Summer Camps · Colorado

Summer Camp Rafting

Reliable, High-Quality Rafting Experiences for Camp Programs

When you’re running a summer camp, you’re trusting us with the campers in your care, your camp’s reputation, and an experience that needs to go right every single time. River Runners has worked with camps for decades, and we understand what matters most: dependable trips, smooth coordination, and experiences campers will remember.

Recommended Trip Options for Summer Camps

We’ll match your camp to the right trip based on camper ages, abilities, and program goals. Whether you need a one-time outing or recurring weekly programming, we offer guaranteed space and set group rates.

Buena Vista

Family Float Beginner Rafting Trip

Mild rapids, easy paddling, and wildlife viewing—ideal for young kids, beginners, and families seeking a calm adventure.

Buena Vista

Numbers Whitewater Rafting Trip

Tackle Colorado’s most intense whitewater stretch—continuous, technical rapids deliver nonstop excitement perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Cañon City

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Beginner Rafting Trip

Fun class III (IV) rapids that are ideal for families and first-timers, featuring scenic desert views and frequent wildlife sightings.

Cañon City

Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip

Thrilling Class IV (V) rapids beneath towering cliffs and the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge—Colorado’s top rafting experience.

Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

Family-friendly Class III (IV) rapids through spectacular granite cliffs in Colorado’s scenic Browns Canyon National Monument.

Not sure where to start? Tell us about your camp, and we’ll help you figure out what works.

Group Pricing & Logistics

Summer camp pricing is based on trip length, group size, and date. We offer set group rates, tiered pricing for larger groups, and can coordinate recurring weekly trips with guaranteed space and locked-in scheduling.

For camps with buses, our Buena Vista basecamp has easy parking and streamlined arrivals. After the trip, campers can gather at The Beach for lunch or snacks, making the transition smooth before loading back on the bus.

5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor And Google!

Trusted by Camp Directors Across Colorado

"We've been bringing our camp here for five years. The coordination is seamless, the guides know our campers, and the experience is consistently excellent. That's why we keep coming back."

— Camp Director, Colorado

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 951 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jc Connell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time and our guide Shawn was awesome!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cecilia Green 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolute ahhhmazing experience today.  We had Noah as our tour guide and could not have asked for a better time.  Thank You!   Everything was well explained and the conversations were so helpful and informative as we rafted.   Would recommend coming here for any age and stage in life.  There were little people on other rafts in our group that did wonderful too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jakob Ekelöw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guide! Great river! everyone should do it! Thanks Jayson!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Neil Lacey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Enjoyed a great whitewater rafting trip with River Runners near Buena Vista. The River guide Shaun was excellent- he made the trip fun. He was a great coach in guiding us down River. Had a great experience with Courtney in making my trip reservation. They also recently opened a restaurant on the property and serve awesome fish tacos. Check out River Runners for an exciting and fun day on the water!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   River Runners 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AWESOME TIME! Eryn is the best guide ever. She is the best guide I have ever seen, wow!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shawn McMillan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an awesome trip!! Our guide, "Dodge", was very nice, instructive, professional, kind, and honestly just fun to be with. I highly recommend for anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I very rarely leave reviews, but we had an awesome run with Tay! She was easily the best guide I've ever rafted with, including my past runs on other rivers in Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina & Georgia. Literally everyone in the boat had a blast, kids and adults included! We will definitely ask for her again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelsey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been coming to River Runners yearly for almost a decade. It’s one of the highlights of our summer! The guides are ALL fantastic (Ask for William, also known as Mr Pancake), knowledgeable, safe, and entertaining. It's a GREAT activity for families and adults, the scenery is stunning.

Planning Details

Have questions about safety, logistics, or whether rafting is right for your campers? We’ve got you covered.

Safety is our top priority. All trips are led by certified guides trained specifically for youth groups. Every camper gets a thorough safety orientation, proper gear (wetsuits, helmets, PFDs), and we’ll match your group to the appropriate river section based on ages and abilities.

