Major city · United States
Licking
Skip unless you have a specific reason: a float trip on the Big Piney River, or a quiet night near Montauk State Park. Half a day is enough.
Licking is a small Ozarks town on US-63, about 45 min east of Springfield. Its main draw is the Big Piney and Current rivers for float trips and fishing. There is no downtown worth touring; most visitors pass through on the way to Montauk State Park or the Mark Twain National Forest.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds on the river)
- Airport
- SGF
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Licking911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Licking, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyRiver currents, sunburn and dehydration are the main risks on a float trip; wildlife on the road at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSGF Springfield-Branson National Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive via US-63 and I-44).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedBasic motel room (Country Inn or similar), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBasic motel room (Country Inn or similar), a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedBasic motel room (Country Inn or similar), a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$100 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SGF Springfield-Branson National Airport (About 1 h 15 min drive via US-63 and I-44)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Care
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Care
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Jan (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Licking: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. No public transport. US-63 runs north–south; Highway 32 runs east–west. Most river access points are on gravel roads.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montauk State Park
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive south on US-63 about 12 miles, then follow signs
Trout fishing and hiking; a good half-day from Licking.
Springfield, Missouri
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive west on US-63 to I-44, about 45 min
Larger town with restaurants, museums and a zoo.
Branson
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive south on US-63 to US-160 west, about 1 h 15 min
Shows, theme parks and Table Rock Lake.
Mountain View, Missouri
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive east on Highway 32, about 30 min
Small town with a historic square and the Ozark Folk Center.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US-63 / Highway 32 junction
Country Inn and a few basic motels; closest to the river access points.
Boiling Springs area
The Resort at Boiling Springs offers RV/tent sites and canoe rentals, about 10 min south of town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Basic motel room (Country Inn or similar)1 × 1 night × US$90 | US$90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Canoe rental for a float trip (half-day)2 × US$40 · check | US$80 |
| Gas (round trip from Springfield)1 × US$20 | US$20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$39 |
| Trip total≈ US$215 per person per day, bed included | US$429 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Canoe rental (half-day)check | $35–50 |
| Motel room (basic) | $70–120 |
| Pizza or burger at a local diner | $8–15 |
| Gas (per gallon)check | $3.20–3.80 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cell service is patchy on the river; download maps and tell someone your float plan.
- Float-trip season runs roughly April–October; water levels vary — check the USGS gauge for the Big Piney before you go.
- No petrol station in town after dark (check).
- Mosquitoes and ticks are heavy in summer; bring repellent.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LickingLicking
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Take me to this addressTake me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Springfield Airport → Licking (taxi or rideshare): about $80–120, 1 h 15 min (check)
- Licking → Montauk State Park (drive): about 20 min, no tolls
Say or show
- Howdy — Hello
- Thanks — Thank you
- How much is this? — How much does this cost?
- Where's the put-in? — Where is the river access?
Licking is small; most people you meet will be friendly and helpful.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Licking. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds on the river) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Licking
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