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 May 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

• Guests receive a refund if cancellations (in full or partial) are notified 21 days or more for cabins and 14 days or more for camping prior to reservation check-in time
• Late cancellations (in full or in part) will forfeit the deposit, which is 50% of all activity fees (including river trip)

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.
• Late cancellations (in full or in part) will forfeit the deposit, which is 50% of all activity fees

Indian Head Weather Flex Program

At Indian Head Canoes & Rafts, we proudly operate rain or shine. In fact, many of our guests discover that a light summer rain can make for a refreshing and memorable day on the beautiful Delaware River. Occasionally, however, weather or river conditions may be more than just a passing shower and are expected to significantly diminish the overall guest experience. In those situations, Indian Head Canoes may activate the Weather Flex Program.

Program Guidelines

The Weather Flex Program is activated solely at the discretion of Indian Head Canoes and is not automatically available because rain is in the forecast. Decisions are based on current weather conditions, forecast trends, radar, river conditions, operational considerations, and the anticipated impact on the overall guest experience.

• Communication – Because weather and river conditions can change quickly, Indian Head Canoes is not obligated to notify guests when the Weather Flex Program has been activated. Guests are encouraged to contact our office on the morning of their scheduled river trip to determine whether the Weather Flex Program has been activated for their departure time. Before rescheduling, our staff will work with guests to explore available alternatives, including adjusting the river trip, departure time, or launch location, whenever possible, to maximize the best part of the day. Any changes are subject to availability.
• Rescheduling – When the Weather Flex Program has been activated, eligible guests may reschedule their reservation to another available date or time, subject to availability. Weather Flex dates are valid through June 15 of the following operating season. The rescheduled reservation must include the same or a greater number of guests as the original reservation. If fewer guests attend, the standard Cancellation Policy will apply to the canceled guests. Once a reservation has been rescheduled under the Weather Flex Program, the Weather Flex date is considered final. If the guest later cancels the rescheduled reservation, the standard Cancellation Policy will apply regardless of the amount of advance notice provided. This policy is necessary because the original reservation has already received a one-time Weather Flex accommodation.
• Guests who wish to take advantage of the Weather Flex Program must notify Indian Head Canoes at least one hour prior to their scheduled departure time. Guests who do not request a Weather Flex date by that time are considered to have accepted their original reservation.
• Weather Flex dates are non-transferable, have no cash value, and may be used one time only.
• Final Authority – Indian Head Canoes reserves the exclusive right to determine whether the Weather Flex Program will be activated and for which departure times it applies. Weather forecasts from third-party websites, mobile applications, or other weather services do not determine eligibility for the Weather Flex Program. All Weather Flex decisions are based on Indian Head Canoes’ evaluation of current and forecasted weather conditions, radar, river conditions, operational considerations, and the anticipated impact on the overall guest experience.

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 during peak summer months.

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.

WHAT ARE YOUR CABIN / CAMPING RULES?

Check out our cabin and campsite rules here.

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.