Eleven Point River.
The Eleven Point is a true National Scenic River - a 44-mile stretch was designated on October 2, 1968, one of the original eight in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is free-flowing, spring-fed, and gorgeous, threading the Mark Twain National Forest and the 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness.
Greer Spring - the second-largest spring in Missouri, pouring out roughly 200 million gallons a day - more than doubles the river’s flow where it enters below Hwy 19, and keeps the water cold and floatable below that point year-round. Above Greer, the river is often too low to float from July through October. This is genuine semi-wilderness paddling: long stretches with no road access, no services and no cell signal.
There are only a couple of full-service liveries (Hufstedler’s at Riverton and Richard’s near Greer), and the float is built around the USFS access points and a string of primitive, mostly boat-access float camps. Class I–II water with a couple of named shoals to scout makes it best for paddlers with some experience and a real float plan.
Floating the Eleven Point from Greer, Riverton & Alton.
The scenic river runs through remote Oregon County, with a few small towns along Hwys 19 and 160 providing the only services.
- From Greer (~5 min). Greer Crossing on Hwy 19 is the main put-in and the only developed campground on the river.
- From Riverton (~5 min). On Hwy 160, the lower-river hub and the base for Hufstedler’s; the Riverton accesses are popular take-outs.
- From Alton (~15 min). The Oregon County seat and nearest town with basic services; Richard’s is ~7 miles north toward Greer.
- From Doniphan / West Plains and NWA (~3.25h). Doniphan (~27 mi east) and West Plains have fuller services; NWA paddlers should plan an overnight or multi-day.
This is the most remote river covered here. Only two full-service liveries operate it, services are thin, and there is little or no cell coverage - come prepared, with a map, a float plan and realistic daily mileage.
Where to put in.
The USFS maintains designated access points along the scenic river. Greer Crossing (Hwy 19) is the main put-in; plan carefully around long wilderness gaps - some stretches run 9–10+ miles with no road access.
Greer Crossing Main put-in
The developed USFS recreation area and campground on Hwy 19, just below where Greer Spring doubles the river’s flow. The standard starting point and the only developed campground on the river.
Greer to Riverton Multi-day
The heart of the scenic float - past Turner Mill and through Irish Wilderness country to the Riverton accesses on Hwy 160. Long gaps between accesses; primitive float camps along the way. Plan 1–2 days.
Riverton to The Narrows (Hwy 142) Day float
The lower scenic reach to the last access at Hwy 142 (“The Narrows”), about 8.7 miles below Riverton. A 25-HP motor limit applies above The Narrows.
Eleven Point liveries (verified operating 2024–2026): Hufstedler’s Canoe Rental, Cabins & Camping (Riverton, on Hwy 160 - the largest selection, best for Riverton take-outs) and Richard’s Canoe Rental (near Greer on Hwy 19 - best for Greer Crossing/Greer Spring put-ins). The river is remote, so these two are essentially it - book ahead.
Where to camp.
The main developed USFS campground, right at the river with a boat ramp - the primary launch hub for the scenic float.
Seven primitive, mostly boat-access float camps (Horseshoe Bend, Barn Hollow, Whites Creek, Greenbriar, Boze Mill, Morgan Spring and more) - typically just a clearing and a pit toilet. Pack it in, pack it out.
Hufstedler’s offers camping, cabins and a shower house at Riverton; Richard’s has camping/cabins near Greer.
Cabins, lodges and rooms nearby.
Cabins and camping at the river on Hwy 160, with the river’s largest rental fleet and shuttles.
Cabins and camping near Greer Spring, ideal for upper-river launches.
The county seat has basic motels and services.
Larger towns with more lodging within ~30–50 minutes.
Where to base from, where to eat.
Alton County seat
The nearest town with basic services to the Greer stretch - fuel, a store and a bite to eat.
Riverton River hub
Hufstedler’s store has ice, drinks and supplies right at the lower-river access.
Doniphan / West Plains Regional
For real groceries and restaurants, head to Doniphan (~27 mi east) or West Plains.
Other things to do
- Greer Spring Trail. A ~1.1-mile (each way) hike to the spectacular second-largest spring in Missouri - a must-do.
- Irish Wilderness. A 16,277-acre walk-in wilderness (designated 1984) bordering the river - quiet, rugged and remote.
- Turner Mill. A historic mill site and giant spring along the float.
Plan a safe trip.
Seasons
- Spring. The best water for the whole river, including the upper reaches above Greer - high, cold and lively.
- Summer. Floatable below Greer Crossing thanks to Greer Spring; the upper river is usually too low July–October.
- Fall. Cool, colorful and quiet below Greer - a superb season for a wilderness float.
- Winter. Cold and remote; for experienced, well-equipped paddlers only.
Hazards & safety
- Remote wilderness, few services. Long stretches have no road access, no services and no cell coverage. Carry a map, first aid, extra food and water, and leave a float plan.
- Long access gaps. Some reaches run 9–10+ miles between public accesses - pick realistic daily distances and start early.
- Cold spring inflow & flash floods. Greer Spring keeps the lower river cold (hypothermia risk in cool seasons), and the river is flash-flood prone after heavy rain.
- Named rapids. Class I–II overall, but scout Mary Decker Shoal and Halls Bay Chute and watch for strainers. Intermediate skills advised.
- Little to no cell signal. Do not rely on a phone for navigation or rescue; this is true backcountry.
Frequently asked.
Can I navigate the Eleven Point River with no cell signal?
Yes. Most of the Eleven Point River corridor has little or no cell service, so set up before you launch. While you still have wifi or signal, open Float Mode and it saves the Eleven Point River map to your phone. On the water it runs fully offline, using your phone's GPS to show your live position on the river, the distance to your next take-out, and how far along your float you are. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app-store download or account.
Where do I put in for the scenic float?
Greer Crossing on Hwy 19 is the main put-in and the only developed campground on the river - it sits just below where Greer Spring doubles the flow. From there it is cold and floatable year-round down to Riverton and The Narrows.
Is the whole river floatable all year?
No. Below Greer Crossing the river floats year-round thanks to Greer Spring, but the upper river above Greer is often too low to float from July through October. Spring is the window for the upper reaches.
How remote is it really?
Very. The Eleven Point runs through the Mark Twain National Forest and the 16,277-acre Irish Wilderness, with long stretches that have no road access, no services and little or no cell signal. Come prepared and self-supported.
Who rents canoes on the Eleven Point?
Two full-service liveries: Hufstedler’s Canoe Rental at Riverton (largest fleet, best for Riverton take-outs) and Richard’s Canoe Rental near Greer (best for Greer Crossing put-ins). Book ahead - the river is remote and options are limited.
How far is it from NWA?
About 3.25 hours from Fayetteville/Bentonville to the Greer/Riverton area. It deserves an overnight or a multi-day - it is a destination wilderness float, not a quick day trip.
Float the Eleven Point River with live GPS, even with no signal.
Most of the Eleven Point River corridor has little or no cell service. Float Mode uses your phone's GPS to show your live position moving down the river, how far to your next take-out, and your trip progress · even with zero bars.
Before you launch (while you still have signal or wifi), save the Eleven Point River map to your phone. On the water it loads fully offline: pick your put-in and take-out for an estimated distance and a live percent-complete as you float. It is free, runs in your browser, and needs no app store download or account. Open Float Mode for the Eleven Point River →