Paddle and Overnight Camping Trip
Sleep riverside, Wake up to the Smell of Wood Smoke and Frying Bacon
overnight paddling/camping trip
Hannah Ford paddle & Camp Trip
Day 1: 8 Miles/3 hour Paddle day 2: Option 1: Direct pick up from campsite. Option 2: Paddle & Camp same section again
$70.00 per adult (age 18+)
$65.00 per youth (age 4-17)
Book Your Hannah ford paddle & Camp
island Ford paddle & Camp Trip
Day 1: 8 Miles/3 hour Paddle day 2: 2 miles/1 hour paddle
$70.00 per adult (age 18+)
$65.00 per youth (age 4-17)
Book Your island ford paddle & Camp
Hap Simpson paddle & Camp Trip
Day 1: 8 Mile/3 hour Paddle day 2: 12 miles/5 hour paddle
$90.00 per adult (age 18+)
$85.00 per youth (age 4-17)
Book Your Hap simpson paddle & Camp
CAmpground rental information
Have your own boats and just need to rent a paddle in campsite?
CampsiteS- $15.00 per person
Looking to rent the entire campground for a group camping trip or event?
You can rent our entire campsite – $275 for 24 hour rental
to Book Your campsite or entire campground please call 828-877-3106
Campground Amenities:
Our campground is a gated, primitive, riverside, paddle-in private campground. There are no RV hookups, electricity, bath house or showers. Designated fire-pits, charcoal grills, and picnic tables are available at each campsite. There is a shared potable water spicket located onsite. A porta-john will be onsite April thru October and is cleaned weekly. We recommend bringing extra sanitary supplies for your group. No vehicles are allowed at the campground overnight unless your group has rented the entire campground. With approved access vehicles are allowed to drive in and drop off camping gear after your trip check in. Overnight parking is located at a secure separate location. If you are planning a multi-night French Broad Paddle Trail camping trip please contact us regarding shuttles and extended overnight parking options.
You are responsible for packing out all trash and recycling. Please practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay with us. In order to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters please help us keep the campground clean and in a natural state!
Trip Rates Include:
Canoe or kayak, life jacket, paddle, shuttle service to and from the river, a river map, river information & safety orientation, secure offsite overnight parking, and use of camping facilities at our private Hannah Ford Campground and river access.
Trip Rates Do Not Include:
Camping gear and equipment, food and water supplies, firewood (available for purchase at shop), gratuity for river hosts and/or shuttle drivers.
Paddle & Camping Trip Overview
Looking for a great way to spend some time in the great outdoors or perhaps a quick weekend getaway?
A canoe camping trip with Headwaters Outfitters on the scenic French Broad River is the perfect way to get outdoors and introduce your friends and family to the joys of canoe camping. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river, then wake up to the smell of wood smoke and frying bacon (or cast iron pancakes!).
We make it easy, by providing all the essential paddling gear, as well as transportation to and from the river. You can even set up your campsite before you get on the water! Now is the time to discover our overnight canoe camping trips in the mountains of Western NC.
Headwaters Outfitters offers you and your family two options in canoe camping. Both options are the same on the first day; a scenic 8 mile / 3 hour paddle down the first few miles of the French Broad River. The difference is your take-out location on day 2. Our Island Ford overnight paddling trip gives you a 2 mile / 1 hour paddle the second day, or you can be picked up from campsite and not paddle on day two. The Hap Simpson overnight paddling trip gives you a 12 mile / 5 hour paddle the second day. Either way, you’re paddling through some of the prettiest scenery to be found in Western North Carolina, past old homesteads, farm fields and woods.
Bring your camping gear and food; leave the rest to us!
If your planning a multi-night trip on the French Broad River please visit The French Broad Paddle Trail website: Click Here
Paddle and Camping Trip Day One:
🛶 Day One: Paddle-In to Camp at Hannah Ford
8 miles | Approx. 3-hour paddle to our privately owned riverside campground
Your overnight adventure with Headwaters Outfitters begins with a smooth and simple check-in experience, and ends with a peaceful night by the French Broad River.
1️⃣ Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at the Headwaters Outfitters River Shop to check in for your trip.
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All participants must complete a waiver and watch a 12-minute safety video.
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You can save time by completing these ahead of time via links in your reservation confirmation email.
2️⃣ Camp Setup (Optional & Recommended!)
For your convenience, you may drive to the campground first to set up your site before paddling.
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The campground is just a 10-minute drive from our river shop.
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Guests love this option—no setting up in the dark or after a long paddle.
3️⃣ Return & Prepare for Launch
After setting up camp, return to the river shop dressed and ready for your river trip.
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We aim to have all overnight paddlers on the water by 2:00 PM.
4️⃣ Shuttle & Gear Up
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Follow our team on a 5-minute drive to our private river access and overnight parking area.
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You’ll be outfitted with all necessary paddling gear:
✔ Canoes or kayaks
✔ Paddles
✔ Life jackets
5️⃣ River Orientation
Your river host will go over your river map, review key landmarks, and provide a safety briefing before launch.
6️⃣ Launch & Paddle to Camp
Launch your boats and enjoy an 8-mile, 3-hour paddle down the beautiful French Broad River to Hannah Ford Paddle-In Campground.
🌙 Evening at Camp
Relax by the fire, enjoy dinner, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river.
This is mountain camping at its best.
🚣♂️ Day Two: Paddle & Camping Trip Options
Choose Your Own Adventure on the French Broad River
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the river and get ready for another beautiful day outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed morning or another big paddle day, we’ve got an option for you
🛶 Option 1: Camp Pickup or Paddle It Again!
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Get picked up directly from the campsite and return to your vehicle.
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OR -
Paddle the same 8-mile section again for another half-day on the river
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Add a second night at the riverside campground to relax and enjoy more time in nature
Option 2: Short Paddle to Island Ford (currently closed)
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2 miles | Approx. 1 hour
Enjoy a gentle float before meeting your river host at Island Ford for pickup.
Option 3: Full-Day Paddle to Hap Simpson Park (currently closed)
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12 miles | Approx. 5 hours
Extend your adventure with a full day on the water before take-out at Hap Simpson.
At the end of your adventure, your river host will shuttle your group back to your vehicles. From there, you can return to camp to pack up or swing by the Forks of the River Taproom for a well-earned cold beer.
🎽 Don’t forget your French Broad River Map T-shirt—the perfect way to share your journey with friends and family!
