Whether you want to brave the white rapids of a Class V river or take a leisurely float down a sleepy slough, a river rafting camping trip is one of the best ways to stay cool and have fun in the summer. From trips that include rafting down the deepest gorge in the country, to those that include leisurely floats in mellow rivers, we compiled a list of incredible river experiences across the United States. Stay overnight and make it a camping trip with our state park campground recommendations.
Add these river rafting camping trips to your bucket list.
1. The Rogue River
Where to Camp: Valley of the Rogue State Park, Oregon
The Rogue River is one of the country’s eight original wild and scenic rivers. Spanning 215 miles through southwestern Oregon, whitewater rafters come from all over the world to experience the river’s class III and IV rapids. For quick and easy access to this beautiful river, set up camp at Valley of the Rogue State Park, which occupies three miles of shoreline along the river. The large campground has full-hookup RV sites, water and electrical sites and primitive tent sites along with eight yurts that are available to rent. Flush toilets and showers are also available to campers. Book now.
2. The Snake River
Where to Camp: Hells Gate State Park, Idaho
Rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon is a trip that tops the bucket list of many whitewater enthusiasts. Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in the U.S. and rockslides from the canyon into the river have, over time, created the best whitewater in the Pacific Northwest. Whitewater rafters looking to book a base camp on the water can snag a campsite at Hells Gate State Park, which provides easy access to Hells Canyon and rafting companies that organize trips down the river. The campground offers large, shaded campsites with electricity and water, flush toilets and showers. Book now.
3. The Arkansas River
Where to Camp: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Colorado
The Arkansas River has over 100 miles of the best whitewater in Colorado and is the most popular whitewater rafting river in the United States. The river has something to offer everyone, from mellow, scenic floating to Class V rapids. The Arkansas River is also well known as a place to go rafting with kids or groups with mixed skill levels. For camping on the Arkansas River, head to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area where you can begin a rafting trip and sleep for the night. The recreation area has seven total campgrounds that are open year-round. The campgrounds do not have potable water, hookups or trash, but they do have vault toilets. Reservations are required. Book now.
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4. The Guadalupe River
Where to Camp: Guadalupe River State Park, Texas
The Guadalupe River is the perfect place for some mellow summer floating—and that’s why Texans flock to the river to go tubing. Outfitters located along the river provide tube rentals and shuttles to and from the put-in and take-out sites, as well as some opportunities to go rafting in the lazy water—a great option for kids. Guadalupe River State Park is located right on the banks of the Guadalupe River and makes a great place to set up camp for the weekend. The campground has 85 water and electric sites and nine walk-in tent sites, as well as restrooms with flush toilets and showers. While the campsites do not have direct access to the river, there are many put-in sites within the park. Book now.
5. The Missouri River
Where to Camp: Missouri Headwaters State Park, Montana
Montana’s Missouri River makes for a great rafting trip during the summer months. Start your float below the dam at Great Falls for 200 miles of uninterrupted river. While the Missouri may appear mild, the strong currents make this river best for sturdy rafts that can withstand the power of the river—tubing is not recommended. To camp along the Missouri River, head to Missouri Headwater State Park. While the park is about a two-hour drive from the unrestricted waters below Great Falls, this upper portion of the river provides a 20-mile section of water that is ideal for floating. The park’s small 17 campsite primitive campground has restrooms, but no showers. A tipi is also available for a unique camping experience and must be reserved in advance. Book now.
6. The Savannah River
Where to Camp: Skidaway Island State Park, Georgia
While kayaking is the most popular way to float the Savannah River, tubing is also an option. The river creates the border of Georgia and South Carolina and empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Savannah where it combines with a large number of tidal creeks and salt marshes. For an easy, relaxing float through ecological beauty and diversity, it’s hard to beat the Savannah River. Located near Savannah, Georgia, Skidaway Island State Park provides great access to the Savannah River, the Atlantic Ocean and Georgia’s Intracoastal Waterway with a boat ramp just 1/4 of a mile from the park. The campground has 87 tent, trailer and RV sites, some of which have sewer hookups in addition to the standard electric and water. Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are also available to campers. Book now.
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7. The Youghiogheny River
Where to Camp: Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
The Youghiogheny River offers a variety of whitewater for all ages and experience levels. The Upper Youghiogheny is great for experienced rafters looking for Class V rapids and beyond. The middle of the river is ideal for beginners, offering gentle Class I and II rapids. The lower river is great for intermediate rafters and has primarily Class III and IV rapids. For central access to all that the river has to offer, book a campsite at Ohiopyle State Park’s Kentuck Campground. This campground has over 200 sites for car camping and 27 walk-in sites that provide more privacy. Many of the campsites have electric hookups, and campers have access to shower houses and a dump station. Book now.
8. The Blue Spring
Where to Camp: Blue Spring State Park, Florida
With water that stays at a steady 72 degrees, Blue Spring in Blue Spring State Park is one of Florida’s best places to go tubing. Tube rentals are available at the park concessionaire. The tube run is short at just 1/8 of a mile, but you’ll float right back to the swimming dock so you can float again and again. The Blue Spring State Park campground is within walking distance to the spring. Campers have 51 campsites to choose from, and all sites have electricity and water. A dump station is available within the park, as are two bathhouses with showers and flush toilets. Book now.
9. The New River
Where to Camp: New River State Park, North Carolina
Offering up some of the best mountain scenery in all of North Carolina, the New River is one of America’s oldest rivers and one of the best places to enjoy a summertime float. A number of outfitters along the New River offer tube rentals, and the river is also a popular place for kayakers and swimmers. The campground at New River State Park is located along the banks of the New River. The park is a base camp for all that the river has to offer, and has paddle-in primitive camping, walk-in tent camping and RV camping. Amenities include flush toilets and hot water showers. Book now.
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10. The Popo Agie River
Where to Camp: Sinks Canyon State Park, Wyoming
The middle fork of Wyoming’s Popo Agie River is the most floated part of the river. The mellow rapids of this section of the Popo Agie make it popular with rafters and kayakers. In the northern part of the river, which runs through Sinks Canyon State Park, rafters will encounter Class V rapids. This section of the river is most suitable for experts who feel comfortable navigating a river with a swift current and boulder fields. For easy access to the northern and middle sections of the Popo Agie River, snag a campsite in Sinks Canyon State Park where several small campsites are scattered along the banks of the river. All of the campgrounds are primitive and best suited for tent campers. Book now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!