Shenandoah River 2 & 3 Day Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Escape on a delightful overnight camping trip on the Shenandoah River!
Shenandoah River Canoe & Kayak Rentals near harpers ferry, WV
Multi-Day Shenandoah River Camping Trip
- Fun & Relaxing Paddling: Navigate a fun mix of small rapids, gentle ledges, and calm, mellow water sections through the Shenandoah Valley.
- Wildlife & Fishing on the Shenandoah River: Spot bald eagles, blue herons, osprey, and egrets, or bring a fishing pole to catch bass.
- Unplug & Recharge: Enjoy plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and peaceful solitude.
- Water Levels: During low-water periods, guests may need to step out of their canoes and briefly portage (carry or drag) through shallow areas.
- Single Kayaks may be rented for groups with uneven numbers but make sure you have enough space for your gear.
Safety & Preparedness
- Stay Self-Sufficient: Pack all necessary gear, food, and water for your 2 to 3 days on the water.
- Know Your Limits: Paddle safely and within your skill level to avoid capsizing, as recovering a boat fully loaded with camping gear is challenging.
- Weather Readiness: Be prepared to handle sudden thunderstorms and know how to safely wait out the weather on shore.
- Cost of Evacuation: Please note that a $250 fee will be charged for any non-emergency evacuation.
New Trip Offering Coming Soon!
Get ready for an easy 6.5-mile overnight paddle on the Potomac River—the perfect, stress-free getaway for those looking for a relaxing weekend adventure. Currently this trip is offered as a 2-3 hour paddle on the Potomac.
Trip Info
- Dates: April - October
- Difficulty: Novice: Class I-II mellow water, riffles, & ledges
- Duration: 2 or 3 days
- Price: $148-$198/person
- Includes: Canoe or Kayak Rentals, Paddles, PFDs, River Maps, Packing List, Shuttle
- Location: (Harpers Ferry HQ location - Cary Lu Circle)
- Minimum Age/Weight: 7 years old and 50lbs if riding with experienced paddlers. Novice paddlers ok for boats with no kids in them.
- Trip: Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Trip Details
> Rental Trip Put -in and Take Out:
- Starts above Harpers Ferry, West Virginia at Rt 50 and runs to Moulton Park
- River & Trail provides the shuttle to put-in and from take-out back to your car.
>Shuttle:
- You will be parked at our Harpers Ferry Headquarters.
- You will be shuttled back to your car at the end of the trip.
- Check-in: 9:00am, Depart for the river: 9:30am
- Shuttle Arrival at Take Out: 4:00pm pickup
>Distance:
- First day 15 miles
- Second day 14 miles
- 5-6.5 hours paddling each day
>Camping:
- Night 1:
- River islands around Rt. 7 bridge are available for individuals during low water.
- Customers will need to bring all necessary items, water, food, etc…
- River islands are primitive camping and may require some bush-whacking to clear a space. Be sure to bring a hatchet or machete!
>Pricing:
- $145- $148/person
- Boat rentals include Boat, paddles, PFDs, and 2 way shuttle. Canoes are the boats of choice for carrying gear. Single kayaks can be added for groups with odd numbers.
- Plus 6% sales tax + $3/person user fee
- If fishing: For this trip, both WV and VA fishing licenses are needed.
> Rental Trip Put -in and Take Out:
- Starts above Harpers Ferry, West Virginia at Morgan’s Ford and runs to Moulton Park
- River & Trail provides the shuttle to put-in and from take-out back to your car.
>Shuttle:
- Your car will be parked at our Harpers Ferry Headquarters.
- You will be shuttled back to your car at the end of the trip.
- Check-in: 9:00am, Depart for the river: 9:30am
- Shuttle Arrival at Take Out: 4:00pm pickup
>Camping:
- Night 1:
- First night camp at Burwell Island. Around 11 miles.
- Night 2:
- River islands around Rt. 7 bridge are available for individuals during low water.
- Customers will need to bring all necessary items, water, food, etc…
- River islands are primitive camping and may require some bush-whacking to clear a space. Be sure to bring a hatchet or machete!
>Pricing:
- $195- $198/person
- Boat rentals include Boat, paddles, PFDs, and 2 way shuttle. Canoes are the boats of choice for carrying gear. Single kayaks can be added for groups with odd numbers.
- Plus 6% sales tax + $3/person user fee
- If fishing: For this trip, both WV and VA fishing licenses are need
For Shenandoah Canoe & Kayak 2 or 3 Day River Trip
Your specific needs will vary depending on the length of your trip and your camping plans. Be sure to pack everything you’ll need for the full duration of your trip.
Download this packing list in a PDF: Overnight Canoe Trip Packing List with helpful phone #s.
- Maps and River & Trail’s important phone numbers in waterproof case
- Cell phone in protective bag
- Matches/lighter/fire starter in waterproof container
- Knife or multi-tool and a hatchet for clearing camp space on islands
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Water bottles (2 liters per person per day for drinking and extra for cooking, cleaning, & personal hygiene)
- If you’re not bringing a full supply of water (2 liters per person per day for drinking) be sure to bring a water treatment method.
- Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
- Tent, tarp, hammock or bivy sack
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Meals and snacks
- Cooler (with ice)
- Stove and fuel – test before you leave
- Cookset and utensils
- Dishes, bowls and cups
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper and sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Packable lantern
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Water Shoes
- Moisture wicking / sun protective clothing
Overnight Shenandoah River Camping: 2 and 3 Day Options
This multi day canoeing or kayaking river trip on the Shenandoah River upriver from Harper’s Ferry WV is a delightful way to escape the city and the suburbs for fresh air, and active adventure! The 2 day trip is 29 miles and floats the lower section of the Shenandoah River, from Rt 50 to Moulton Park. The 3 day trip is 40 miles and floats the Shenandoah River from Morgan’s Ford to Moulton Park.
River & Trail recommends that people participating in canoe and kayak rentals have basic knowledge of how to steer and navigate class 2 rapids the craft they are renting. For first timers, we recommend park & paddle, our half day rental on the Potomac or our guided Sunset Paddle.
For more information on our other trips on the Potomac River, Shenandoah River, and Antietam Creek, check out our kayak and canoe rentals page.
