Five Reasons Why Rafting and Camping Makes a Great Group Trip

Rafting has a funny way of bringing people together, often disarming them of all the tension and stress that life can sometimes bear. Maybe it’s the chance to disconnect from work and splash through some rapids or taking a minute to laugh about funny moments around the campfire. Whatever it is, groups just seem closer after jumping in a boat together and floating down a river. Whether it’s a family gathering, a school field trip or a company retreat, here’s just a few reasons a rafting trip might make perfect sense for your group getaway. Check out some of OARS latest group trips on their website and find out more about why rafting could be the right adventure for you by reading below.

The Itinerary Is Set

Unlike planning a complex vacation or outing with multiple destinations and activities, a rafting trip provides a straightforward and simple plan. Everyone knows when to show up, when the boats will launch and what time they’ll be back at camp. What you do in between is up to you. If you opt for a meal package, you don’t even have to worry about breakfast, lunch or dinner times. An outfitter that knows how to work with groups will create a fun and relaxed schedule. 

Rafting Takes a Team

With a guide leading the way and calling commands, the paddlers are like the raft’s engine. You’ve got to work together to propel the boat through whitewater. Without your coordination, expect somewhat of a bumpy ride. This team effort (and plenty of paddle high-fives) ensures a certain level of bonding between boat-mates. Not to mention, pulling a swimmer back into the raft may make you a friend for life. 

No Gear Needed

With a rafting trip, all the gear is included. Paddlers just have to show up with a pair of shoes that can get wet. Outfitters can accommodate paddlers of all shapes and sizes with PFDs, wetsuits, and splash jackets. Rafting and camping packages offer different levels of comfort. At the OARS American River Outpost, tents and sleeping bags with liners can be rented. Those who aren’t frequent campers have the option to rent pre-set platform tents with comfy beds and linens. For large groups, camps like OARS at EarthTrek avoid the hassle of pitching and packing tents by offering canvas tents with camp bunks. Rent a sleep kit or just unroll your sleeping bag!

Get Out of Your Element

You can’t scroll through social media while there’s a paddle in your hands. As your boat flies down Tunnel Chute on the Middle Fork of the American River, the latest TikTok trend will more than likely be the furthest thing from your mind. Between splashing through whitewater, spotting river otters or setting up your tent in that perfect spot, it’s easy to put down the devices and disconnect for a while. 

Packages Make It Easy

In California, there are a ton of different options for rafting and camping trips. Large groups up to 200 guests can raft the South Fork American River and overnight at big group camps. Smaller groups, up to 24, have a little more flexibility and can score two-day trips on the Middle Fork American River and two- or three-day trips on the Tuolumne. There’s also packages for American River combination trips like the Middle Fork/South Fork or the South Fork/North Fork in the spring. Add camping and meals to these and you have a perfect micro adventure with none of the hassle. All you have to do is pick the dates.

Make Memories and Connections That Last

It’s hard to go rafting and not make a memory or two. There’s a reason Fortune 500 companies like Amazon have chosen rafting as a company getaway. Even if you’re not close with the people in your boat, charging through a Class III rapid will give you an unforgettable moment to bond over. Skip the normal and much-maligned team building activities and do something that’s actually fun.

See more OARS adventures at their website: https://www.oars.com/.