The Complete Guide to Canoe Camping

As I am writing this blog entry, the power went out due to a wind storm so I grabbed a book, a lantern and landed on the couch and was half way through a good read when the power snapped back on. It was while the power was out, I realized just how dependent I have become on electronic devices and the internet. Having put in over 80 tech free days this past season on rivers and in the woods. I was reminded why people are looking for these same meaningful experiences. Experiences that are back to the basics, free of distractions and include meaningful time with friends and family and when I say friends, I mean friends in person, not the electronic kind of friend via social media. Most people are looking for an authentic wilderness experience that is not over the top when it comes to being physically demanding and canoe camping can be a great fit. Over the past few summers, I have seen a good increase in those taking part in canoe camping trips, many for the first time! I often have young families that take part in our 3 or 4 day canoe trips on the St. Croix River and Allagash as part of their overall summer vacation while in the northeast. The feedback I receive overwhelmingly is the kids enjoyed the canoe camping part of their vacation the most and the reason being, they were engaged every step of the way, engaged with family members and friends, engaged hands on with paddling, setting up camp, building a fire, swimming, catching a frog, fishing for the first time and the list goes on. It’s like people are rediscovering the outdoors again after a decade or two of too much screen time. What makes canoe camping so appealing, is anyone can do it. While there are some physically demanding canoe trips that require a high level of skill, there are many canoe trips well suited for the novice and first timer. You don’t need to be an athlete in order to take part. I had a grandmother from Texas in her 70s in the bow of my canoe during my last Allagash canoe trip, it was her first canoe trip and she loved it! When planning for a canoe camping trip, here are a few things that you’ll want to consider.

KNOW THYSELF: WHAT IS YOUR CANOE SKILL LEVEL AND ADVENTURE?

When taking part in a guided canoe trip, the guide takes care of all the logistics which usually includes all necessary camping gear, canoes, meals, transportation to and from the river and knowledge of the canoe route and how much time to build in to the daily schedule to get to the next campsite with extra time built in if necessary. First timers are put at ease knowing all the details are taken careful and critical decision making is handled by the guides. But not all can afford a guided canoe trip and others prefer to go on their own. Having good camping and canoeing skills, knowledge of your intended trip, and good judgement are important.

When planning your own canoe camping trip, the internet has a wealth of information to help you with the planning and trip preparation process. Things to consider include your group/families’ skill level and physical abilities? Level of difficulty of the desired trip. Is it a flat-water trip on lakes or an easy flowing river? A trip with some whitewater canoeing with lively water and perhaps a few class II rapids or a solid class II-III whitewater canoeing adventure with lots of lively rapids that require solid paddling skills in moving water? 

How many days are needed including travel to and from the canoe/camping trip? How much and what types of gear will I need? How to keep gear and clothing dry and secure within the canoes? What are the best times to go, spring, summer or fall? How to plan and pack for the right season? I have awakened to snow on the ground and ice in the water pail while guiding Allagash canoe trips in late May and paddled in Snow Squalls in early June on the St. John River.

CANOE CAMPING TRIPS

When planning your trip, you’ll want to know what is available for campsites? Are picnic tables and a fire pit provided? Are campfires allowed and is a fire permit required or will you need to bring a cooking stove? Are advanced reservations necessary? Is there a fee charged for camping and accessing the river or is it on a first come first serve basis? Are outhouses available or is it just pristine camping where you’ll have to dig a cat hole?

Getting There

Can you drive to the launch location or will you need to hire a transport or shuttle service to bring you in? When taking your own vehicle, do you have the right vehicle for the type of road system to get to and from? For example, Maine’s Allagash River trip can involve driving over 100 miles on dirt roads and 10 ply rated tires with 2 good spares and tools to change are recommended. Travel over freshly grated roads and your chances of a flat tire just increased. Many hire a transport service to take them into their launch location, while others pay to have their vehicle moved to trip’s end.  More remote canoe trips may involve flying into the head waters with a float plane which can add significant cost to the trip.  We do trips in northern Quebec that require taking along extra cans of fuel so we can make it back out at trip’s end.

