaway specializes in Black River float trips. They offer rentals for canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes, making it easy for guests to enjoy the "amazing" and "beautiful" river.
Live Music and Entertainment: A standout feature, "music and entertainment are offered summer weekends." There is a dedicated "stage for concerts" located conveniently "close to the front of the campgrounds," making it "ideal for everyone no matter where you camp."
On-Site General Store: For convenience, a "general store on-site" is available, where campers can purchase essentials. Reviewers appreciate the availability of "affordable ice at just $2.50."
Firewood Included: Some reports indicate that "firewood is included with site rentals," a thoughtful amenity that adds to the value and ease of camping.
Pet-Friendly: Bearcat Getaway is a pet-friendly campground, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
Friendly Staff and People: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the "staff and people were very friendly," and "the owners are super sweet and always take great care of us." This exceptional hospitality contributes significantly to the positive camping experience.
Limited Cell Service (Consideration): While not a service in the traditional sense, it's important to note that some reviews indicate "No cell service" at the sites, allowing for a true disconnect. This can be a benefit for those seeking to unplug but a consideration for others.
Dining Options: Some past reviews mention a "Saturday night dinner" provided by the campground, suggesting potential on-site food options or organized meals, which can be a convenient perk.

These services collectively create a welcoming and well-equipped environment for a fun-filled getaway on the Black River.

Features / Highlights

Bearcat Getaway truly distinguishes itself with a combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Here are its key features and highlights:

Direct Access to the Black River: This is arguably the top highlight. The campground offers immediate and easy access to the "absolutely beautiful" and "amazing" Black River. This allows campers to enjoy swimming, wading, and, most importantly, effortless embarkation for float trips without needing to drive to external access points.
Live Music & Entertainment Stage: A unique draw for a campground, Bearcat Getaway hosts "music and entertainment" on "summer weekends." The stage is strategically located "close to the front of the campgrounds," ensuring that the sounds of concerts can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their campsite location. This creates a lively and festive atmosphere that sets it apart from many traditional campgrounds.
Exceptional Staff and Welcoming Atmosphere: Reviews consistently praise the "friendly staff and people" and the "super sweet" owners who "always take great care of us." This high level of hospitality ensures guests feel welcomed and well-supported, fostering a positive and returning customer base.
Clean and Accessible Facilities: The availability of "clean bathrooms and shower houses available for use day and night," including wheelchair accessibility, is a significant comfort for campers. This attention to hygiene is often a major factor in a pleasant camping experience.
Variety of Float Trip Options: With rentals for canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes, Bearcat Getaway caters to all preferences for enjoying the Black River, from a leisurely float to a more active paddle. This makes it a comprehensive outfitter for river adventures.
Balanced Vibe: Despite the "party vibe" with live music, reviewers note that the "campground wasn't overly crowded or loud." This indicates a successful balance where guests can enjoy the lively events while still finding opportunities for relaxation and avoiding excessive noise.
On-Site Convenience: The presence of a "general store on-site" offering essentials, including "affordable ice," adds a layer of convenience, reducing the need for campers to leave the property for supplies.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground's pet-friendly policy allows families to bring their beloved animals along, ensuring no one gets left behind on the Missouri adventure.

These combined features make Bearcat Getaway a highly attractive option for Missourians seeking a dynamic and enjoyable camping and floating experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, time-sensitive promotions are best confirmed directly with Bearcat Getaway, common practices for campgrounds and float trip outfitters suggest the following types of offers or pricing structures might be in place:

Group Rates for Float Trips and Camping: Given that float trips are often a group activity, Bearcat Getaway likely offers special rates for larger groups booking multiple canoes, rafts, or campsites together. This encourages family reunions, friend gatherings, or organizational outings.
Weekday vs. Weekend/Holiday Pricing: It's standard for campgrounds to have different rates for weekdays versus busier weekends and holidays. Planning a mid-week trip might offer a more cost-effective and potentially less crowded experience. Public information indicates camping fees can be $8.50/person on weekdays and $12.50/person on weekends.
Package Deals (Camping + Floating): Many river outfitters offer bundled packages that include both camping and float trip rentals (canoes, rafts, kayaks, tubes) at a combined, often discounted, rate. This streamlines the booking process and can offer better value.
Extended Stay Discounts: For visitors planning a longer retreat, weekly or multi-day discounts on camping fees are often available compared to booking day-by-day.
Free Firewood with Site Rental: Some public information suggests that "camping fees always include free firewood," which is a valuable perk that adds to the overall value of your stay.
Affordable Ice: While not a discount, the mention of "ice is only $2.50" at the general store is a practical "special offer" in itself, providing a needed amenity at a reasonable price, especially in the heat of a Missouri summer.

