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Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp

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Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp Overview

Rating

Phone (573) 616-0563

Address 309 Prater Homestead Ln, Macks Creek, MO 65786, USA

Website http://livingwaterscanoe.org/

Hours

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp Location & Map

MissouriCamden CountyMacks CreekPrater Homestead Lane

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp About

For those of us in Missouri seeking an outdoor adventure that combines thrilling river experiences with a nurturing Christian environment, Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp in Macks Creek, MO, truly stands out. This isn't just a place to paddle; it's a dedicated facility designed to provide unforgettable canoe trips and rustic yet comfortable camping experiences, all rooted in faith and community. It’s an ideal destination for youth groups, church retreats, scout troops, and families looking for an intentional and enriching getaway amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Ozarks.

The testimonials from past visitors highlight the exceptional quality and spirit of the camp. One recurring guest enthusiastically shared, "Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp has been a blessing on multiple occasions! Been there twice, about to go again. Beautiful location and it's been wonderful connecting and establishing a friendship with Joe Lewis." This speaks to the consistent positive experience and the personal connection fostered by the staff, making visitors feel truly welcome and part of the Living Waters family.

Another powerful review illustrates the unparalleled level of service and care. A parent whose daughter's American Heritage Girls troop visited encountered a flat tire en route: "Paul and his team took my van into town while we were canoeing and purchased four tires (one flat, the others just needed to be replaced at this point) and had the van back at our campsite before we got off the river from canoeing all day! Of course this was with the understanding I would pay him back, but that was amazing customer service." This incredible act of kindness and efficiency goes far beyond typical camp services, demonstrating a genuine dedication to guest well-being. This same reviewer further praised the camp's facilities: "But what about the camp? Take that experience and apply it to the cots, the teepees, the lunches, the canoes, the bonfire, the grills, the shower house... EVERYTHING here is built with first class materials. No skimping." They also noted the river experience: "The 8.9 miles we canoed were pretty calm, and perfect for our group of mixed experience levels. I would certainly go again." These reviews paint a clear picture of a camp that delivers on its promises of quality, comfort, and exceptional customer care, making it a truly blessed experience for all who visit.

Location and Accessibility

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp is situated at 309 Prater Homestead Ln, Macks Creek, MO 65786, USA. Macks Creek is a small community located in Camden County, in the heart of Missouri's beautiful Ozarks. This strategic location places the camp on the banks of the Niangua River, a popular and scenic floating destination known for its gentle currents and abundant wildlife, making it ideal for canoe and kayaking adventures. For locals across Missouri, Macks Creek is an accessible drive, often via major highways like US-54 or MO-7, providing a convenient escape to the natural beauty of the region without requiring extensive travel. Its setting offers a sense of peaceful seclusion, away from the immediate bustle of larger towns, yet it's still within reasonable driving distance for supplies or emergencies if needed. The journey to the camp leads you through picturesque Missouri landscapes, setting the tone for a refreshing and engaging outdoor experience.

Services Offered

  • Canoe Trips on the Niangua River: The core offering of Living Waters is well-organized canoe trips on the Niangua River. They provide the canoes, paddles, and life vests, ensuring a seamless experience. The 8.9-mile float trip is noted as being "pretty calm," making it suitable for groups with mixed experience levels.
  • Rustic Cabin/Teepee Accommodations: The camp offers unique sleeping arrangements including comfortable cots within cabins or teepees. These facilities are built with "first-class materials," indicating a commitment to quality and durability, providing a sturdy and comfortable shelter in a rustic setting.
  • Full Meal Service: Meals are provided for groups, including lunches, often prepared on-site. The review specifically mentions "lunches," suggesting convenient meal planning for groups.
  • Shower House: A "first-class" shower house is available, providing clean and comfortable facilities for personal hygiene, a crucial amenity for any camping trip.
  • Bonfire Facilities: Designated areas for bonfires are provided, creating opportunities for evening gatherings, storytelling, and s'mores, enhancing the traditional camp experience.
  • Grill Access: Grills are available for cooking, allowing groups to prepare their own meals or supplements to provided catering, adding flexibility to dining options.
  • Customer Service and Support: As demonstrated by the flat tire incident, the camp staff (like Paul and his team) go above and beyond in providing exceptional customer service, assisting guests with unforeseen challenges and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable stay.
  • Spiritual & Community Focus: While specific details of services are tailored to individual group bookings, the camp fosters a Christian environment, providing a space for spiritual connection, community building, and personal growth through shared experiences and potentially planned worship or devotional times.
  • Group Camping: The camp is primarily designed for accommodating groups, such as youth organizations, church groups, and family reunions, offering a structured environment for their outdoor adventures.
  • Leadership and Guidance: For group leaders, the camp provides a supportive environment, assisting with logistics and ensuring the trip runs smoothly, as evidenced by staff taking initiative to solve problems like a flat tire.

