well, Missouri law was iffy about this until a few years ago. Used to be thought was ok up to the normal high water mark..(it never really was). But most land owners are pretty nice so it never was tested or people just moved on. A few years ago on the meramec river a guy shot somebody on the bank claiming it was his...courts said it was (but that ruling was also vague).

The way agents have told me is. Yeah, camp anywhere on the bank or get access of a right a.way (bridge). But if a land owner gives you trouble then just move on. I've camped on a lot of private ground (gravel bars) my whole life and only had one bad encounter. Most will simply be nice and ask you if you're having good luck or a nice trip.

I always let guys camp on our places and usually offered any food or drinks we had. People that canoe overnight are usually very respectable individuals. Sometimes the solo guys are a.little different, but respectable