LITTLE MIAMI RIVER • WAYNESVILLE , OHIO • SINCE 1984
LITTLE MIAMI RIVER
Raft Rentals for Groups
RAFT RENTALS
Why Rafting Trips Are Perfect for Groups
Rafts are the go-to pick for organized outings on the Little Miami. Here’s what makes rafting such a popular choice for groups:
- Soft, air-filled sides for a comfortable, cushioned ride
- Roomy enough for 6 adults or up to 10 children
- Nearly impossible to flip, even with kids climbing around
- A relaxed pace that suits mixed-age or beginner groups
- Opportunities to spot local wildlife like eagles, ospreys, otters, and beaver
- Every raft rental includes a $1 contribution toward Little Miami Conservancy efforts
- Ideal for 4-H camps, church youth groups, daycares, scouts, and school field trips
FEATURES & CAPACITY
Group Raft Rentals in Ohio: Sizes and Capacity
Two different types of rafts are available, so whether your party is large or small, you’ll find the optimal fit for your group raft rental in Ohio. Here’s how to choose the right raft size:
- Small Raft: About 9.5 feet long, ideal for 2 to 3 adults plus a couple of kids. Requires a minimum of 2 paying riders.
- Large Raft: Roughly 12 feet long and 4 feet wide, comfortably seating up to 6 adults. Requires a minimum of 3 paying riders, and day camp groups often load 8 to 10 kids aboard.
Unlike hard-hulled boats, such as our canoes and kayaks, rafts aren’t rated with a strict weight ceiling. As a general guide, a small raft handles loads up to about 1,000 pounds, while a large raft can carry roughly 1,400 pounds.
ONE SELF-GUIDED FLOAT TRIP
Plan Your Group Raft Trip
Rafts are available exclusively on our Blue Jacket’s Best route, a 3.5-mile stretch that winds through a quiet, wooded corridor with almost no sign of the towns nearby. The current does most of the work, so your group can spend more time watching for wildlife or stopping at one of the sandy beaches along the way than worrying about paddling technique. It’s an easy, low-key float that works well for groups with a wide range of ages and experience levels.
BLUE JACKET'S BEST
Perfect for Beginners
FROM $40 per person
Weekdays $40 · Weekends $45
2-3
Hours
3.5
Miles
ALL
Boats
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Hourly departures 10am–2pm
- Rafts, canoes & kayaks available
- Scenic Little Miami River
- Great for families & beginner
Groups of 10 or more receive an automatic 10% discount through our reservation system, and groups of 20 or more qualify for 20% off. Learn more about our rates.
SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE
OUR BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations are available online up to a year in advance and can often be made the same day. Kenton’s Run requires a reservation since we run limited vans. Walk-ups are welcome for Blue Jacket’s Best when space allows.
Cancellations are flexible and convenient. Full refunds are available with 24 hours notice, and we work with guests on weather-related changes regardless of timing. If thunderstorms are moving in, we’ll reach out directly to anyone who has a reservation that day.
What to Pack for
Little Miami River Rafting
Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with a secure strap
Sunscreen and a hat or visor
A small or medium soft-sided cooler
A change of dry clothes for the ride home
We provide a key rack at check-in so your car keys stay secure while you're out on the water.
PREPAID · FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION
ready to rent a raft
Reserving online only takes a few minutes. Just choose your kayak type and trip, and you’re all set! Reservations are
prepaid, so all you need to do on arrival is check in and grab a life jacket.
Little Miami Group Rafting FAQs
What makes rafting the Little Miami different from other rivers?
Little Miami River rafting stands out for how easy and relaxed it is. The current is gentle enough that even a raft full of first-timers or young kids can float along without much steering, and the inflated construction makes tipping over almost impossible even if everyone leans the same direction to check out a bird overhead. Combine that with the wildlife sightings and the fact that this stretch is a federally and state-designated Scenic River, and it’s easy to see why so many groups choose rafts for their outing.
Can I raft alone?
No, rafts are designed to be paddled by a small crew rather than one person. A small raft requires at least two paying riders, and a large raft requires at least three. If you’re interested in solo paddling, we suggest checking out our single kayak rentals.
How many people fit in a raft?
It depends on which raft size you book. A small raft comfortably seats 2 to 3 adults, plus a couple of kids tucked in alongside them. A large raft holds up to 6 adults, or around 8 to 10 children.
Are rafts available on both of your river routes?
No. Due to their relaxed pace, rafts run exclusively on Blue Jacket’s Best, our 3.5-mile route. Kenton’s Run, our longer 9-mile trip, is open to single-person kayaks.
Is rafting a good option for large groups like camps or schools?
Yes! Rafts are spacious and stable, making them perfect for groups of children or adults. They’re also easy for chaperones to monitor, since groups of children don’t need to be split up across multiple kayaks or canoes.
Are rafts safe when the water is running high?
Yes. When water levels rise after heavy rain, canoes are the first boats we pull from rotation since they’re harder to control in faster currents. Rafts, on the other hand, are extremely resistant to tipping even when conditions get choppier than usual.
How do I reserve a raft for my group trip?
Youth groups, schools, and nonprofit organizations typically arrange group trips directly with our team via email rather than through our online reservation system, since these outings are billed to a single payer. Once we hear from you, we’ll confirm your nonprofit/educational rate of $20 per person on weekdays, and $30 per person on weekends and hold your date.