Churches · schools · scouts · reunions
Bringing a group down the Okatoma
A Special Weekday Rate for 6 or more boats, a fleet of buses, and a family that has been renting canoes on this creek since 1977.
The fleet a big party draws from
The Special Weekday Rate — 6 or more
Special Weekday Rate:
- 6 or more Canoes $45.00 per day
- 6 or more Single Kayaks $35.00 per day
- 6 or more Double Kayaks $65.00 per day
- RESERVATIONS REQUIRED-CREDIT CARD REQUIRED TO HOLD RESERVATIONS-
- ANY CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE 24 HOURS PRIOR TO TRIP. IF YOU CANCEL ANY THE DAY OF YOU WILL BE CHARGED FULL AMOUNT. NO REFUNDS
Six or more canoes require a deposit 2 weeks in advance. Cancelled canoes can be rescheduled. NO REFUNDS.
Money orders, travelers checks and church checks welcomed for deposit and rental payment. Sorry, no personal out of state checks.
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAXES OR FEES
That is a weekday rate for six or more boats. The everyday rates for smaller parties, and for weekends, are on Information & Pricing — the everyday canoe rate is $50.
PHONE FOR RESERVATIONS
601-722-4297 or 1-888-OKATOMA
Okatoma's Buses
We operate a fleet of buses which are available for a wide range of uses. For example, we can provide transport for students and church groups.
If your group is coming from a distance, ask about this when you call. It is one of the things worth settling on the phone rather than on the day.
The Bunkhouse
This is the IDEAL facility for large groups! You can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the okatoma creek, large fire pit, and good ole' country swim hole for bunkhouse guests ONLY!!
For dates, and to talk through what your group needs, call 601-722-4297.
If your party would rather be in tents, primitive camping is $5.00 per person per night — the rules, the quiet hours and the fire pit policy are all on the camping page.
Running a group float without losing anybody
None of the following is a rule of ours. It is what leaders who bring the same group back every year tend to do.
Before you come
Get a firm head count early — the deposit rule is two weeks out for six or more canoes, so your numbers need to be real by then. Decide the run before you arrive: the 7-mile Upper Short is the one for a mixed-ability group, and The Upper Run at 13 creek miles is a full day. Pair every weak paddler with a strong one and write the boat list down before you leave home.
On the water
Put one adult in the first boat and one in the last, and tell everybody that nobody passes the lead boat and nobody drops behind the sweep. Count boats, not heads — it is faster and you can do it from the water. Plan the day around the slowest boat in the group, because that is the boat the whole party is actually travelling at.
At the falls
This is where a group spreads out. Stop the whole party above each drop, let boats run it one at a time, and re-form in the pool below before anybody carries on. Mississippi law requires anyone 12 years and under to wear a life vest at all times, and state law requires one life vest per person in each boat. We suggest that everyone wears their life vest.
From a group leader who has done it for thirty years
"Okatoma Outdoor Post is more than just a canoe rental. Ronnie, Lisa and their staff have a passion for your canoe trip. They really care about you and your experience on the creek. Their service is impeccable. I have been taking kids down the creek for 30 years. Whether it's 10 or 150 kids, Ronnie will do anything to help make our trip safe and fun. We are launching 62 canoes and 3 kayaks tomorrow and I can't wait!"
— Ray Higgins
Ronnie and Lisa began renting canoes on the Okatoma in 1977 with a fleet of only 15 canoes, and in 1982 they purchased The Okatoma Outdoor Post. One thing has stayed the same: Ronnie and Lisa's continued effort to run a christian based business in a fun, family friendly atmosphere we call "Almost heaven." There is more of that story on the about page.
Group booking questions
How far ahead do we need to book a group?
Six or more canoes require a deposit 2 weeks in advance. Reservations should be made ahead of time, especially for weekend floats. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED-CREDIT CARD REQUIRED TO HOLD RESERVATIONS-
Does the group rate apply on the weekend?
It is a Special Weekday Rate for 6 or more boats. For weekend pricing, and for parties under six boats, see Information & Pricing or call 601-722-4297.
Can our church pay by check?
Money orders, travelers checks and church checks welcomed for deposit and rental payment. Sorry, no personal out of state checks. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover Cards.
Which trip suits a youth group best?
The 7-mile Upper Short to Fairchild is the most popular float, and it usually takes 3 to 4 hours and allows ample time for picnicing and swimming. It is the most popular float. The 13-mile Upper Run is a full day and is better once a group has done the short one. Both are described on the float trips page.
Can you take our school on a weekday during term?
We operate a fleet of buses which are available for a wide range of uses. For example, we can provide transport for students and church groups. We are open 8 AM – 6 PM, March 1 through October 31. Call 601-722-4297 with your dates and numbers.
One phone call sorts a group out
Tell us your dates and your numbers.
601-722-4297 or 1-888-OKATOMA. Six or more canoes require a deposit 2 weeks in advance. Open 8 AM – 6 PM, March 1 – October 31.