Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground

If you are searching for "camping near me" in the Devils Elbow, Missouri area, Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground, located at 12000 Timber Rd, Devils Elbow, MO 65457, USA, is one option that may appear in your search. However, it is crucial to consider recent customer feedback before making a reservation. This introduction aims to provide an objective overview of the campground based on information available online, highlighting both potential aspects and significant concerns raised by previous visitors.

The physical environment of Devil's Elbow is naturally appealing, situated in a scenic region known for its proximity to the Big Piney River and Roubidoux Creek. This location offers potential access to river-based activities and the natural beauty of the Missouri Ozarks. For those seeking "camping near me" with opportunities for floating, fishing, or simply enjoying the riverside atmosphere, the location itself might seem attractive. The phone numbers provided for the campground are (573) 855-4733 and +1 573-855-4733.

However, several reviews from recent customers paint a concerning picture regarding the services and features of Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground. One reviewer described the campground as small with poorly defined or unmarked sites, noting that they are primarily grass rather than gravel. This lack of gravel can pose significant issues during or after rain, potentially making sites difficult to access or even get stuck in, especially for those without four-wheel-drive vehicles. The same reviewer also mentioned challenges for larger RVs, specifically a 43-foot RV, in maneuvering and getting situated within the available sites.

Beyond the physical condition of the campground, multiple reviews express severe dissatisfaction with the customer service and operational practices. One customer labeled the outfitter as "HORRIBLE" and wished they could give a negative rating, strongly recommending others to use a different company. This sentiment is echoed by another reviewer who described a negative experience from the moment of arrival. They reported rude and rushed treatment by the owner, Angie, despite arriving early and waiting for assistance. The transport for river activities was also described as "awful," with a concerning anecdote about a trailer carrying kayaks and rafts detaching on a previous trip.

The organization of river activities appears to be a significant point of concern. Customers reported being rushed into rafts with no clear instructions on departure points or timing. One group recounted floating 7.5 miles down the river before encountering a "depart sign" and then being misdirected regarding the pickup location for Devil's Elbow River Safari. They were informed that the owner, Angie, does not own land for pickups and relies on unmarked locations on other people's property, leading to confusion and difficulty in finding their way back.

The issues escalated when the group reached the supposed pickup point and found no designated area or signage. After waiting for over two hours, they were informed that the owner would not retrieve their raft until the following morning, with no communication about their own transportation back to their vehicles. Ultimately, the customers had to rely on the hospitality of a neighboring campground, Boiling Springs Campground, to get a ride back to their cars at the Devil's Elbow River Safari location.

Upon returning to retrieve their vehicles, the customers reported that Angie refused to answer and even added charges to their bill. They also recounted hearing numerous negative stories from other people about their experiences with Angie, leading to a general consensus among other river users to avoid Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground in favor of Boiling Springs Campground, which was praised for its caring landowners and positive customer treatment.

Furthermore, there were serious safety concerns raised in the reviews. Staff from Boiling Springs Campground reportedly expressed worry about Devil's Elbow River Safari potentially dropping customers into the Big Piney River on a day when their own float trips were canceled due to rapidly rising and unsafe floodwaters. This suggests a potential disregard for customer safety in favor of continuing operations despite hazardous conditions.

The culmination of these negative experiences led one reviewer to describe being overcharged, rushed into a river with no instructions, and ultimately left stranded without a clear way back. The reviewer expressed intent to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau due to safety concerns and strongly advised others to obtain a contact number other than Angie's, as she reportedly does not answer her phone, potentially leaving customers "literally up the creek without a way home."

Given the significant and consistent negative feedback regarding customer service, safety concerns related to river activities, and issues with the campground itself (site conditions, accessibility for larger RVs), potential users searching for "camping near me" should exercise extreme caution when considering Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground. The experiences reported by multiple customers suggest a pattern of unprofessional behavior, poor communication, and potential safety risks. While the natural location might hold some appeal, these serious operational and customer service issues appear to outweigh any potential benefits.

At this time, there is no promotional information available based on the provided text. The focus of the recent feedback is overwhelmingly negative, centered on the quality of service and safety rather than any incentives or special offers. Therefore, it is impossible to provide any positive promotional details in this objective overview.

In conclusion, while Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground is located in a potentially attractive natural setting for those seeking "camping near me" with river access, the strong negative feedback regarding site conditions, extremely poor customer service, disorganized and potentially unsafe river activities, and questionable billing practices should be carefully considered. Potential campers are strongly advised to seek alternative campgrounds in the Devils Elbow area, such as the repeatedly mentioned Boiling Springs Campground, which has received positive reviews for its customer care and safety-conscious operations. Thoroughly researching and reading recent reviews for any campground is always recommended before making a booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Devil's Elbow River Safari and Campground

12000 Timber Rd, Devils Elbow, MO 65457, USA