Thank you to our Headwaters Event Sponsor
The Packraft RoundUp is our biggest community gathering of the year—and also annual fundraiser—bringing paddlers from across the country (and international river buddies, too!) to connect, learn, and have fun on the water.
Since 2013, RoundUps have united the packrafting community to explore new rivers, improve skills, and build friendships. Held on Idaho’s stunning Payette River, the event offers sections suited for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.
Fueled by passionate volunteers and supported by APA members, RoundUp is more than just a few days on the water. Whether you’re here to grow your skills, meet river friends, or simply enjoy the ride, your participation directly supports APA’s mission to protect access, promote safety, and keep the stoke alive for years to come.
Google Map Location HERE
Half-day skills clinics hosted by Cascade Raft & Kayak.
Swiftwater course offered by Swiftwater Safety Institute on July 14 & 15
We are stoked to have you join us for community, education, safety, fun and laughs! Please note that only those with a RoundUp ticket will be admitted into the campground and we expect to sell out. Limited space available so buy your tickets early to get a spot!
Four nights of camping and community at Hot Springs Campground with parking pass!
Friday night group meal hosted by APA followed by Packraft Olympics. This year's theme: Let's get western– yeehaw! Be sure to flaunt your best cowboy fringe, flare and rhinestones.
Opportunity to meet/greet with APA board members and other packrafting peeps to expand your paddling community.
Access to all planned RoundUp events, speakers, workshops, socials, evening gatherings, workshops and laughs!
Attend the vendor showcase to learn about new products and river gear.
Gear raffle with thousands of dollars in prizes and to take home! Huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors and donors that make the APA wheels turn.
Thank you to our Headwaters Event Sponsor
On-water activities during the Packraft RoundUp are officially sanctioned and provided only through Cascade Raft & Kayak (CRK) and Swiftwater Safety Institute (SSI), professional outfitters with certified guides and appropriate insurance. These activities include scheduled instructional workshops offered in partnership with the American Packrafting Association (APA). Any and all other paddling or water-based activities undertaken outside of the outfitter-led workshops are considered informal and are done solely at the discretion of the individual. These activities are not part of the official APA RoundUp programming and are independent of the APA. All participants are solely responsible for their own safety, decision-making, and risk management on the water. This includes—without limitation—evaluating river conditions, assessing personal skills, using proper safety gear, and choosing appropriate companions. The APA does not endorse or authorize any individual to guide, instruct, or lead others on the water outside of sanctioned offerings, and assumes no liability for such actions. By participating in any paddling activity during the RoundUp—whether organized or informal—you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your safety and choices.
Before you email us, please take a peek at the frequently asked questions below.
Sanctioned Roundup paddling is only offered through licensed instructors and clinics managed by Cascade Raft & Kayak and Swiftwater Safety Institute as noted on the schedule of events. APA does not offer any other guided paddling.
This event originated and remains a platform for packrafters to come together and expand their packrafting community. We are committed to facilitating connections among packrafters through our nightly evening activities, fostering opportunities for participants to meet and organize paddling groups.
⚠ Professional on-the-water paddling instruction and learning is not offered by any other APA attendees, staff or board of directors.
Our friends at Utah Whitewater Gear in Salt Lake City and Idaho River Sports in Boise rent packrafts that you can snag on your way to the event. Backcountry Packraft Rentals will ship you a packraft to use at the event (please thoroughly clean this before and after use to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species).
⚠ If you are looking for professional instruction, we recommend you register for one of the courses led by Swiftwater Safety Institute or Cascade Raft & Kayak.
The APA Roundup has a rich history of fostering inclusivity for novice packrafters. However, it's important to understand your own abilities before attempting more challenging rivers. When you step up your game in a friendly setting versus instructional setting, you are putting yourself and others at risk. The APA Education & Safety Committee is committed to providing resources on self-assessment and risk management, both for the Roundup and beyond. Empowering packrafters to make informed decisions helps us all paddle safer and smarter. Thank you for paddling within your limits and pursuing skill enhancement in the proper environment with qualified instructors.
⚠ If you are looking for professional instruction, we recommend you register for one of the courses led by Swiftwater Safety Institute or Cascade Raft & Kayak.
We love dogs, but for everyone’s safety and comfort, we strongly recommend leaving your dog at home. July in Garden Valley can reach the high 90s—or even over 100°F—which isn’t safe for furry friends. If you do bring your dog, they cannot be left unattended at the campground, and you are responsible for cleanup.
