How to Camp on a River Rafting Trip

Camping out as part of a whitewater-rafting trip can be an unforgettable experience. Follow these steps to make sure you're properly prepared.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• River Raft First Aid Kits
• Camping Cookwares
• Camping Gear
• River Raft Oars
• River Raft Paddles
• River Raft Repair Kits
• River Rafts
• Sleeping Bags
• Tents With Rain Fly

1. Pack a lantern, flashlight and something to start your campfire.

2. Bring sleeping bags and a tent that comply with local weather conditions.

3. Pack enough food each day for every person (including snacks), easy-to-prepare lunches and something simple to cook in the evening. Aim for 3,000 calories a day per person, with supper being the main meal.

4. Bring water-purification pills or a pump.

5. Stop early enough in the day to set up camp and eat while the sun is still up. If you know the river well, decide on a site before hand, but also have a backup site in mind in case yours is already taken.

6. Pack out all garbage in a plastic bag, and bury human waste. Larger groups may want to consider bringing a portable toilet and packing out human waste as well.

7. Have fun and be careful.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack as lightly as possible, but definitely bring an extra set of warm dry clothes for cooler night hours after a day of rafting.
• To get an early start the next day, pitch your tent or lay your sleeping bags where the sun will hit them early in the morning, not under a tree.
• Secure your raft tightly when you set camp - you don't want to wake to find that it floated away during the night.
• Always wear a life vest when rafting.
• When you find your site, check around for possible hazards and take precautions against them.
• River rafting is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 Go out there and do it! We spent one week on a loch in brilliant weather with a Canadian canoe and although the paddling was hard - it was fatanstic fun and is highly recommended!