Reservations are highly encouraged, especially on weekends and holidays when trips frequently sell out. Making a reservation secures your departure time, boat type, and shuttle seat, and allows for a faster check-in process so you can spend more time on the river. Walk-ins are welcome when availability allows, but boats cannot be guaranteed without a reservation.

Yes. Full payment is required at the time of booking in order to hold your boats and/or campsite.

The trip time you book is your departure time, not your arrival time.
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. On Saturdays and holidays, we recommend arriving 30-45 minutes early. Late arrival may result in a change to your trip time or availability.

• 11+ days prior to arrival: You may reschedule within the same season or receive a credit for a future date
• 10 days or fewer prior to arrival: No refunds or credits are issued unless Trip Cancellation Protection was purchased
• No refunds or credits are issued for no-call/no-shows
• Once parked at your campsite or on the river, there are no refunds or credits issued for any reason

If Trading Post Outfitters cancels or modifies trips due to unsafe river or weather conditions, you will be offered a credit for a future trip.

Trip Cancellation Protection allows you to cancel your reservation for any reason prior to arrival and receive a full refund, minus the protection fee. The cost is 15% of your total trip price and must be selected at booking. You must choose this option at the original time of booking, it cannot be added on at a later date/time.

We’re not afraid of a little rain here at TPO, so we will run trips in the rain. However, if river levels aren’t fit for paddlers or if there is a chance of high winds, thunder/lightning that we see as unsafe for our customers, we may postpone your trip to a later date or time. If you’re thinking the weather looks questionable, please always check our social media pages & website for news & updates, or give us a call at the office.

We always place safety as a priority. There are times where weather is a challenge, but usually this is only temporary and doesn’t last long. TPO reserves the right to delay the start of your trip due to weather. We try to keep delays to a minimum, but safety is our first concern.

If inclement weather or river conditions show significant risk, we reserve the right to issue a credit for a future trip, offer a similar trip instead, or issue a refund. Refunds are issued ONLY if Trip Cancellation Protection has been purchased.

We rent high-quality canoes and kayaks from trusted brands including Wenonah, Old Town, Jackson Kayak, Ocean Kayak, and Mad River Canoe.

• Single kayaks (1 person)
• Tandem kayaks (2 people)
• Canoes (2 adults + optional child middle rider under 70 lbs)

All kayaks are sit-on-top models for stability and ease of use.

We offer five river trips ranging from 4 to 16 miles.

• West Trips (4 & 7 miles): Wider, calmer sections of the river — great for families and beginners
• East Trips (10, 13 & 16 miles): More winding and technical, longer trips, best for experienced paddlers or adventurous guests

For more information on river trips, visit our River Trips page. 

Trip length varies based on water level, paddling pace, and stops along the way.

• 4-mile trip: ~2–3 hours
• 7-mile trip: ~3–4 hours
• 10–13 mile trips: Half-day to full-day experiences
• 16 mile trip: Full day experience, at least 8 hours

We recommend anticipating extra time to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery.

Yes, definitely! Our West Trips are most beginner-friendly and are ideal for first-time paddlers. Our staff will provide instructions, safety guidance, and proper equipment to help you feel confident before you hit the water.

Families and first-time paddlers typically enjoy our West Trips best.

• 4-mile Nasby Dam trip: Perfect for families with younger children; no portaging required
• 7-mile Curtis Creek trip: Adds scenic bends, a few more rocks, and an additional ~1 hr of paddling time over the 4 mile trip

For the calmest and most enjoyable family experience, we recommend visiting Sunday–Friday, as Saturdays are our busiest days.

• Minimum age: 3 years old and 30 lbs
• Child middle riders (canoes only): Under 10 years old and under 70 lbs

Weight limits (including gear):

• Single kayak: 300 lbs
• Tandem kayak: 450 lbs
• Canoe: 500 lbs

If you have concerns, please contact us before booking.

Indiana state law requires:

• All paddlers age 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times
• Ages 13+ must have a life jacket on the boat at all times

Life jackets are included with all rentals.

Life jackets and paddles are included with all boat rentals. If you bring your own boat, we have a limited number of rental paddles and life jackets available for a fee, please call ahead to confirm availability.

Yes. Personal boats are welcome Sunday–Friday with our shuttle service, which includes launch/takeout, transportation, parking, and use of our facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure bus seating.

Registered campers may launch or take out personal boats on our property without using shuttle service.

• Styrofoam containers or coolers
• Glass bottles
• Illegal drugs

Please practice Leave No Trace. Littering or prohibited items may result in fines.

For our rental operations, pets are prohibited on our boats & shuttle buses. If you have your own boat & are using your own vehicles to shuttle, this does not apply.

Well-behaved, vaccinated pets are welcome in the campground only and must be kept on a leash. Pets are not allowed in boats or on shuttle buses. Guests arriving for river trips with pets will not be able to paddle.

Yes, as long as it is not styrofoam and contains no glass. Canoes accommodate most coolers best; kayaks are best suited for small, soft-sided coolers.

No, we do not offer tube rentals. The Pigeon River is best experienced by kayak or canoe due to changing water levels and conditions, bends, and dams.

Alcohol laws vary by jurisdiction and enforcement. Alcohol is not prohibited on the Pigeon River, but paddlers are responsible for knowing and following all local and state regulations. Intoxication, unsafe behavior, or littering will not be tolerated.

We operate in light rain, but unsafe conditions such as high winds, lightning, or dangerous river levels may result in a delay, reschedule, or cancellation. Safety is always our top priority. Be sure to check our website and social media for updates, or call our office if weather looks questionable on the day of your trip.

Our single kayaks fit just 1 person & our double kayaks fit 2 people. Our kayaks do NOT accommodate any child middle riders or lap children.

Our canoes are made for 2 adult-sized paddlers. Each canoe can accommodate 1 child middle rider, as long as that child is between 30 & 70 lbs.

Yes. We have a heated bathhouse with two showers, two restrooms, and two changing rooms. Additional portable restrooms are located throughout the campground as well.

Campsite check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Early check-in requests must be made prior to arrival and are subject to availability, not guaranteed.

Yes. During online checkout or when booking by phone, you may request a preferred campsite. While we do our best to accommodate site requests, placement is subject to availability. You’ll be contacted if there is a conflict with your requested site.

A standard campsite accommodates:

• One camper trailer + two vehicles or
• Two tents + two vehicles

All vehicles and gear must fit on your site. There is no overflow parking. Group sites or booking multiple sites are available for larger parties.

Well-behaved, vaccinated pets are welcome in the campground only and must be kept on a leash. Pets are not allowed in boats or on shuttle buses. Guests arriving for river trips with pets will not be able to paddle.

No. Generators are not permitted in order to maintain a peaceful campground environment.

Yes. Primitive sites are best for hammocking, though some electric sites can accommodate hammocks as well. Please note this request when booking.