Dogs are allowed only if they are vaccinated and either leashed or under your control at all times. If a dog’s behavior causes repeated complaints, you may be asked to leave the event—no refunds will be issued. Your cooperation ensures that RoundUp remains fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
We love volunteers and appreciate your generous energy and time! All volunteers must purchase a ticket, which will be reimbursed after the event. This ensures everyone follows through—past free tickets were sometimes taken advantage of. Volunteers assist with duties like guest check-in, raffle sales, HQ tasks, trash pickup, parking, or workshop setup.
☑ Are you a shutterfly or amateur photographer? We are looking for professional event photographers to help capture RoundUp and would love to chat with you! If you’re interested, please reach out to us at roundup@packraft.org.
↠ Only registered Roundup attendees are allowed to camp and attend RoundUp activities. Thank you for understanding as we are a nonprofit and this is a community, educational and fundraising event.
↠ Camping is permitted in the designated group sites. There are first-come, first-serve sites which are an additional fee.
↠ Parking is extremely limited, no trailers allowed.
↠ Dogs are discouraged from attending, read more in the 'Can I bring my dog?" section.
↠ Open fires outside of designated campfire pits are not allowed. No glass containers, please recycle.
↠ Please clean up after yourself, do not leave food or food containers attended or out overnight.
NOTE: There is no electricity, cell service or showers at the campground.
Camping will be first come first serve at check in and sites are not reserves in advance, so plan to arrive early if you want a good spot! APA has reserved all three group campsites for all RoundUp attendees, but you are also welcome to reserve a site elsewhere if group camping is not your thing.
Parking is limited and you'll be given a parking pass at check-in that you must display at all times while at camp. Please consider carpooling with friends to help with parking space.
Campground details HERE.
Check out Riverpond Campground 4 miles down the road towards Crouch, ID on the middle fork if you have an RV or want some elbow room. You can also hunker down at Uncle Billy Bob's Redneck Trailer Vacation Rentals for added spice. They fill up fast for summer reservations so don't dally!
Parking is limited at the campground, so we encourage folks to carpool. There is an APA Packraft Roundup page where you can post about ride sharing. You will be given a parking pass at check-in and required to display this pass for entry into the campground and at all times while parked at RoundUp.
Crouch, ID is the nearest local town and where you can find Garden Valley Market, a medium-sized grocery store, for your shopping and camping needs and The Dirty Shame Saloon can fulfill your live music and other shameful needs. You can fill up your gas tank and get the essentials at Chevron Food Mart just down the road as well. Thanks for supporting the local community! NOTE: please be aware that the 2024 RoundUp campground is not far from a small airstrip and shooting range.
We'll be sharing a group campsite so thank you in advance for being conscientious. Campsite details can be found at this link HERE. There is little to no cell reception at the campsite so please plan accordingly. Nearest cell signal is the Chevron about 5 miles down the road.
BRING FOR CAMPING:
↠ CAMPING: Car-camping gear (please be aware of early and late hours for slamming car doors, talking and late-night chill sessions). Please bring all supplies needed for self-sufficient car camping including cleaning stations, water bins, proper food/gear storage, and cook items.
↠ MEALS: Group dinner is provided and hosted by APA on Friday, July 11 (tacos baby!). APA Board Members are making breakfast burritos on Sunday, July 13. You're on your own for other meals.
↠ KITCHEN: Bring your own plates, utensils, cups and mugs for APA meals.
↠ WORKSHOPS/SPEAKERS: Bring a camp chair and/or blanket for evening workshops and speakers.
↠ HOT SPRINGS: Remember your swimsuit to enjoy a soak in the hot springs that dot the riverway.
↠ COLD HARD CASH: You'll need this for day-use river access on the Payette, if you want to buy tickets for our big a$$ raffle and other incidentals.
AVOID:
▪ Please do not bring one-use plastics such as disposable water bottles, plastic silverware or non-recyclable products. Recycling will be hauled away after the event.
▪ Please do not bring glass containers.
BRING FOR PADDLING:
↠ US Coast Guard approved PFD (type III or V is best)
↠ Whitewater-specific helmet
↠ Exposure/thermal protection (drysuits are encouraged, also wetsuit, dry top, etc)
↠ Self-bailing or whitewater decked packraft
↠ Throw bag
↠ Spare paddle
↠ Dry bags and clips to secure your gear
Drop us an email and we'll get back to you during business hours. Please allow 48 hours for reply.
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