Our Story

In 1954, Bill Newland founded Newland's Float, Fishing, & Camping trips. Originally from the Bolivar Missouri area, Bill came here to fish, which sparked his idea for the business.

Equipped with just a few handcrafted lures, a modest stretch of riverfront property, and a degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri, Bill embarked on a journey to turn his dream into reality. After sharing his knowledge of farming with returning World War II veterans, Bill and his wife eventually established their riverfront haven and began offering guided tours of the nearby Bull Shoals Lake, which blossomed into Newlands Float & Fishing.

In the early days, Newland's welcomed guests with guided fishing trips, while Bill and the other guides assisted with setting up camps along the riverbank for their accommodations. Thanks to Bill's wife, Louise, guests were not only treated with care and concern but, most significantly, they felt like family and friends. This genuine Southern hospitality, paired with some of the finest fishing in the country, transformed Bill Newland's vision into a thriving business. Tragically, after suffering a stroke, Bill passed away in 1974. Following his father’s passing, Charles took over the management of Newland's. Together, Louise and Charles opted to broaden their offerings beyond camping trips. With time and resources, they acquired additional land and began expanding their accommodations.