Missouri whitewater, Shoal Creek Newton county, Ritchey to low-water bridge about 1 mile southwest of Highway 43 section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I     31.3 miles   Too many sewer treatment plants. Water is nasty. Says Steve There are a few sections of this river which are fun and fast, but for the most part this an easy stretch that is great for beginners or for the tired kayaker just wanting to be in nature but not exert themselves. Says Philip Cornett (see picture) The Ritchey to low-water bridge about 1 mile southwest of Highway 43 section of Shoal Creek is 31.3 miles long and is a class     I section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The natural beauty of Missouri and the water flowing gracefully down Shoal Creek will make you feel great. The put-in is not too far from Joplin, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Getting a good workout and just hanging out with mother nature will make you glad you came. This is one of a small number of paddling sections in this river system, there are a few others too. If you've been out of state whitewater rafting   and kayaking you might find the rivers here more forgiving, so you'd better keep in mind that a lot of the rivers in this state are suitable for beginners. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with not too many other places for that. Now this is a pretty long section, so it looks like you will be camping out. Briefly about the general area: The nice people of Joplin like to hang out nearby It's always good to visit Williams Spring. If time allows, George Washington Carver National Monument is a national park worth checking out. The high level of rainfall makes Shoal Creek a reasonably wet location. Shoal Creek, Ritchey to low-water bridge about 1 mile southwest of Highway 43 road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Pictures of Shoal Creek Bigger Picture Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Shoal Creek.   Whitewater Near Shoal Creek: Shoal Creek, Newton County, 12 miles away       Class I - 31.3 miles long (Ritchey to low-water bridge about 1 mile southwest of Highway 43) Whitewater Outfitter - Two Sons Floats & Camping, Mcdonald County, 25 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Hotels Near Shoal Creek: Hotel Joplin, Joplin , 8 miles away DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Joplin, Joplin , 8 miles away Residence Inn Joplin, Joplin , 8 miles away Super 8 Neosho, Neosho , 8 miles away Best Western Big Spring Lodge, Neosho , 8 miles away   Campgrounds Near Shoal Creek: Hickory Creek City RV Park, Neosho, 6 miles away Coachlight RV Park, Carthage, 7 miles away Joplin KOA KAMP Ground, Joplin, 7 miles away   Public Lands Near Shoal Creek: George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond - MO , 8 miles away Twin Bridges State Park, Oklahoma , 29 miles away Prairie State Park, Missouri , 34 miles away Honey Creek State Park, Oklahoma , 37 miles away   Golf Courses Near Shoal Creek: Neosho Golf Course, Neosho , 7 miles away Eagle Creek Golf Club, Joplin , 8 miles away Rangeline Golf Course, Joplin , 10 miles away