Where is the Kings River?
Our camp is an hour and a half east of Fresno, above Pine Flat Reservoir. You can get
directions to our base camp from the Contact section of
this web site.
What is the class level of the river?
Rivers are rated on a scale from Class I through Class VI with Class I being the
easiest and Class VI being unrunnable. The Kings River is rated Class III, perfect for
beginning to intermediate rafters.
What's your safety record?
Kings River Expeditions has an excellent safety record. In almost 40 years of operation,
we've never had a drowning and injuries have been minor and few in number. However,
certain risks go along with any outdoor activity and they must be assumed by each
participant. To validate reservations, all guests must submit a signed Acknowledgment
of Risk form to the Kings River Expeditions office at least two weeks prior to their trip.
Is the water cold?
The Kings River is a natural snowmelt river so the water can be very cold in the early season.
During this time (typically March through early June) our rafters wear wetsuits and paddle jackets,
which we have available for rent in camp. After the middle of June, the river warms up and wetsuits
are not necessary.
Do I need to have a group to go rafting?
No. It's a great activity for you on your own or with a group. Our rafts hold up to 7 people.
Crew assignments are made by our camp host on the day of your trip.
How many people can I bring?
You can raft by yourself or get together with family, friends, and co-workers and form a team of your own.
A team consists of 11 or more paying guests registering at the same time. The 12th person rafts free and team members can receive a discount.
Teams may reserve space anytime after the first week of December and have priority reservation status for future trips.
We can accommodate up to 72 people per trip. It's a great trip for members of an organization, co-workers, or friends. Call our office, (800) 846-3674
for details.
Can I bring children?
Youngsters are quite susceptible to the affects of cold water. Parents should consider this before
reserving space for kids under the age of 12. After about June 15, the water warms considerably and
those who are 9 or older get along fine. However, it is best to check with our office for estimated
river flows before reserving space for kids under 12.
What about tipping and gratuity?
Excellent service is not something you pay extra for. It's something we provide to all our guests on
each and every trip we run. Gratuities to our guides are not customary or expected.
Do you support other organizations?
We support American Rivers, Friends of the River and the San Joaquin River Conservation and Trust, and
we are members of America Outdoors.
How do you differ from your competitors?
Unlike many of our competitors, we operate only one camp on one river with one staff, and everything we
do is concentrated on providing the best possible river trips. We have the logistics finely tuned, which
allows our staff to concentrate their time and energy on our guests. Our guides will greet you upon your
arrival, cook all your meals (and do the dishes), get to know you both on and off the river and make sure
your ride is safe and enjoyable. On full service trips, we provide wine and beer, ice cream sundaes, custom
photos and DVD of each boat, and a T-shirt for all guests.
Can we bring RVs?
There is space available for RVs and trailers but no hook-ups.
What about pets?
Pets are welcome in camp if supervised and cared for throughout the day. An unleashed pet can quickly create
an unsanitary and unpleasant situation simply by wandering around our open kitchen and dining area. Out of
respect for all guests, pets are not allowed in camp during meal times and must be kept on a leash at all
times in the general camp area.
What attractions are nearby?
Yosemite National Park
Kings Canyon National Park Sequoia National Park Sequoia National Forrest Sierra National Forrest How much to camp overnight?
Overnight camping in our base camp is free. Out of respect for other guests and the Sierra/Sequoia National
Forests, campers are asked to abide by KRE Camp Rules posted throughout camp.
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After more than a quarter century of rafting
with KRE, I still look forward to getting a
group together for the new season. It is like a
family reunion, with friends from previous
years and the guides, familiar and new. The
food and fellowship, skills and equipment are
really top-notch. Every year I hear people
say, coming off the river after the second
day's ride, 'I can hardly wait until next year.'
Even after 13 years with KRE, there's nothing
like the thrill of the rapids, the new friendships
made around the campfire, the insane antics
of the staff skits and the complete and total
relaxation of sleeping under the stars after a
day on the river. Thanks KRE for making our
annual trek to the Kings River better every year.
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