Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our 3-day kayak camping trip on the stunning Connecticut River. As the only Connecticut River camp outfitter in New England, we provide a unique and hassle-free experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this historic waterway.
Leave the Details to Us: We take care of all the gear, camp setup, and cooking, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. From high-quality kayaks and camping equipment to delicious, freshly prepared meals, we've got everything covered.
Explore and Relax: Paddle through serene waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Each day brings new sights and experiences, from tranquil riverbanks to picturesque campsites. In the evenings, unwind by the campfire under a canopy of stars, sharing stories and making memories.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you're a seasoned paddler or new to kayaking, our experienced guides ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. They provide expert instruction and support, making this adventure accessible to all.
We will explore a beautiful forty mile stretch of the Connecticut River from Hartland, Vermont to Bellows Falls, Vermont. We will spend two nights at the Wilgus State Park in Vermont. Originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the only developed state park on the Vermont shores of the Connecticut River.
We will meet at 8am at the Adventure East shop and shuttle to Hartland, VT, approximately 1.5 hours away. Our journey begins at the put-in below Sumner Falls, where we will start our paddle. You'll enjoy a scenic 12-mile paddle to Wilgus State Park Campground with stunning views of Mt. Ascutney along the way. We'll overnight at Wilgus State Park, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our team.
We will set out at 10am from Wilgus State Park and paddle to Charlestown, New Hampshire. This 11-mile stretch offers beautiful river views and a chance to explore a beautifully restored seventeenth-century wood fort at the end of our paddle. We'll shuttle back to Wilgus where we will camp overnight and enjoy another delicious dinner.
On the final day, we set out at 10am with a shuttle downriver approximately 11 miles. From there, we'll paddle to Bellows Falls. This calm stretch of the river, backed up by the Bellows Falls dam, is perfect for bird watching. Below the dam, we'll explore petroglyphs left by the Abenakis who gathered here to fish salmon and shad. We expect to finish the day around 3pm, followed by a shuttle back to Sunderland.
Join us for a 3-day kayak camping trip and discover the hidden gems of the Connecticut River. It's an adventure you won't want to miss!
Kayaking:
Camping:
All meals
Round trip shuttle from Sunderland, MA
Kayaking:
Camping:
We encourage you to take our Intro to River Kayaking Course if you don't have prior river kayaking experience.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING BAGGAGE:
SHUTTLE: Each guest is limited to one 40-liter duffle, a sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the shuttle.
KAYAK: 1 dry bag supplied by Adventure East for personal items. Additional stowage space is available, and we recommend you plan on bringing a maximum of 20lbs in your kayak.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will I have my own tent? We will provide a tent for each participant or pair up with your buddy if you’d like.
Will I have to carry all my gear in my kayak? We will shuttle your 40L overnight bag, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Each day you will paddle with your dry bag to carry personal items you will need while paddling and your lunch,
Will there be menu options? We will offer gluten free, vegan options.
What if the weather conditions are less than perfect? We will paddle rain or shine. Our guides will continuously monitor river flow and weather conditions to ensure safe paddling conditions. We will stop paddling and go ashore when there is thunder and lightning.
Will there be mosquitos? Yes, they are less inclined to hang out with us around our campfire. Long sleeves and long pants with socks will minimize their nuisance as well.
Are there showers? There are paid showers at the campground.
What kind of kayaks do you have? We have a variety of touring kayaks with rudders and fore and aft storage compartments. Most are between 14 and 15 feet in length. We will evaluate each guest for best fit when we assign a kayak.
Where do I leave my car? Everyone will ride the shuttle from the Adventure East shop to the put-in. We will provide you with details on the parking location in Sunderland prior to departure. We will shuttle you from the take-out in Sunderland back to your car.