For the most accurate and current information on specific promotions, rates, and availability, it is always recommended to contact Bearcat Getaway directly. Their friendly staff will be able to provide details on the best options for your planned visit.

Contact Information

Planning your exciting Black River adventure at Bearcat Getaway is easy. The friendly staff are ready to assist you with reservations, answer your questions about camping, float trips, and upcoming concerts. Here's how to get in touch:

Address: 8933 Co Rd 364, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA

Phone: (573) 637-2264

Mobile Phone: +1 573-637-2264 (This appears to be the same primary contact number)

For additional inquiries or to check their official website for more details on events, pricing, and services, you can often find information by searching for "Bearcat Getaway" online. Some sources also list an alternative phone number, (888) 356-2844, and an email: bearcatgl@aol.com, so these could be additional options if you encounter difficulties reaching them by the primary number. It is highly recommended to call in advance, especially for weekend stays, holiday periods, or if you plan a float trip, as popularity can lead to full bookings.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bearcat Getaway Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Missouri locals, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of a vibrant Ozarks getaway. Its unique blend of river recreation, live entertainment, and genuine hospitality creates an experience that resonates deeply with the desire for fun, relaxation, and connection that many Missourians seek in their leisure time.

The primary draw for locals is undoubtedly the immediate and convenient access to the "amazing" and "absolutely beautiful" Black River. For generations, floating and swimming in Missouri's clear Ozark streams have been cherished traditions. Bearcat Getaway not only facilitates this with on-site rentals for canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes but places you directly on the river's edge, maximizing your time enjoying the water. This ease of access makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips or planned group outings with friends and family.

Beyond the aquatic adventures, Bearcat Getaway cultivates a distinct social atmosphere that appeals to locals. The presence of a dedicated "stage for concerts" offering "music and entertainment" on summer weekends transforms a simple camping trip into a mini-festival experience. This party vibe, which still manages to remain "not overly crowded or loud," provides a unique opportunity to socialize, dance, and create lively memories, all within the comfortable confines of a campground. This balance caters to those who enjoy a lively social scene while still appreciating the natural setting.

Furthermore, the consistent praise for the "friendly staff and people" and the "super sweet" owners who "take great care of us" speaks volumes about the authentic Missouri hospitality found here. Locals appreciate businesses that prioritize customer experience, and Bearcat Getaway clearly excels in this regard. The provision of "clean bathrooms and shower houses," even if "smaller camp sites," further enhances the comfort, ensuring a positive overall stay. For Missourians seeking a dynamic, engaging, and genuinely fun river and camping experience, Bearcat Getaway is not just suitable; it's a quintessential Ozarks destination.

Customer Reviews

4.0

156 reviews

Sajari Durka

Jul 12, 2024

The staff and people were very friendly. I will definitely be back. Their stage for concerts is close to the front of the campgrounds which makes it ideal for everyone no matter where you camp inside bear cat. Clean bathrooms and shower houses were available for use day and night and the river is amazing. Absolutely beautiful.

Rebecca Hoey

Jul 05, 2024

Smaller camp sites but great river area to play at. Would be great with another set of bathroom/shower house at the other end of the campground. We enjoyed the concert after the float trip. Even with the party vibe, the campground wasn't overly crowded or loud. We'll be back.

