THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Three days of supervised whitewater learning for kids ages 8–13, based at Lion's Park in Red Lodge. Paddle Camp 2026 blends paddling technique, rescue basics, games and nature lessons for a practical summer introduction to river skills.
Three days of supervised whitewater learning for kids ages 8–13, based at Lion's Park in Red Lodge. Paddle Camp 2026 blends paddling technique, rescue basics, games and nature lessons for a practical summer introduction to river skills.
Book with Wild River Expeditions
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wild River Expeditions · Red Lodge, Montana
Paddle Camp 2026 places kids ages eight to thirteen on the river for three full days of guided whitewater instruction and outdoor skill building in and around Red Lodge, Montana. Based at Lion's Park in town, Wild River Expeditions Youth Camp combines progressive paddling sessions with games, natural history lessons, and hands on practice in rafting and kayaking fundamentals. Guides teach stroke mechanics, boat control, eddy turns and ferrying, then lead short guided runs so campers can apply skills in real current while coaches provide continuous supervision. Mornings begin with gear fitting and dry drills on the grass at the meeting spot, followed by warmup paddles and focused instruction tailored to each age group. Afternoons mix guided river time with shore side activities: basic rope rescue, river reading, wildlife identification and team challenges that build leadership and communication. High quality safety equipment and trained staff are central; the program supplies helmets, PFDs and rescue lines while parents receive regular check ins. The landscape here is distinct—rivers threading sage and cottonwood flats beneath the granite ridges of the Beartooth range, with riffles, pocket water and calmer eddy zones ideal for learning. Expect to see bald eagles and osprey fishing overhead, elk or mule deer along quieter banks, and native riparian plants like willow and cottonwood. Guides weave practical geology and hydrology into lessons so campers understand how snowpack, seasonal flows and riverbed cobbles shape the paddling experience. Paddle Camp 2026 prioritizes skill progression and confidence over adrenaline. It is a scaled, educational approach that lets young paddlers graduate toward bigger water with fundamental knowledge of self rescue, group safety and paddle technique. The camp includes a sun hoodie and photos to remember the experience, and staff adapt activities when river conditions require it. Logistics are simple: parents meet guides at Lion's Park in Red Lodge, campers must be between eight and thirteen years old, and the program runs June 22, 23 and 24, 2026. Expect variable temperatures—cool mornings, warmer afternoons—and bring swimwear, layered clothing and a willingness to get wet. For families traveling to southeastern Montana, this three day youth camp is a practical, high quality introduction to whitewater that builds skills, friendships and respect for the river. Families often pair the camp with other outdoor activities in the area: short hikes on the nearby Beartooth foothills, mountain biking around town, or scenic drives up the Beartooth Highway for panoramic views. Local outfitters and guides provide continuity for kids ready to progress to overnight river trips. Meals and transport to launch sites are arranged each day; parents should confirm logistics and any medical notes in advance. The camp’s small group focus maximizes water time and instructor feedback. It ignites lifelong curiosity.
Camp is open to children aged 8 to 13 years old.
Daily check in is at Lion's Park in Red Lodge, MT; specific arrival times will be provided upon booking.
Yes—guides supply helmets, PFDs and basic rescue gear; campers may bring their own PFD if preferred.
No prior experience is required; instruction starts with fundamentals and progresses to guided river runs.
Staff monitor flows and adjust activities for safety; some river time may be replaced with onshore skills and games if needed.
Parents typically check in at Lion's Park and may watch from designated shore areas; confirm details with staff at arrival.
Wild River Expeditions is an outfitter based in Roberts, Montana, specializing in day rafting trips on the Yellowstone River near Red Lodge. The company offers the Yellowstone River Raft Tour, a full-day rafting experience that departs from the Holmgren fishing access and runs through scenic sections of the Yellowstone River. The tour is described as suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, and includes stretches of river with engaging rapids and wide mountain views. Wild River Expeditions focuses on providing a memorable outdoor adventure that showcases the natural landscape around Red Lodge and Roberts, Montana. The Yellowstone River Raft Tour accommodates participants looking for a single-day outdoor activity that combines scenic float sections and action where rapids occur. Meeting and launch take place at Holmgren fishing access, a local access point on the river used for river trips in the area. The business was featured on The Adventure Collective, which lists regional outfitters and experiences. That feature supports visibility for Wild River Expeditions among travelers seeking Yellowstone River rafting near Red Lodge. Interested guests should verify trip details, availability, and any required reservations or gear before booking. Trip timing, age guidelines, and recommended equipment are listed with the Adventure Collective listing or available by contacting the outfitter directly for current information. Advance reservations are advised during peak season.
Book with Wild River Expeditions