What To Know About White Water Rafting In The Catskills

The Catskills is a region full of beautiful things to see and adventurous things to do. From challenging hikes to beautiful waterfalls, scenic lakes, laid-back towns, and relaxing campgrounds, adventurers to this part of New York will enjoy an exciting time in nature. While in the Catskills, adventurers should also ensure to engage in the exciting whitewater rafting as it is both thrilling and refreshing. With several water bodies featuring exciting rapids along the scenery, those visiting this region will enjoy a unique whitewater rafting experience. Before one can enjoy this activity, however, here are some things to know.

What To Expect

White water rafting in the Catskills is a great way to see the scenery surrounding the region. There are multiple rivers with rapids that are great for this activity. While hiking is a great way to see the scenery of this region, white water rafting will have adventurers seeing the region in a whole new way. One thing to note about white water rafting in the Catskills is that most rivers offer relaxing floats, but that does not mean that there are no places to enjoy some thrilling rapids. Some spots for white water rafting in the region will only feature class III rapids during spring or summer after heavy rain as the water levels increase during this period. Nevertheless, if one seeks to take on some of the most exciting whitewater rapids like those in Costa Rica and around the world, the Catskills Region is a great place to get started.

While water rafting in the Catskills, adventurers can enjoy a meal while taking in the views or stop to picnic beside the river. With the river’s gentle currents, adventurers can also dive into the water and enjoy a cool swim during the summer heat.

Best Spots For White Water Rafting In The Catskills

White water rafting in the Catskills is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Most of the rivers in this region feature calm rapids that will have one floating peacefully through the river while catching views of the surrounding lush vegetation and the towering mountains. For some of the best white water rafting experiences in the Catskills, check out these spots.

Esopus Creek

Located between Allaben and Phoenicia, this part of Esopus Creek is popular for white water rafting as it features some exciting rapids and great scenery. Here, paddlers will have to paddle away from large rocks positioned on the river while floating on the water, which can produce class III rapids after heavy rainfall.

Delaware River

Different sections of the Delaware river offer different white water rafting experiences, although most of them offer relaxing floats that are perfect for beginners. With several reservoirs flowing into the river, there’s always a flow as well as a combination of gentle waves and challenging rapids. Several tour companies and campgrounds offer white water rafting experiences on this river and also other water activities such as – kayaking, tubing, fly-fishing, and swimming.

Zoom Flume Water Park

The largest water park in the Catskills is an exciting place for all kinds of water activities one can think of. Here, adventurers can also engage in exciting white water rafting as the park features rivers and pools that are great for a relaxing float.

Related: 10 Hiking Trails Through The Catskills Perfect For Any Skill Level

Campgrounds That Offer White Water Rafting Opportunities In The Catskills

Campgrounds in the Catskills do not just offer spots for camping. Many of them also offer great opportunities to enjoy other activities such as kayaking, tubing, fishing, hiking, and also white water rafting adventures. For starters, here are some campgrounds to visit in the Catskills for white water rafting opportunities.

Jerrys Three River Campground

With numerous camping sites for RVs and tents and a wide variety of RV hookups, Jerry’s Three River Campground is a great place to camp and also enjoy some exciting river adventures. The campground offers white water rafting trips on the Upper Delaware river, and the scenery makes it worth doing.

Related: Camping In The Catskills: A Guide On How & Where

Soaring Eagle Campground

The Soaring Eagle Campground offers camping for RVs, tents, and trailers and some exciting water activities, including – fishing and kayaking. The campground helps adventurers organize white water rafting trips that will have them enjoying the relaxing float of the Delaware river while wading through lush surrounding forests.

Roscoe Campsite Park

Roscoe Campsite Park is a great place to enjoy exceptional camping and lots of exciting outdoor activities, from hiking, and fishing, to kayaking, river tubing, and white water rafting. The campsite offers rentals of Kayaks, boats, canoes, and tubes that can be used to float through the scenic river in front of the park.