Here is a list of popular river trips of varying degrees of difficulty and duration.

• The Buffalo National River, Arkansas
• Green River, Utah
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail in New England
• The Everglades National Park
• Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine

Let’s take a closer look.

Floating the Buffalo National River, Arkansas

The Buffalo River flows freely for 151 miles offering floats of varying degrees of difficulty and varies from month to month depending upon rainfall. March through June is the typical time for floating the upper Buffalo River.  One of the most popular sections of river is a day float from Steel Creek to Kyles Landing, a distance of 8 miles and can be done in 4-5 hours. This float meanders through the heart of the Ponca Wilderness past towering bluffs, side canyons, and remnants of early settlers. Popular one night and two day trips begin in Woolum and end in Gilbert, 29 miles downstream, two night and three day trips from Grinder’s Ferry to Dillard’s Ferry , 25.7 miles. Campgrounds are available Near Steel Creek and Lyles Landing.   More information here: https://www.nps.gov/buff/index.htm    

 

The Green River, Utah

The Green River offers a great back country flat water canoeing adventure, with great scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is a fantastic trip for families with younger children and no rapids to worry about.  Less busy than the Colorado, with numerous put in and takeout locations, the trip can be 3 days up to two weeks. 

With two main sections; Labyrinth Canyon, the upper section is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Stillwater Canyon is the lower section in Canyonlands National Park.

Labyrinth Canyon is more popular with groups desiring shorter trips and those on a tighter budget. You can launch at Green River State Park and spot a shuttle car at Ruby Ranch or Mineral Bottom for the take-out. The BLM permit is free, but Green River and Ruby Ranch charge nominal fees to use their boat ramps.

Stillwater Canyon is more remote with the only take-out option of hiring a jet boat shuttle from the Confluence to bring you back upstream to Moab on the Colorado River. The NPS also charges permit fees of $30/permit + $30/person. This section is most popular with experienced canoers and those who want to see Canyonlands from the river. A permit is required for all overnight flat-water trips in Canyonlands. More information here: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/flatwater.htm

 

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail 

For the canoe camper looking for an extended canoe trip experience, the NFCT is a 740-mile canoeing trail in the northeastern United States and Canada. The trip begins at Old Forge in the Adirondacks of New York and ends in Fort Kent, northern Maine. The trail also passes through the states and provinces of Vermont, Quebec, and New Hampshire.

Liken to the Appalachian Trail, both are long-distance trails that people will use for day trips or short overnight trips. Many of those who paddle the entire trail will do so in sections. Many sections of the trail are physically demanding with lengthy portages and require a high level of skill to complete.

The trail follows traditional travel routes used by Native American, settlers and guides. It is the longest inland water trail in the nation. It consists of the following:

23 rivers and streams

59 lakes and ponds

45 communities

65 portages (70-plus miles)

For more information about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, visit:  https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/

 

Everglades National Park, Florida

The Everglades National Park offers many paddling opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this park through freshwater marsh, mangrove forests, and the open waters of Florida Bay!

Canoe and kayak trips range from a few hours to several days depending on length and complexity of the trail. You can bring your own canoe or kayak and launch from several locations around the park or rentals are available at the Flamingo Marina or Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Alternatively, you could hire a permitted guide who will outfit your trip and lead your adventure. 

For multi-day trips in Florida Bay and the 10,000 Islands or along the 99 mile wilderness waterway require careful planning, but are well worth the experience. Day Canoe & Kayak Trips include Flamingo's Canoe Trails: These trails (located 38 miles south of the main park entrance in homestead) range from beginner to advanced and can be accessed from launch areas in the Flamingo Marina or along the main park road as you approach Flamingo. Nine Mile Pond: This is a favorite canoe/kayak location easily accessible off the main park road just before you enter the Flamingo district of the park. Hell's Bay - This is a favorite of those wanting to paddle through the mangroves - a bit buggy during the summer season - otherwise a challenging trail but quite popular. Also accessible off the main park road south of the Homestead Entrance. Gulf Coast Paddling Guide - This area of the park is on Florida's west coast, accessible through Everglades City.

