Buffalo River Shuttle Fees

[KCRIVERRAT]

Whoever moved the topic to the correct forum... thanks!

[hank franklin]

Yep... $77 total for the day after taxes. Three mile (approx.) shuttle upstream, one way.

Yeah, that's ridiculous.

I pay $35 to $50 for private shuttles on the Current and JF, and really don't mind it much because most of the hauls are pretty long. Canoe outfitters gotta eat too.

But $77? Yikes.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Just shot an e-mail to the folks at the Gilbert store. If they send me an explanation I'll post it... still, I'm looking for a canoe....

KC

[stream stalker]

Question... what's the deal with the shuttle fees on this river? I figure it's got something to do with the park service being it's a national park. Every other river I've ever rented canoes from doesn't charge the fees these outfitters do. I know that all outfitters charge extra if they shuttle you way upstream from their location, and if they have to pick you up before you arrive at their location. I understand that part of it. But heck... we rented from the Gilbert general store last week and our trip was from Tyler Bend to Gilbert. Three mile shuttle upstream tops! $25 for the ride? Who gets that money? I mean... you rent a canoe for $45 (in Missouri they're "only" $40 on weekends, cheaper than that during the week), then they tack on the shuttle fee! It's really expensive if you head further upstream.

Any reply's on this would be appreciated!

By the way... might be purchasing a canoe tomorrow!

yeah, I floated with a group of friends last summer and rented from the Gilbert Gen Store. We got the same shuttle fee treatment, by far the most expensive float trip I've ever taken. We won't be going back there again. Plenty of other rivers to float in the ozarks that are just as nice and the fees are much more reasonable. Speaking of buying canoes, I was with the same group of friends last week on the North Fork and got some pretty poor service from an outfitter there so after those two experiences we are now all looking into buying our own canoes. -SS

[KCRIVERRAT]

yeah, I floated with a group of friends last summer and rented from the Gilbert Gen Store. We got the same shuttle fee treatment, by far the most expensive float trip I've ever taken. We won't be going back there again. Plenty of other rivers to float in the ozarks that are just as nice and the fees are much more reasonable. Speaking of buying canoes, I was with the same group of friends last week on the North Fork and got some pretty poor service from an outfitter there so after those two experiences we are now all looking into buying our own canoes. -SS

Twin Bridges? If you don't wanna say that's O.K.

KC

[stream stalker]

Twin Bridges? If you don't wanna say that's O.K.

KC

You guessed it! Have you had a bad experience there too? -SS

[bobber]

let's brake down this shuttle stuff ... an outfitter has to use 2 people to shuttle ...your car one way! $ 10 to 15 dollars per man hour... plus his shuttle truck.. fuel , both ways< for the shuttle van , insurance> taxes and the park service fees ...oh yes.. you bet ! they just are raking it in!!

[Flysmallie]

let's brake down this shuttle stuff ... an outfitter has to use 2 people to shuttle ...your car one way! $ 10 to 15 dollars per man hour... plus his shuttle truck.. fuel , both ways< for the shuttle van , insurance> taxes and the park service fees ...oh yes.. you bet ! they just are raking it in!!

I will say this about the shuttle fees on the Current. They are way higher there than anywhere else I have been. The most I have paid is $25 on the Buffalo to shuttle my car one way. And it was a much farther shuttle.

As far as all their other expenses, that doesn't work for the $45 shuttle we were offered. We were leaving one vehicle at their normal put in. While two of us were waiting for the other two to run the shuttle we saw their shuttle drop off at least four loads of people. Everytime there were two guys from the outfitter. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the price if that's what they want to charge then fine. If it would have been up to me we would have paid it and went on. But others in my party were not so eager.

What I thought was really odd is that when we refused the shuttle we asked how much it would be to park a vehicle overnight at their place. The answer: Oh you can park here for free. Don't have to spend a dime. Is it illegal for them to charge for parking?

Just thought it was odd that the shuttle was more than expected but parking was free.

No matter how we felt about the shuttle fee it is still one of the best outfitters that we have ever dealt with. And I would highly recommend them to anyone. Two Rivers. Great people.

[Danoinark]

If I am not mistaken, the National Park Service sets the maximum fees the outfitters can charge for rental and shuttles on the Buffalo.

Dano

[KCRIVERRAT]

If I am not mistake, the National Park Service sets the maximum fees the outfitters can charge for rental and shuttles on the Buffalo.

Dano

Well Dano... thats just fine, but, it's to darn much! I am going to look into this further, and will give ya'll an answer. Gilbert hasn't answered me yet. If they don't, I'll call them. It's too dang much!