Rental canoes from Cape Fear River Adventures at Buckhorn Dam on Cape Fear River

Epic Overnight

  • Activities

    Kayaking or canoeing

  • Duration

    15 miles; 2 days (can be done as a day trip)

  • River features

    several rapids up to class II+; flat water most of the trip

  • Skill level

    prior paddling and camping experience recommended

  • Age

    8+

  • Weight limit

    kayaks or canoes: 250lb/person




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Trip Cost Prices are per boat and include paddles, life jackets, and shuttle service



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Epic Overnight
Kayaking or canoeing overnight camping river trip


Canoe camping is the untapped source for outdoor fun. This 2 day, 1 night trip starts 15 miles up the river from our office at the old, retired Buckhorn Dam. Paddle down 9 miles from the put-in and camp at Raven Rock’s secluded canoe-in campground. Your second day will see you down 6 more miles of river to our office in Lillington. You can skip the camping, making it a full day trip. Our shuttle will take your group, boats and equipment to the starting point at Buckhorn Dam.

Please visit the Raven Rock State Park website or call (877) 722-6762 to make reservations for canoe-in campground. Reservations are required by the State Park. There are only 6 campsites, so please plan ahead...

Large Groups! Please note: Raven Rock's group campsites have been permanently closed due to the damage after the Hurricane Florence in 2018. However, we have access to a couple other properties on the river that can accommodate larger groups, like a Boy or Girl Scout Troop. Contact us to discuss arrangements.


The typical water level in summer-time is low creating very slow currents! In general, the river is very shallow and the bottom is very rocky. There is a great chance your boat will get stuck on rocks. Rapids are also shallow and rocky at summer normal level. You have to paddle vast majority of this 15 mile section with very little help from the river's current. As river comes up, these conditions change.

Trip Schedule

We drive to Buckhorn Dam only once a day, first thing in the morning!
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time!
Due to shuttle schedule, we are not able to wait for you if you are late, neither can we shuttle you at a later time!
Please be on time!

Campground Reservations with Raven Rock State Park

You must make a separate reservation with Raven Rock State Park for canoe-in camp site. There are only 6 canoe-in campsites. It is a good idea to make sure they have availability before booking your trip with us.
The cost for campsites is $12 per night + $3 booking fee.

Large Groups! Please note: Raven Rock's group campsites have been permanently closed due to the damage after the Hurricane Florance. However, we have access to couple other properties on the river that can accommodate larger groups, like a Boy Scout Troop. Contact us to discuss arrangements.



What to wear

  • Dress for the weather with layered clothing if necessary, and expect to get wet.
  • Wear long sleeves or opt out for sunscreen.
  • Bathing suit is a great option in warmer months, but don't forget sunscreen!
  • Paddling booties or water shoes are great! You can also wear old gym shoes, or strap-on sandals, but no flip-flops!
  • Any hat is recommended.

What to bring

Overnight trips will take a little more planning than other trips. Here are some suggested items:

  • Water - 1 gallon per person
  • Food (day 1 - lunch and dinner; day 2 - breakfast)
    Some food ideas: freeze dried meals, nuts, fruits, canned meats or fish, nutrition bars, instant basic soups is a good addition on a cooler night
  • Tent or hammock
  • Sleeping bag (might be unnecessary on warmer summer nights)
  • Optional sleeping pad
  • Optional stove and pot to boil water
  • Spork (or just fork or spoon)
  • Flashlight
  • Knife
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Optional spare clothing in case you get wet

* for more detailed gear list see Paddling to Wilmington page.




Picture Gallery

Trip F.A.Q.

Yes, reservations are required for this trip!
IF YOU MUST CANCEL or reschedule your activity, please contact us at least 48-hours before your scheduled activity with your request. There are no fees to reschedule, and you are entitled to 100% refund, given the request is made at least 48-hours prior to the activity. No changes are allowed, and no refunds will be issued less than 48-hours prior to the scheduled activity.
IF WE MUST CANCEL your activity due to unfavorable water conditions or severe weather, we will reschedule the activity at your convenience without any penalties, either by offering a different activity or a different date. If you are unable to reschedule, you can request a full refund.
8 years old and up. For younger children check out Leisure Paddle or Easy Float with age limit of 3.
250lb per person for any kayak or canoe; 220lb for paddle board
We promote healthy living and healthy enjoyment of the great outdoors! Alcohol is not recommended to have an amazing time on the river, however if you must… Responsible, moderate consumption is strongly enforced. All North Carolina and Waterways laws apply and are closely monitored by local and Wildlife Law Enforcement. ABSOLUTELY NO GLASS CONTAINERS OR LIQUOR, it's one of the state laws!
You have to have at least one 18 year old individual in your party out on the water. Anyone else under 18 must have consent from a parent or legal guardian.
We offer 10% off for groups 12-23 people and 20% off for groups of 24+ people ONLY if reservation is made and paid online at least 48 hours before the trip. Contact us via phone or email to request a large group discount code that we set up just for your group. You can make as many separate online reservations as needed depending on how many people are paying. Be sure to complete waiver forms online!
Yes! We offer 10% discount for military, EMS, Fire, Police and Teachers. Use Promo Code "service" when making your online reservations. Be sure to have your military or relevant ID when checking in.
Yes, we do! We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
There are no gators or sharks, but there are water snakes. They are mostly non-aggressive type, but we ask you to respect wildlife and keep your distance. Checking your surroundings while on water goes a long way. Any incidents with wildlife are extremely rare and generally it is a unique experience to spot any wildlife while out on the river!
Dogs are allowed but not recommended. If your furry friend has never been in a boat, you might find yourself fighting to keep your pup onboard instead of enjoying the day ;) Only dogs with prior boating experience are allowed on 10 Mile Challenge and Epic Overnight.
1 person per single kayak; 2 people per tandem kayak; 2 people per canoe. No riders in canoe allowed on this trip.
Canoes have plenty of storage and it's a preferred vessel for the overnight trip. You can bring cooler, backpack or other accessories along the way. Kayaks however, have limited storage. Smaller backpack would fit ok, but not much more than that. Keep in mind that more stuff you have lower the boat seats making it so much more less efficient paddling and going over rapids.
Maybe! The river is an unpredictable environment and there is always a possibility of capsizing. You must be prepared for it, dress and gear up accordingly.
Yes. But Epic Overnight is much more physically demanding trip. While we can show you basic paddling concepts, you still have to do all the work covering 15 miles!
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