Best Times to Camp in the Everglades National Park

Winter is the best season to go. Summers are hot, muggy, and mosquitoes are plentiful.

Feeding wildlife anywhere in the park is prohibited. Use caution around campsites where alligators or other wildlife may have been fed or gained access to human food. If wildlife associate humans with food, they may exhibit more assertive behaviors.

For more information and to plan your Everglades canoe or Kayak trip: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/canoe-and-kayak-trails.htm

 

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway

The upper most section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trip, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a state park and Maine’s only designated wild and Scenic River.  The Allagash is Maine's best-known canoe trip and has attracted paddler's for more than a century. Henry David Thoreau ventured into this region more than 150 years ago by traveling into the Allagash via the Mud Pond Carry from the West Penobscot watershed. Allagash canoe trips are popular with families, scouts, teens, summer camps, as well as adult and youth groups. With its easy flowing river sections and its moderate whitewater on Chase Stream Rapids. It’s one of the few eastern rivers that can be paddled for a week or longer without coming into contact with modern civilization.

Wildlife Viewing opportunities, if you’re hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. It has consistently been Maine’s best canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. With numerous put in and take out locations, outings can be planned from four to ten days or longer. 

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is not a place for the inexperienced person. Lack of experience and poor judgment can lead to considerable discomfort and being submerged in cold water especially early and late in the season can be fatal in a matter of minutes. There are numerous Maine guides and outfitters (Canoe the Wild) that can make your experience safe and memorable. More information here about the Allagash Wilderness Waterway: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/water_activities/aww-river-conditions.shtml

CANOE CAMPING GEAR YOU’LL WANT TO PACK

It is important to know what types of camping gear and clothing you will need for your desired trip and dates. While an early or late trip on the Northern Forest Canoe Trial may involve freezing temperatures, during the summer months temperatures may reach into the upper 90s.  What makes canoe camping so attractive is the room you’ll have for gear and food. When guiding canoe trips on the Allagash and St. Croix river, I bring two large coolers along, the size that fits long ways between the gunnels. One cooler is for frozen foods including breakfast, lunch and dinner meats and fish while the other cooler contains mostly fresh produce and dairy. The larger the group, the more canoes that you can spread around community gear to. It is important to bring your gear in waterproof bags, barrels or trip boxes and properly securing them in your canoe in the event of an upset. Soft packs of various sizes are a great choice as they waterproof your gear and are easy to stow. You’ll want a detailed camping checklist of personal clothing including base and insulating layers of wool and synthetics for warmth, and outer layers for shielding yourself from the sun, wind and rain. Foot ware should provide protection for your feet, have good tread to avoid slipping and falling on rocks. Other items needed include Nestling pots, cooking and eating utensils, camp stove with extra fuel, free standing compact sleeping tents, a group tarp with nylon cords, and a well-stocked first aid kit are necessary items on your trip.  A type III life jacket is recommended and Old Town canoe offers numerous style type III life jackets .

Here is a sample list I provide my canoe guests when packing for a typical week-long canoe trip. Personal gear lists will vary based on seasons, location, type of trip (flat or whitewater) and duration.

