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🛶 Paddling, rafting and river trips
River and lake trips need different planning: flows, launch points, and on some rivers a permit.
Most people go to:
| Site | Best for | Coverage | Cost | App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Whitewater ↗ | River flows, rapids and access by river | US | Free (membership optional) | Web | Visit ↗ |
| Recreation.gov permits ↗ Official | River permits and lotteries on federal rivers | US federal lands | Varies | Recreation.gov | Visit ↗ |
| US Army Corps lakes ↗ Official | Lakes and campgrounds run by the Army Corps of Engineers | US | Free to visit, camping fees | Web | Visit ↗ |
💡 Many famous river trips (like the Grand Canyon) are permit lotteries. Check the permit page early.
Links open in a new tab. “Official” means a government site. Links are tagged so each site can see the visit came from Recreation.org. Prices and features change; check each site before you book. Last checked October 2026.
Questions
Do I need a permit to float a river?
On some rivers, yes. Popular federal rivers often need a permit, some by lottery. Check the river's managing agency.
More topics
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