If you have campers with specific needs (medical conditions, varying abilities, behavioral considerations) we’re happy to discuss accommodations. Call us at (719) 395-2466.

We work with campers from elementary through high school. Age requirements depend on the trip and current river conditions:

Family Float (Class II): Ages 3+ — calm water, ideal for younger campers
Browns Canyon & Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Class III-IV): Ages 6+ — our most popular camp trips
Happy Hour (Class III-IV): Ages 12+ — exciting intermediate rapids
Advanced trips (Class IV-V): Ages 14+ — for older campers seeking bigger thrills

We’ll help you choose the right trip based on your campers’ ages and your program goals. Age requirements may adjust during the high water season (typically mid-June), so it’s best to discuss timing when you reach out.

Absolutely. Many camps work with us for weekly or bi-weekly programming throughout the summer. We can lock in your dates, guarantee space, coordinate schedules, and handle the logistics so you’re not starting from scratch each week.

Camp trips book quickly, especially during peak summer weeks (late June through early August). For recurring weekly trips throughout the summer, early planning is essential. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. This is not always the case; especially during peak season and on weekends.

Ratios depend on the trip and age group, but we maintain industry-standard (and often better) ratios to ensure safety and quality experience. For youth groups, we typically run smaller raft groups to maintain closer supervision.

We’ll provide detailed pre-trip information once you book, but the essentials are:

Clothes that can get wet (synthetic or quick-dry)
Secure footwear (no flip-flops)
Sunscreen
Towel and dry clothes for after

We provide all rafting gear (wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, PFDs).

Once you submit a quote request, our team will follow up to confirm camper ages, group size, preferred dates, discuss recurring trip options if relevant, and answer questions about safety and coordination. There’s no obligation: just helpful guidance from people who’ve worked with hundreds of camps.

If you’re still unsure, reach out. We’re happy to walk you through it.

Two outposts, one operation.

One on Highway 285 in Buena Vista, one on Highway 50 in Cañon City. Same guide standards on both sides.

Highway 285 · Buena Vista

Buena Vista Outpost

Browns Canyon, The Numbers, Family Float, Happy Hour, overnights, kayaking & tubing.

Colorado Springs

1h 45m

Denver

2h 15m

Vail

1h 30m

Breckenridge

1h 15m

Salida

30m

Highway 50 · Cañon City

Cañon City Outpost

Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep Canyon, beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Colorado Springs

50m

Pueblo

45m

Denver

2h 30m

Salida

1h

More than 50 years on this water.

Since 1972

Longer than any other commercial outfitter on the Arkansas. We were the first company to run paddle boats through the Royal Gorge.

Travelers' Choice 2025

Top 10% of attractions on TripAdvisor based on guest reviews — earned, not bought.

Certified Guides

Every guide holds Swiftwater Rescue, CPR, and First Aid certifications at minimum. Most have run this water for 5+ seasons.

Two Outposts, One Operation

Buena Vista for Browns Canyon and The Numbers. Cañon City for Royal Gorge and Bighorn Sheep. Same standards on both sides.

AROA

America Outdoors

CROA

Leave No Trace

Get A Group Quote

Ready to start planning? Share a few details about your event and we’ll help build the right experience.

*48hr cancellation policy on all trips

Summer Camp Rafting

Recommended Trip Options for Summer Camps

Buena Vista

Family Float Beginner Rafting Trip

Buena Vista

Numbers Whitewater Rafting Trip

Cañon City

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Beginner Rafting Trip

Cañon City

Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip

Buena Vista

Browns Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

Group Pricing & Logistics

Trusted by Camp Directors Across Colorado

Planning Details

Two outposts, one operation.

Buena Vista Outpost

1h 45m

2h 15m

1h 30m

1h 15m

30m

Cañon City Outpost

50m

45m

2h 30m

1h

More than 50 years on this water.

Since 1972

Travelers' Choice 2025

Certified Guides

Two Outposts, One Operation

Get A Group Quote

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