Canoe Trip Personal Gear List (7 days, Spring, summer and fall)

• Dry Bag for your personal clothing and sleeping bag (115 liter)
• Dry Bag to use as a day bag (20 or 30 liter)
• Sleeping Pad (closed cell or self-inflating)
• Biodegradable soap
• Sleeping Bag (20 degree F.  bag or warmer, compact and packable)
• Quality rain coat & rain pants
• 2 Warm synthetic or wool tops for cool weather.
• Long underwear (top & bottom lightweight, synthetic or polypropylene are best)
• Knit or felt hat in case of cold or rainy weather
• Heavy duty Crocks for around the campsite
• Hiking boots for around the campsite and short hikes (This pair you will never want to wear on the river so as to prevent having both pairs of shoes getting wet!)
• 1 pair of river shoes for canoeing and wading WITH GOOD TRACTION AND PROPER FITTING (Old sneakers with smart wool socks or similar)
• 2 quick drying pants (synthetic is best, no jeans as they don't dry well when wet)
• 3-4 pair wool socks (synthetic or wool is best...smart wool)
• 2 pair cotton socks
• 3-4 pair underwear (at least 2 are synthetic)
• 4 undershirts (at least two are synthetic)
• 1 quick drying long sleeve shirt light in color (bugs and sun). Avoid navy blue, brown and black colors...these colors attract bugs. Note: bugs should not be bad during July and August unless it has been rainy followed by warm weather.
• 1 compact towel
• 1 pair shorts
• Swim suit
• Hat with visor (sun)
• Sunblock
• 1 bandanna
• Small flashlight or headlamp (extra batteries)
• Personal toiletries: toothpaste & brush, deodorant.
• Several gallon size ziploc bags to organize stuff in
• Pocket knife or one that you wear in a sheath on your belt
• 2-Wide mouth personal water bottles (quart size or similar, stainless steel, plastic or Lexan...no glass)

OPTIONAL GEAR LIST

• ( ) Fishing gear ( ) camera ( ) lip balm ( ) lotion ( ) Medications ( ) spare eye glasses ( ) bug net ( ) Paddling gloves ( ) extra set of base layer with heavy wool socks and knit hat for sleeping in

Sample Master Gear Check List

___Canoes

___Paddles

___Rescue Throw Bag

___Z Drag kit (all trips beyond fat water trips)

___Kitchen Box (with separate list)

___Food Boxes or barrels

___Tents

___Tarp

___Folding Chairs

___Dish Wash Kit

___Fry Pan

___Drinking water

___Roll up table

___Grate

___Grill

___Axe

___Saw

___Camp Shovel

___Toilet Paper

___Life-jackets

___Tool Repair kit and spare parts

___Bailers

___Lashing Straps/cords

___Water Filtration & Spare filter

___First Aid Kit

___Sleeping Pads

___Large River Bags

___Day Bag

___Paperwork (Maps & permits)

___Camera in hard case

___Cooler

___Frozen water jugs or block ice

___In Reach Sat. Communicator

___ Meals (separate list)

Note: Bringing fresh foods in a cooler allows you to eat quite well. Our Canoe the Wild trip meals include fresh fruits, vegetables, slaw mixes, fish and meats. For trips with lengthy portages, lighten the load by leaving the bulky hard sided cooler at home and plan a menu with more dried and dehydrated foods. Another option is to bring a soft pack cooler with shoulder carrying straps for the portage trail. Freeze all steaks, fish, meats for sauces, breakfast and sandwich meats and you’ll eat quite well. Depending on the time of year and temperatures, don’t plan on more than 2 or 3 days with the soft pack as your ice will melt much quicker than a hard-sided cooler. 

THE BEST CAMPING CANOE FOR YOUR TRIP

Now let’s take a look at what you might need to bring along on such a trip. Choosing the right canoe, in an earlier bog entry, I discussed Old Town’s durable Discovery 169 Canoe with comfortable and durable nylon web seats, ash carrying yoke and thwart, vinyl gunwales, comfortable carrying handles, extremely durable three-layer polyethylene. With a slight rocker, it’s a great choice for flat water, class I-III whitewater river trips and you can put a good load in it. Read my earlier blog about this great canoe.

If you need more information about taking part in a guided canoe trip, Dave Conley can be reached at 207-448-2743 or send him an email at dave@canoethewild.com