Features / Highlights

  • Exceptional Customer Service: A standout feature is the truly "amazing customer service" provided by the staff, as highlighted by a remarkable instance of going out of their way to assist with a flat tire. This level of care ensures a stress-free and positive experience for guests.
  • High-Quality Rustic Facilities: Despite being a "canoe camp," the accommodations (cots, teepees, cabins) and amenities (shower house, grills, bonfire areas) are noted for being built with "first class materials" and "no skimping." This commitment to quality ensures comfort and durability in a natural setting.
  • Ideal Niangua River Canoeing: The camp's direct access and provision of canoes for an 8.9-mile, "pretty calm" float trip make it perfect for groups of all experience levels. The Niangua River is known for its beautiful scenery and gentle flow, ensuring an enjoyable and safe paddling experience.
  • Faith-Based Environment: For Christian groups and families, the camp offers a nurturing and blessing-filled environment, fostering spiritual growth and connection. This distinct focus sets it apart from secular campgrounds.
  • Group-Friendly Setup: Living Waters is perfectly set up for group retreats, youth camps, and family gatherings, providing all the necessary amenities and support for a cohesive and memorable shared experience.
  • Beautiful Natural Setting: Located in the Ozarks along the Niangua River, the camp is surrounded by natural beauty, providing a picturesque backdrop for all activities and encouraging outdoor appreciation.
  • Focus on Building Relationships: The review mentioning "connecting and establishing a friendship with Joe Lewis" speaks to the personal touch and community-building aspect that the camp fosters, creating lasting bonds beyond the trip itself.

Promotions or Special Offers

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp primarily caters to groups and organized retreats, often with pre-set package rates for their services that include lodging, canoe trips, and meals. Therefore, traditional "promotions" in the sense of public, time-sensitive discounts might not be as common as with individual campgrounds. However, groups are encouraged to inquire directly about their pricing structures, which may be based on group size, length of stay, and specific activity inclusions. It's possible they offer special rates for non-profit organizations, church groups, or during off-peak seasons. The "amazing customer service" and "first-class materials" could be considered their ongoing value proposition, offering a high-quality experience that justifies their rates. It's always best to contact them directly to discuss your group's specific needs and to get a customized quote for your planned trip.

Contact Information

To plan your group's next unforgettable canoe trip and Christian camp experience at Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 309 Prater Homestead Ln, Macks Creek, MO 65786, USA
  • Phone: (573) 616-0563
  • Mobile Phone: +1 573-616-0563

Their team will be happy to discuss your group's specific needs, provide detailed information on their canoe trips and facilities, and assist with booking your transformative outdoor adventure in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For us Missourians, Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp offers a truly unique and deeply suitable option for group outings, particularly for youth ministries, church groups, and families seeking a meaningful outdoor experience. Its blend of thrilling canoe adventures on the scenic Niangua River with a nurturing, faith-centered environment creates an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth, team building, and spiritual reflection right here in our own state.

The consistent feedback highlighting "amazing customer service" and the use of "first-class materials" for their facilities underscore a commitment to quality that ensures a comfortable and worry-free experience. This is especially important for group leaders planning trips for young people, as it provides peace of mind regarding safety and comfort. The 8.9-mile canoe trip on the Niangua is noted for being "pretty calm," making it accessible and enjoyable for participants of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate in the adventure.

Furthermore, the camp's dedication to fostering spiritual connection and community, as described by repeat visitors, resonates deeply with many Missouri families. It's a place where children and adults alike can strengthen their faith, build lasting friendships, and create cherished memories in a beautiful natural setting. By choosing Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp, Missourians are not just booking a trip; they are investing in a transformative experience that combines the best of outdoor recreation with a supportive Christian community, making it an invaluable local resource for enriching lives and fostering faith amidst the beauty of the Ozarks.

Customer Reviews

4.0
94 reviews
S
Samuel Hock
May 15, 2025

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp has been a blessing on multiple occasions! Been there twice, about to go again. Beautiful location and it's been wonderful connecting and establishing a friendship with Joe Lewis

J
Joe Quinn
Jun 04, 2018

I visited Living Waters with my daughter's American Heritage Girls troop for a two night, two day canoe/camping trip. On the way to the camp my van got a flat tire. We put the spare on, but now we were faced with trying to squeeze in a tire replacement on the one full day of our camp/canoe trip. Paul and his team took my van into town while we were canoeing and purchased four tires (one flat, the others just needed to be replaced at this point) and had the van back at our campsite before we got off the river from canoeing all day! Of course this was with the understanding I would pay him back, but that was amazing customer service. But what about the camp? Take that experience and apply it to the cots, the teepees, the lunches, the canoes, the bonfire, the grills, the shower house... EVERYTHING here is built with first class materials. No skimping. The 8.9 miles we canoed were pretty calm, and perfect for our group of mixed experience levels. I would certainly go again.

J
Jeffrey Parrish
Aug 28, 2022

This is a remote campground which is Christian based and features canoeing down the Little Niangua River. The property backs onto the river. They have canoes, kayaks, trailers, buses and staff who help along the river. The facilities are surprisingly good. They have simple cabins with cots. They have covered lean-to's with soft bottoms for luxurious camping. They have open fields for camping. They have a good bathroom with a couple of showers. They now have a dining hall, more cabins, and more showers, so they are expanding. The staff is helpful and friendly. This is a winner of an option for youth groups.

T
Tony Justesen
Jul 04, 2017

Camping at it's finest. Great staff, cleanest restrooms, and showers. Great view. Adding canoeing made for perfection on beautiful waters of the Niangua. I've been twice this year and have enjoyed each time with scouts and family. Quiet, secluded enough, and low trafficked area make for great camping.

B
Brittany Pedersen - Realtor
Jun 06, 2022

We were just stayed at Living Waters Campground this past weekend for our first church float trip and had the best experience ever!! They greatly exceeded any expectations we had going into it. The staff was so friendly and helpful throughout, the grounds were clean and well maintained, and the food was really good! We also really loved the ability to float on the river without our kids seeing things they shouldn't see yet, and the staff were even out there to help out if you had problems while floating!! Overall such a great experience!! We cannot wait to go back next year!!