Trip Recommender
AVA has numerous options for overnight rafting in Colorado. You can do a standard rafting overnight, or mix it up and try our one of our overnight fly fishing trips for a different adventure! On our overnight trips, you will spend a day rafting, settle in for a delicious meal prepared by your guides, relax riverside, and camp under the stars, waking up for an exciting next day on the river. We’ll take care of meals, gear, and all the logistics… your only requirement is to make lasting memories!
LOCATION: Buena Vista, CO
ACTIVITIES: Overnight & Multiday Rafting
DURATION: Overnight Multiday
DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (moderate)
RIVER RATING: Class III
MINIMUM AGE: 7 years old
PRICE: from $339 Ages 13+
from $329 Ages 7-12
LOCATION: Kremmling, CO
ACTIVITIES: Overnight & Multiday Rafting
DURATION: Overnight Multiday
DIFFICULTY: Level 2 (mild)
RIVER RATING: Class II
MINIMUM AGE: 8 years old
PRICE: from $339 Ages 13+
from $309 Ages 5-12
LOCATION: Cortez, CO
ACTIVITIES: Overnight & Multiday Rafting
DURATION: Overnight Multiday
DIFFICULTY: Level 4 (exciting)
RIVER RATING: Class III
MINIMUM AGE: 10 years old
PRICE: from $699 for ages 10+
In addition to a change of clothes and toiletries for your overnight camping experience, we recommend bringing a few other items to maximize comfort on your overnight trip. These include sunscreen, lip balm, a water bottle, headlamp, hat, sunglasses, a small pillow, closed toed shoes for rafting, and extra footwear to wear at camp. Please check your confirmation email for other details about your rafting and camping trip and what to bring.
Wearing layers and bringing options for warm days and cool nights will set you up for success on your overnight rafting experience. Don't forget these necessities:
· Clothes/swimsuit under your wet-suit
· Shorts/T-shirt
· Long Pants/Long Sleeve Shirt
· Rain jacket/Fleece Jacket
· Underwear/Extra socks
On an overnight rafting trip with AVA, all of your food, overnight gear, and the adventure itself are included. The only thing you need is an extra pair of clothes and a sleeping bag! We also have sleeping bags available for rent if you do not have. We additionally provide wetsuits, PFDs, splash jackets, and all other rafting equipment.
Breakfast/ lunch/ dinner occurring during your rafting and camping trip will be prepared for you. Bring additional snacks and water. Adult beverages are welcome (NO GLASS). Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please check your individual trip for exact meal details.
You will be sleeping in tents with sleeping bags/ sleeping pads under the breathtaking Colorado stars! Sleeping bags are available for rent or you can bring your own.
No, there will not be showers on your camping experience, so expect to get a little dirty! It is unlikely that you will get muddy river water on your clothes or skin unless you roll around on the side of the riverbank. Although no showers will be available, it is recommended to bring along a bottle of biodegradable soap and a wash cloth to wash off some grime while at camp. You can always opt for the good ole polar plunge into the river to wash off.
Everyone always wonders where you use the restroom while camping on the river. A groover system is used for solid waste, consisting of a toilet seat on a tripod stool (Typically an amazing view comes along with it!) As for liquid waste you will be asked to pee on the ground or in the river a short distance away from camp. While on the river, rafters will be given a “poop kit” for mid-day needs.
Expect to wake up around 7:00am-7:30am to enjoy coffee/ hot beverages while your guide prepares a delicious breakfast for you. You will pack up camp and get back out on the river between 9:00am and 10:00am. You’ll spend the morning rafting then pull over riverside for lunch. Expect to be on the river until about 3:00pm-5:00pm. Feel free to bring some riverside games (Frisbees/Deck of Cards/ Fishing Poles) for entertainment while at camp. Dinner and dessert will be served around the campfire (Barring any fire restrictions)
You may encounter a variety of weather while on your overnight rafting trip. Expect periods of rain (heavy at times). River corridors tend to be windy so dress for it! The best way to prepare is to pack enough clothing to keep you warm and dry, on and off the river. Be ready for the weather to change drastically throughout your trip. As the saying goes in Colorado... “If you don’t like the weather, wait about 10 minutes!”
Difficulty of your overnight rafting trip: When choosing an overnight trip, be sure to check the rapids classification, keeping in mind minimum age, swimming ability and fitness levels of your group. Read more about how we rate rapids and rivers on our Rafting page.
Best time of the summer to raft: Water levels fluctuate based on snow melt in Colorado. High water usually occurs early to mid-June. Low flows are typically in late August. Minimum ages may be raised due to high water. Check our River Conditions page for updates on water levels for each river!
Length of multi-day trips: Trips and camping experiences can last anywhere from 2 days to 10 days. Most people underestimate the comfortability of camping and how much it will actually relax you to unplug and connect with nature.
Camping or Lodging: You will camp on the river under the stars during these overnight rafting trips. Your guides will help you set up camp, making it a comfortable and fun space for you to hang out in the evening!
