Kayaking and canoeing on the Elk River are the main draws at Shady Beach Camp & Canoe, a private campground in Noel, Missouri where the float route drops paddlers directly back at the campsite. That built-in convenience sets the rhythm for the whole operation: arrive, unpack, get on the water. The campground sits close to several other river outfitters, including Two Sons Floats & Camping and Elk River Floats & Campground, which gives the stretch of river a well-developed float-trip infrastructure.
On-site amenities include electric and water hookups for RVs, drinking water, showers, toilets, and picnic tables. A convenience store stocks supplies campers commonly forget, and firewood runs $5. Tent sites are generously sized, with at least one reviewer fitting multiple large tents on a single site with room to spare. Bathrooms have been described as small and showing wear. Weekends draw crowds. This is openly a party-camp atmosphere, and those expecting a low-key experience should factor that in.
Cell service gets a mention in reviews, though details are limited. Reservations are available, which is worth considering for summer weekends given how packed the place reportedly gets. "Wasn't told of any trails rentals or much of anything," notes Michael H., a fair heads-up that the campground runs lean on orientation. Shady Beach tends to work best for groups focused on floating who want a convenient base rather than a fully programmed camping experience.
Description
Shady Beach Campground is located on the Elk River just north of Noel, Missouri. At Shady Beach we offer air-conditioned cabins, vacation home rentals, primitive tent sites and RV sites with water & electric. We also have 1/4 mile of beachfront for relaxing and swimming for our guests of all ages. We have select area for groups with mixed camping preferences.
During your stay, visit our onsite camp store, which offers a large variety of merchandise coffee, cappuccino, cold beer (walk-in cooler), soft-serve ice cream and food (pizza and hamburgers) to camping essentials such as firewood, water shoes, water guns, ice, or other forgotten necessities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShady Beach Camp & Canoe is located in Missouri near Noel
Private CampgroundCoordinates
36.579667752668314 N
94.46450309754778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Joplin, MO
- 54 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 31 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 40 min from Tulsa, OK
