Camping and float trips are one of the best, most economical adventures you can do with your family," Amanda Glendenning begins to tell The Buzz. Glendenning is one of the original owners of Riverfront Campground and Canoe Rental in Lebanon, Missouri. “And here in one of the most beautiful places on earth is a great place to do it," she says. Riverfront Campground is 250 acres with over a mile of river frontage on the Niangua River. The family-owned campground has 61 electric sites and hundreds of tent sites throughout the property.
"We have large campsites with plenty of room for an RV and a few tents on the same site," explains Glendenning. "A lot of times kids want to pitch a tent and sleep there instead of an RV." Glendenning says many of the clientele are families who come for a few days to go floating and enjoy the outdoor space. "We also have a lot of room for outdoor activities, such as frisbee" she says. Really, any outdoor thing you want to do, you can do it here."
The campground has been operating since 1994, started by the Glendenning family. "We have always enjoyed the Niangua River here growing up so we wanted to share that with others," Glendenning recalls. "Actually it was the dream and vision of my Father-In-Law that started the campground."
The emphasis on family is felt by visitors to the park. A recent review states, "The BEST campground. Family friendly, super clean and never any troublemakers. Bathrooms are always clean and supplied and never run out of hot water. The staff is amazing and it's clear they enjoy their jobs. The only campground we ever go to."
Spacious RV camp sites at Riverfront Campground in Lebanon, MO. [Photo/Riverfront Campground & Canoe Rental]
The original dream and vision was to create a family friendly campground that has plenty of outdoor recreation right at the campsite. Having the canoe rental onsite makes it a one stop destination. "The canoe rentals are a huge part of our operation," Glendenning says. The have canoes, rafts, kayaks and floats available. "Since the Niangua is a stage 1 river, it is a great river for stepping back and relaxing on," she says. There is also swimming holes on the property where families can spend the day relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the river. The float trips vary from 3 miles to 8 miles and provide lots of scenery. The area is in the Ozark Mountains and has plenty of wildlife, including bald eagles.
On the other side of the river, adjacent to the property, sits Bennett Springs State Park. Bennett Springs has been a favorite fishing spot since the 19th century. In 1900, the Missouri Fish Commissioner introduced 40,000 mountain trout into the spring, which has a daily flow of 100 million gallons of water, and its reputation as a fisherman's paradise skyrocketed. It became a park in 1924. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made an arched bridge, still a focal point of the park, as well as a rustic dining lodge. The Bennett Springs State Park website says, "Noted for its fine food, the dining room features stone walls, beamed ceilings and blacksmith-made iron chandeliers with a trout motif."
Because of the fishing, closeness to the state park, and family friendly atmosphere, the campground is a big hit from March to October. "People always feel safe here," Glendenning says. "We rarely have any issues, mainly because we have a reputation of enforcing the rules that we have. For example, the 11 o'clock quiet time is strictly enforced. It doesn't mean you need to go to sleep, but you do have to be quiet."
For Glendenning and her family, the biggest reward in operating a campground is the visitors that come through. “Seeing the generations come through and the kids grow up here year after year is a real treat,” she expresses. She also notes the sheer joy of being able to watch kids and adults connect with nature and with each other. As such, they do not have Wi-Fi at the campsites, only at the store. “We think people come here to disconnect, not to still be connected to the internet,” Glendenning reflects. “And we get a lot of parents coming up to us and thanking us for not having Wi-Fi because they say they would just have to argue with their kids the whole trip to get off the tablets and video games.”
One of the biggest events they have is the God Bless America weekend near the 4th of July. This year it takes place the weekend of July 6th. "We have a live band, inflatables, fireworks and more," Glendenning notes. "Basically everything you need to have a great 4th of July celebration with your family."
So whether it’s coming to celebrate the 4th of July or just getting the opportunity to spend some quality time with family, visiting Riverfront Campground and Canoe Rental is a camping experience of a lifetime that won’t break the bank.