For those first timers, the easiest way to find the park/ramp where we launch from, off the 62 (rice road), turn on Rio Mesa Drive (the big river sign).....follow that road until it ends. The entry is the road down the hill straight in front of you, just right of the Big River Inn.
Launch fee's are STEEP at $25/day. I still cant seem to find who to talk to about getting us a better rate or a group rate. I did get an offer to have our whole group launch at another park for $10/day, but there's ZERO parking and no use of the beach area.
Also, the old man cowboy that runs the park is a grouch....just smile and nod. He likes to say the park closes at 7pm and any trucks inside will be locked in - I have yet to see him stand by this. We are always on the water until sunset.
We usually hang out at the beach by the ramp until the water comes up (around 10-11 am) and then head straight up to the cove. I wouldn't bother stopping at any of the sand bars as the cove fills up quick. Last year we got stuck all up in the bushes across from the beach.
As always, I need to stress that everyone need to be safe and responsible. Drunk driving, and/or unsafe driving will not be tolerated. You are all attending this event on your own will and are responsible for your own actions. Give everyone enough room, there's plenty of river out there. Have fun and be safe!