Lilly Baur

Jul 25, 2024

TLDR: These people don’t know how to run a business or how to talk to their guests. Pretty sure she was drunk on the job. We booked a couple months in advance. 2 electric campsites, 4 six man rafts. Called a week ahead for details and were told we wouldn’t know campsite until we arrived. We had a few non-campers meeting just to float, so we called back for float details and were given one campsite number and told we’d get the other upon arrival as the map wasn’t finished yet. I was also told this campsite had 4 electrical posts. Upon arrival we’re informed we only get 1 campsite when we asked for 2. There’s also 2 electrical posts but 4 outlets. We’re then told this is a double campsite and we’re only getting one site. We explain this isn’t what we asked for or booked and this wasn’t explained to us as at all prior even when calling. The woman checking us in tells us we’ll get a refund for the second campsite. She said “I don’t know what the other girl was thinking she has cancer and is going through chemo.” The woman talking is clearly on drugs. We go to set up camp. The woman who checked us in then drives to our campsite to explain she called her coworker and we won’t be getting a refund after all since it’s a double site. Why did she say that then? I tell her this isn’t going well for us so far. She leaves. She DRIVES BACK AGAIN and tells us the other woman wants to talk to us in the office. At this point we just want to be left alone to enjoy our weekend. We go to the river for a bit and on our way back we notice half our group has wristbands for camping and some don’t. We have to go to the office for wristbands. We get the wristbands and both women are in the office. She says “oh it’s you from 7E. Do you want another site.” I said we’re fine with the site we’re at but I’d like to tell her about our experience because what we were told just isn’t matching up. I remained calm and composed but as soon as I said they told us the campsite number on the phone, she wouldn’t allow me to continue further. This caused a reaction in her, she raised her voice at me, was totally unprofessional and she was adamant they would never do that and asked me who I spoke with. I said “I don’t know. Which one of you took the time out of your day on Sunday to go through all your caller ID and actually call me back and do all that?” And they were silent looking at each other. I then went and got a phone and went through our text messages to search for our campsite number, 7E simply to prove she did tell me because she wouldn’t even let me tell her anything in my story past that. Then I left the office because f that bat. SHE DROVE TO OUR CAMPSITE!!!!! AGAIN. Like just leave us alone. So she admitted she did tell us that but still wouldn’t give us a refund and was trying to say I was somehow in the wrong. The next day another employee approached us “oh you’re THAT group are you having a better time?” So yeah we would’ve had a great time had this staff actually known how to run a business and interact with their customers. We literally just wanted to get what we paid for, be respected and left alone. There’s not much to want when camping and floating. The camp grounds were over half empty even with Jeremiah Johnson playing concert that Saturday. There’s clear reason why.

Ryan Kelley

Jul 04, 2024

Might not have the most updated amenities but it’s an absolute classic! Great for the laid back folks that want a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Good bands, good people, just out of cell service so you can fully relax. Quick drive to Lenny’s to get service

jenny faller

Jul 26, 2024

Chose bearcat because previously I had been there years ago and I love the black river, we will absolutely never come back. Horrible customer service. We booked 2 electric campsites next to each other MONTHS in advance. When we arrived we were told it's another $40 per person to camp, despite spending almost $900 already to camp/float there. Still don't understand, but it sounded like we were charged for the campsite AND ALSO to camp on the campsite..? Then we find out, oops they only gave us one campsite not two, but refused to refund any of our money because it was a "double site". The campsite was plenty big, just not at all what we paid for, or what we were promised over the phone. We were told we would have 4 electric poles, we only had one with 2 plug ins for 16 people. They tried giving us a campsite across the way, but we declined because we were all one big group. We were told they never assign campsites before people get to camp...why take our reservation then? If you take $800 from me, you need to make sure that my reservation is KEPT. Then, to make matters even worse, the owner drove up to our campsite and refused to leave while my friend needed to cool down because she was rightfully upset. We told her to please leave and let our friend calm down, she refused. Another friend humored her by letting her "tell her side of the story", which none of us asked for or were interested in hearing. I suspect the owner and employees were either drunk or otherwise intoxicated. Very unprofessional. Was also told "we would never assign campsites before you get here" but they 10000% did, because we did not make it up out of thin air. If you're looking for a very unprofessional experience with what is essentially just some rednecks who own land and charge people to camp on it, stay at bearcat getaway! If you want to spend lots of money with no guarantee to get what you paid for, choose bearcat! If you would like a professional experience with people who actually know how to run a business, go anywhere else.