Shenandoah River 2 & 3 Day Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Escape the city or suburbs on a delightful overnight camping trip on the Shenandoah River!
Shenandoah River Canoe & Kayak Rentals near harpers ferry, WV
Kayakers and canoeists will enjoy this novice paddle and wilderness overnight camping trip on the Shenandoah River above Harpers Ferry. This trip is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and groups.
As you paddle this scenic river, you will find yourself navigating small rapids and ledges as well as paddling through mellow water sections, allowing for relaxation and play. In your canoe or kayak, you will wind your way down river through the scenic Shenandoah Valley, nestled between the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains.
Paddling trips on the Shenandoah often include wildlife sightings of birds such as blue heron, osprey, egrets, and sometimes bald eagles. You can bring your fishing pole or just enjoy watching the fish jump around you. Canoers and kayakers will enjoy the solitude, relaxation, fishing, and sunbathing opportunities along this winding and beautiful stretch of the Shenandoah River.
**During low water periods, guests may have to get out of their canoes and portage some areas of the river. **
Trip Info
- Dates: April - October
- Difficulty: Novice: Class I-II mellow water, riffles, & ledges
- Duration: 2 or 3 days
- Price: $145-$195/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:
- Customer cars get parked at our Harpers Ferry Headquarters.
- Customers will be shuttled back to their cars 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/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 + $2.50/person user fee
- If fishing: For this trip, both WV and VA fishing licenses are needed.
- Non-profits should inquire about weekday special
> 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:
- Customer cars get parked at our Harpers Ferry Headquarters.
- Customers will be shuttled back to their cars 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/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 + $2.50/person user fee
- If fishing: For this trip, both WV and VA fishing licenses are needed.
- Non-profits should inquire about weekday specials
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: River & Trail -Planning Your Multi Day Shenandoah River Camping Trip 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.
