Absolutely, here you go:

A canoe camping trip on the Wisconsin River is a wilderness experience; the Wisconsin River is NOT Six Flags. It’s important you approach your trip in the correct frame of mind. Keep in mind; most people are on the river for 24 hours.  There’s no need to over pack and you don’t need “the kitchen sink.”  The objective is NOT to see how much you can bring…but how little and still meet your needs.

Watch our Canoe Packing video.

The #1 item that customers don’t pack and wish they would have – Rain Gear! Please, please, please…bring rain gear! You are expected to finish the trip you booked. Rain is not a reason to end your trip early.

Italics = available for rent or sale from WRO

Convenience/Personal Items

  • Sunscreen and lip balm w/ SPF
  • Sunglasses, polarized
  • Insect repellant and itch relief
  • Book, cards, game
  • Toiletries – toothpaste and brush, deodorant, etc
  • Head lamp, flashlight
  • Matches/lighter
  • Fire starter
  • Toilet paper
  • Baby wipes
  • First aid kit and prescription meds
  • Water bottle
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Saw – PLEASE leave the hatchet at home
  • Ball, frisbee, whiffle ball/bat, sand toys
  • Multitool
  • Camera, binoculars
  • Fishing gear, license
  • Trowel or shovel

Clothing (typical 2 day/1 night trip) Packing for July is significantly different that packing for early May/October

  • Rain gear
  • Wide brim hat
  • Bandana
  • Swim suit
  • 2 t-shirts
  • Something dry to wear to sleep
  • Long sleeve lightweight shirt and pants to keep the sun off you
  • Lightweight jacket and stocking cap
  • Sandals or wet shoes

Camping Gear

  • Tent w/ drop cloth (if it’s dry when you put up your tent we recommend you NOT put a drop cloth down also, insure you have your rainfly and stakes)
  • Sleeping bag & pillow – if possible a 32 degree plus bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Camp chair/Crazy Creek stadium chair
  • Shade fly – tarp, canopy
  • Rope or line

Cooking Gear – cooking on the river can be as complicated as you’d like

  • Stove and fuel
  • Matches or lighter
  • Water jugs
  • Pots and pans
  • Cooking utensils, can opener
  • Eating utensils
  • Plates, bowls, insulated mugs
  • Coffee pot or French Press
  • Bowls and strainer
  • Cutting board
  • Trash bags
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Paper towels
  • Collapsible table
  • Cooler
  • Hot pad(s)

Food

  • Trail mix
  • Granola bars
  • Dried and fresh fruit
  • Water
  • Beef jerky
  • S’mores