A great way to maximize your fun at Chimney Rock Campground is to get out on the Upper Iowa River! Our stretch of the Upper Iowa River was named as one of the Top 100 Adventures in North America by National Geographic and has tied for #1 best American rivers for kayaking!
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(Reservation Required 24 hours in Advance)
(Reservation Required 24hrs in Advance)
Our canoe and kayak rentals include a shuttle ride upriver from the campground, so you can float back at your own pace and finish your trip right where you started — back at Chimney Rock Campground. Please note all boats are due back by 6pm. (Rentals that arrive late will be charged a Late Fee)
Tubing Policy Update
Tubing is now available by reservation only and is scheduled based on daily conditions and availability.
Instead of a fixed daily launch and pickup time, trips will be arranged in advance to provide the best possible experience.
Please contact us in advance to check availability and reserve your tubing trip.
Kendallville – 13.9 river miles (approx. a 6 hr float)
Plymouth Rock – 9 miles (approx. a 4 hr float)
Dailies Bridge – 5 miles (approx. a 2 hr float)
Float times do not apply to tubes!
All canoe, kayak trips are one flat fee per watercraft, regardless of the length of river trip chosen.
$60+tax
SINGLE | $45+tax
TANDEM (Double) | $60+tax
TUBE | $25+tax
COOLER TUBE | $15+tax
Kayaks & Canoes | $30+tax
Must make reservation in advance. Personal boats must be at our campground at 6pm the night before your reservation!
Reservation Policy
River trips may be reserved during the week of your camping reservation, based on availability.
Advanced reservations (prior to that week) require the purchase of Boating Insurance ($25 per group, covering up to four boats)
We have 1 Tandem Kayak available to rent for $60.
In order to dispatch a shuttle bus, there is a MINIMUM charge of $80 that must be met.
Non-camper Fee $10 Each Boat.
All watercraft (boats, tubes) are due back by 6pm.
PLEASE NOTE: We do offer shuttle service for any personal boats. Reservations are required, and personal boats must be at the campground the night before at 6pm. All boat rentals include the drop off of customers at the boat launch, a life vest, and paddle, free of charge.
CONTRACT: When you reserve a canoe, kayak, or tube trip down the river online you agree to the service terms, which can be viewed here: https://campatchimneyrock.com/campground-policies/terms-conditions/
PAYMENT: When reserving a canoe, kayak, or tube trip, you will pay for the reservation and be emailed a receipt. We require a credit card on file to book any rental for damage protection, and offer boating insurance for those booking far in advance. If you have questions regarding our policies, please contact us at (563)-203-0653.
ANY SAME DAY RENTALS — must be confirmed by staff and will have an additional $10 Service Charge.
WATER LEVELS: If the water levels are too low, for the safety of our guests and our equipment, we will not launch the kayaks. Please check out the current river levels HERE.
The ideal levels for floating the Upper Iowa are between 4’ and 5’, with flow rates between 250 and 1000 cfps. We will not put people on the river if the water levels are over 6ft due to safety concerns.
All river trips must be scheduled in advance. To make a reservation, please call (563) 203-0653.
Reservations may be made during the week of your camping stay. Guests who purchase Boating Insurance may reserve their trip earlier.
CHECK-INS: For check-ins, We expect you to arrive at the office 30 mins before your boating reservation. We expect you to look over the equipment used during your river trip and report any issues with the equipment that arose – text (563) 203-0653. Staff will check the condition of the equipment, and if there are any issues, you will be charged accordingly and provided with a photo and written documentation.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Chimney Rock Campground reserves the right to cancel any rental agreement at its discretion.
We understand that plans can change; however, as we rely heavily on reservations, cancellations cannot always be accommodated. Refunds will not be issued due to weather unless conditions are deemed unsafe. Determination of unsafe conditions is at the sole discretion of Chimney Rock Campground.
Guests may choose to wait to book until closer to their stay or request to move their reservation to another available date.
For added flexibility, Boating Insurance is available for $25; this covers 4 watercrafts. This allows you to cancel your reservation up to 3 days before your scheduled trip for a full refund, excluding the cost of the insurance.
