Each guest will be sent a detailed trip planner which includes lists for what and how to pack, travel & lodging information, meeting instructions, trip itinerary,  information on weather conditions, fishing, area attractions and much more. The trip planner also provides recommendations for kids, hygeine and details on the equipment we provide. Reservations staff are always available to answer questions and make suggestions.

Each guest will also be asked to complete a Guest Registration Form. The registration form collects dietary information, pertinent health and medical information, tent preferences, inflatable kayak interest level, vehicle information (when necessary) and other information which helps us prepare for your trip. 

We supply sleeping bags, pads and tents. Sleeping bags are packed with your personal gear, but pads and tents are packed separately during the trip. Tents are roomy for two and family-sized tents are available for groups of 3 or 4. Single travelers are not required to share a tent.  We also inlcude all the other comforts for camp such as dining tables, directors chairs, campfires (when allowed) tarps (for rain or sun), portable toilets (when necessary) sanitation facilities, games, library and much more.

Best of all, the guides do most of the work!  Each day our equipment rafts go ahead of the group to select and set-up camp.  We find that most guests enjoy selecting their own tent site upon arrival at camp and setting up their own tents.  Our tents are simple to set up and guides are always available to help.  If you find that setting up your tent is difficult and don’t mind the guides selecting your site, feel free to let your trip leader know that you would like your tent set up for you each night. We will be happy to accommodate your request.

Beverages include water (always available), lemonade, iced tea, coffee, decaf, hot chocolate, hot teas and hot cider.  A limited amount of wine is served with dinner.  We do NOT provide beer, soda or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own and we will keep them on ice.

Delicious food is an integral part of every river trip. Our meals are healthy and hearty and our menus are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate a wide variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Since our meals are largely prepared from scratch, it is not difficult for us to prepare portions on the side without ingredients you may be allergic to. Dietary restrictions are recorded on the guest registration form and includes a section for gluten-sensitive guests. While we will know your preferences and allergies in advance, it is ESSENTIAL that you remind the guides of your preferences PRIOR to meal preparation. When appropriate, dishes and utensils are not used to prepare or serve more than one dish.

Beverages include water (always available), lemonade, iced tea, coffee, decaf, hot chocolate, hot teas and hot cider.  A limited amount of wine is served with dinner.  We do NOT provide beer, soda or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own and we will keep them on ice.  View a Sample Menu

Overall, our trips are only moderately strenuous. A high degree of physical fitness is not required, but guests should be reasonably healthy.  We are always happy to make reasonable accommodations for guests, so if you have concerns, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Our trips include oar-assisted paddle rafts, oar rafts and inflatable kayaks. In a paddle raft, all participants are expected to assist with paddling. Paddling is intermittent and only moderately strenuous. A few rapids require short bursts of strong paddling. Optional inflatable kayaks require more strength, coordination and endurance. Oar rafts do not require paddling. Preference for riding the oar raft is usually given to folks who have difficulty paddling, require a back-rest or have other limitations.

Camping involves sleeping on the ground (we provide pads) and negotiating rocky or uneven ground on hikes and around camp. The only lifting required is what you have packed in your bag. Days on the river can be long, and so preparing for extended exposure to the elements is vitally important.

Our trips are priced to be all-inclusive. There are no additional taxes, fees or add-on costs for items necessary for the trip. The trip cost listed on the trip details page is the final price.  The only exception is gratuities for the guide staff. 

If you have enjoyed your trip and feel that your guides have done an outstanding job, it is customary to thank them with a gratuity. The amount is up to you, but a gratuity of between 15% and 20% of your trip fare is typical for Ouzel guests. The guides share their gratuities and will appreciate any expression of thanks you care to offer.