Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1493068
By Randy Rice | Special to McDonald County Reconnection River Ranch Resort in Noel, Missouri is conveniently located within reach of the four-state area. They have been a popular Elk River vacation destination for over 40 years, and current owners Dustin and Marlinda Shurback aren't showing any signs of slowing down. "We set the bar when it comes to the outdoor experience and customer service," Dustin said. "You will see and hear that when you visit. We strive every off season to grow our company to provide more for the customer." River Ranch Resort is the perfect destination for your group camping adventure. It's also situated on the beautiful Elk River, a great choice for a summer float trip. They offer canoes, rafts, kayaks and tubes to rent for your floating pleasure. The campground features 40 air-conditioned cabins that sleep from 2 to 24 people, electric and non-electric tent camping sites, and full hook-up RV sites. For your convenience, they have a fully stocked store that includes most anything you might have forgotten at home. Also located in the store is the Hungry Camper Café, serving up many great food options. Last but certainly not least, River Ranch Resort can cater BBQ dinners, or deliver their very popular pizza right to your campsite. "We are a one stop shop," Dustin said. "We have all you would need when you come to vacation, from the lodging and floating to the restaurant and store. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer care, too, and go above and beyond wherever possible. Our mission statement is 'we pair professional customer care with exceptional outdoor experiences' and that is portrayed in everything we do.'" Dustin's love of the region and the River Ranch Resort began at an early age. "I got in the business back when I was a very young kid—13 or 14 years old," he said. "My duties were picking up trash, cleaning restrooms and helping to collect the jackets and paddles on Saturdays. I worked very hard and found myself constantly striving to learn more. It eventually all paid off when the previous owner approached me one day and asked if I wanted to purchase the resort and I thought 'I can't pass this up because it's something I just love to do.' " Dustin still has that love and passion for the business. "What I love about doing this for a living is that it's something new every day," he said. "And also I get to pour in to all the wonderful staff about ethics and leadership. Our main goal at River Ranch is to pair exceptional outdoor experiences with professional customer care and we cannot provide that if we do not teach and take care of the staff which we call family." An essential key to the success of the River Ranch Resort is that understanding of, and attention to, the customer. "Our customers are people who want to escape the rat race of everyday life and drains," Dustin said. "We see that they love the people they get to interact with when they come and are all about having a great time." Like many of the people who choose to work and live in McDonald County, Dustin and Marlinda believe there is something very special about the Southwest Missouri region they call home. "People in McDonald County are very tight knit and would come help no matter what," Dustin said. "We love to support our local schools, provide events where the community can gather, and add jobs to the county that I have been apart of my whole life. Many people have known me since I was that kid picking up trash and now I am in the place where I am able to make a difference in their lives when they were there making the difference in mine." River Ranch Resort, since 1980 great outdoor experiences 18 2023