Merrill Horse is a public boat ramp on Big River in De Soto, MO. The drive from St. Louis covers roughly 42 miles as the crow flies. If it's full, Brown's Ford in Hillsboro is 3.4 miles away.
| Type | Public boat ramp |
|---|---|
| Address | De Soto, MO |
| Water | Big River |
| Surface | unpaved |
| Launch fee | not in our data, check the signs at the launch |
Before driving to Merrill Horse, check closures with Missouri Department of Conservation (accesses); Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (boating rules).
Big River has 5 more public launches besides Merrill Horse. All launches on Big River
Guide: How to launch a boat from a trailer, plus ramp etiquette.
Illustration Bestseller Attwood 7524A7 snap-handle drain plug The forgotten drain plug is the classic ramp mistake. A spare in the glove box saves the day. View on Amazon 
Illustration Top pick Bungee dock lines with quick connect, shock absorbing Clip on in seconds while your partner parks the trailer. The bungee keeps the boat off the dock in wakes. View on Amazon 
Illustration Master Lock trailer coupler lock (fits 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16") Your trailer sits alone in the ramp lot all day. A coupler lock keeps it where you left it. View on Amazon We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
Illustration Loading the boat
How to winch your boat on in a minute, and the small upgrades that make the drive home safer.
Loading guide Illustration The classic ramp mistake
A spare snap-handle plug in the glove box, and the full launch checklist that keeps the line moving.
Launch checklistBe the first to rate this launch and help other boaters plan their trip.
Merrill Horse is in De Soto, Missouri. There is no street address for Merrill Horse in our data, but the map pin marks the launch itself.
Merrill Horse is on Big River.
We have no fee details for Merrill Horse, but our guide to launch fees explains what ramps usually cost.
Kayaks are usually fine at Merrill Horse as long as trailers can still get through. The nearest dedicated kayak launch is Canoe Launch in Sullivan in Sullivan, about 22 miles away.
Brown's Ford in Hillsboro (3.4 miles), Mammoth Access in De Soto (3.4 miles) and Washington SP in De Soto (5.5 miles).
Boat Ramps Nearby