Frequently Asked Questions

General

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

Indian Head has four locations on the Delaware River. Located in New York and Pennsylvania, we are nestled between the lush forest mountains of the Poconos and Catskills. We are a two-hour drive from New York City and three-hour drive from Philadelphia.

WHICH LOCATION IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Whether it’s a river adventure for the day or an escape to the great outdoors for a couple of nights, we want to help you plan the vacation that you deserve!

DO WE NEED RESERVATIONS?

Advanced reservations are required to ensure availability. We will try to accommodate walk-ins after our reserved guests are served. There is a $5 per person fee for same-day reservations or walk-ins.

A deposit of 50% of your river and lodging activities secures your reservation. Call us at 845-557-8777 to reserve your outdoor adventure today.

WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

We are open from the end of April through Columbus Day in October. Locations and times can vary depending on the time of year. Please call for specific times.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

• Cabins and campsites with a river trip
  • Guests receive a refund if cancellations (in full or partial) are notified 14 days or more prior to reservation check-in time
  • Late cancellations (in full or in part) will forfeit the deposit.
• River trip only
  • Guests receive a refund if cancellations (in full or partial) are notified 7 days or more prior to reservation check-in time

River Trip Inclement Weather Policy

River trips will go out rain or shine.

If declared a rain day at Indian Head Canoes, with 1 or more hours advanced notice prior to check-in time, guests will receive a rain check for that day’s river activity.  Rainchecks will be good for 1 year from the date of issue.

Trips canceled with less than 1 hour prior to check-in or groups that do not show up, regardless of weather, will forfeit the deposit and will not receive a raincheck.

River Trips

CAN MY CHILDREN GO ON THE RIVER?

As a beginner’s river, this is perfect for children. Children must be a minimum of 30 pounds to ride in rafts, 50 pounds in canoes/kayaks, and 65 pounds in tubes. Children age 12 and under must wear their life jackets at all times. In higher waters, additional restrictions may be implemented to maintain the safety of all of our guests.

WHICH BOAT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Rafting and canoeing is still the favorite way to paddle the river.

Rafts are perfect for a relaxing float with friends and families. Our rafts can hold up to 6 guests in each.

Canoes are for those that are looking for more adventure. Adults and kids will enjoy the quicker pace and thrill of the river. Canoes are designed for 2 guests, but a 3rd guest can sit on the middle floor of the canoe.

Kayaks are for single or double paddlers. Our kayaks are designed to paddle and handle easily on the water. Since the design of a kayak is to glide low on the water, plan to have some fun getting wet!

CAN I BRING MY DOG ON THE RIVER TRIP?

Dogs are allowed in our rafts and canoes. The owner of the dog assumes 100% responsibility if any damages are incurred to our boats, vehicles, etc.

• Dogs must not show aggressive behavior toward guests, other dogs, and personal property.
• Dogs are to be kept on a leash and controlled around other guests and dogs.
• The guest is responsible for cleaning up any / all pet refuse.
• Guest should prevent dogs from producing excessive noise at a level that disturbs neighbors.
• Dogs can not be left unattended for an undue length of time.  Pet must accompany you on the river trip.
• Indian Head Canoes assumes no responsibility for illness or injury that may incur.

IS ALCOHOL PERMITTED ON THE RIVER?

Alcohol is permitted in moderation. Glass bottles are not allowed on the river. As a water sport, mixing alcohol with boating is not recommended. We have the right to deny rental privileges to anyone who is visibly intoxicated. Refunds will not be granted. The river is patrolled by the National Park Service and you can be fined and/or arrested for public intoxication, drugs, etc.

WHAT TIME DO WE NEED TO BE OFF THE RIVER?

All daily rental boats must be off the river and returned to Indian Head by 6 pm. Late fees will be enforced.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHERE TO STOP ON THE RIVER? CAN WE GET LOST?

Prior to your river trip, our experienced Indian Head staff will give you brief safety instructions. We will also provide you with trip details and landmarks to help guide you to your destination. Our landings are well-marked. You are paddling on the Delaware River. While it does have tributaries leading into the Delaware River, this river does not split or break away to where you would get lost.

WHO HAS TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET?

Children 12 and under and non-swimmers MUST wear their life jackets at all times. We recommend that everyone wear their life jacket to ensure safety. Life jackets save lives. Everyone must have a life jacket in the boat with them. Strapping the life jacket in the boat is a safety hazard and can be fined by the NPS. In cases of high water, everyone may be required to wear life jackets at all times throughout the trip.

DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE?

The Delaware River is a great fishing river. A NY or PA fishing license is required to fish the Delaware River north of Matamoras. A PA or NJ fishing license is required to fish the Delaware River south of Matamoras. The Delaware River has smallmouth bass, trout, catfish, shad, eel, and many other types of fish.

Camping / Cabins

HOW DO I RESERVE A CABIN OR CAMPSITE?

To reserve a cabin or campsite, a deposit equal to 50% of your combined river activities and overnight accommodations can be made with a MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. A river activity is required with bookings between 7/1 and 9/3. It is optional before 7/1 and after 9/3.

ARE SHOWERS AVAILABLE AND WHAT DO THEY COST?

Our Riverside Campground in Barryville has hot showers available to our guests and is open all night for your convenience. There is a nominal charge for the use of the showers to conserve water and minimize shower wait times. The charge is $.25 for 3 minutes.

WHAT TIME IS CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT?

Check-in is between 3:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Check-out is before 11:00 am.

DO YOU HAVE QUIET HOURS?

Quiet hours are from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. This means no music, loud singing, or hollering during this time. You can still enjoy your campfires but need to be courteous to others who are sleeping.

CAN MY DOG STAY IN THE CABINS/CAMPGROUNDS?

To maintain the cleanliness and allergy-free environment in our cabins, dogs are only permitted in designated dog-friendly cabins.  Pets of any kind will not be permitted in any other cabins. While there is no charge for your dog in our tent campground, dogs staying in our dog-friendly cabins will have additional fees. All dogs must be registered with Indian Head.

• Dogs must not show aggressive behavior toward guests, other dogs, or personal property.
• Dogs are to be kept on a leash and well-behaved toward other dogs and guests.
• The guest is responsible for cleaning up any / all pet refuse.
• Guest should prevent dogs from producing excessive noise at a level that disturbs neighbors.
• Dogs can not be left unattended for an undue length of time.  Pet must accompany you on the river trip.
• Indian Head Canoes assumes no responsibility for illness or injury that may incur.
• Dog registration and additional information

ARE CAMPFIRES ALLOWED?

Campfires are allowed in the provided fire ring. Bonfires are prohibited. Fires must be extinguished before guests go in for the night and must not be left unattended at any time.

IS FIREWOOD AVAILABLE? CAN WE BRING IT FROM HOME?

Firewood is available in the campground store during operating hours. New York state law requires firewood be locally purchased.