KAYAK

Shenandoah River Kayak Rentals

Kayaking the Shenandoah River in Virginia

Kayaking the Shenandoah River is the perfect river adventure for all experience levels. Explore the many small riffles and rapids on the Shenandoah in a kayak, and become enriched by the scenic mountain views, rolling hills, plants and wildlife that you will encounter along the way. Our Shenandoah River kayak rental fleet offers a solo or tandem kayaking as well as the option of specialized fishing kayaks for anglers. We have sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks to choose from, subject to availability. All Shenandoah kayak trips float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River between Luray and Front Royal.

Read the paddling conditions before making your booking!

Important Information

Please note that rates are per watercraft, with a maximum of 1 person per solo kayak and 2 people per tandem kayak. Rates do not include 5.3% Virginia sales tax.

Minimum age of five years old in kayaks – no exceptions!

Shoes or sandals with a heel strap are required for all Shenandoah River trips. We do not allow guests to wear flip-flops.

Please check out the Shenandoah River conditions page prior to booking to see if there are any trip recommendations.

What’s included in your rental

Kayak
Maps
Paddles
Shuttle Service
Life Vests
Basic Riverside Instruction

Half Day Trip #1

Half Day Trip #2

Half Day State Park #2

Half Day State Park #3

Full Day Trip #3

Full Day Trip #4

Full Day State Park #4

Full Day Trip #5

Full Day State Park #3

Multi-day Trip #7

Multi-day Trip #7a

Multi-day Trip #8

Multi-day State Park #5

Multi-day State Park #6

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are the kayaking trips guided or self-guided?

All kayaking trips with Front Royal Outdoors are self-guided, but include detailed river maps, shuttle service, and safety instructions at check-in. You paddle at your own pace and enjoy the river independently.

Do I need experience to go kayaking?

No experience is necessary to kayak with Front Royal Outdoors. The river is generally calm and beginner-friendly, and each trip starts with a safety briefing and paddling tips,

What type of kayaks are available for rental?

Front Royal Outdoors offers both single and tandem kayaks, including recreational sit-on-top kayaks and fishing kayaks with rod holders and gear space. All are stable and beginner-friendly.

What is your age policy?

Our age policy varies by watercraft and there are no exceptions.

Rafts – Minimum age of four years old in rafts with at least 2 adults.
Tubes – Minimum age of five years old in tubes.
Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in kayaks.
Canoes – Minimum age of five years old in canoes.
SUPs – Minimum age of five on stand-up paddleboards, recommended minimum age of 12.
Fishing Kayaks – Minimum age of five years old in fishing kayaks.

Where do we meet for our trip?

All of our trips float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, a great river for all experience levels. We are located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630. A map to our headquarters is available on our directions page.

Please come to our office to participate in any river activity. All of our trips include free shuttle service to and from the river. Once you arrive at our office, transportation of guests and equipment to the river is provided.

We do have parking on the main office property for all guests taking our trips. Parking is limited, therefore we recommend arriving early and carpooling as much as possible. Parking is not available for those not taking our trips. We also offer maps of the North Section (Bentonville to Front Royal) and the South Section (Luray to Bentonville).

What type of shoes or footwear do I need to wear on the river?

All guests must wear either shoes, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap. We do not allow flip-flops to be worn on any river trip.

How many people are able to be on each canoe, kayak, and raft?

For your protection,

three is the maximum number of people per canoe (but two is recommended)
one person per solo kayak
two people per tandem kayak
one person per tube
up to four people in 4-man rafts and up to six people in 6-man rafts

Can I bring any alcohol on my kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or rafting trip?

Alcohol and watersports do not mix. Please refrain from bringing alcohol on any river trip. Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is subject to arrest by state and local authorities.

What time do I need to arrive for my trip reservation?

Please arrive 30 minutes early for your reservations or guided tour. Late arrivals risk delayed shuttle service.

OUR LOCATION

8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630

Front Royal Outdoors is located at 8567 Stonewall Jackson Highway in Front Royal, Virginia, nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Situated along U.S. Route 340 South, it lies approximately three miles past the entrance to Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. This prime location offers easy access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, making it an ideal starting point for river adventures.

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