Overnight Rafting Trip
on the Yellowstone River
Our overnight rafting trip on the edge of Yellowstone National Park is the best way to experience the Yellowstone River—18 miles of whitewater, a night under Montana stars, and three meals (plus s’mores!) cooked over a campfire. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups.
OVERNIGHT RAFTING TRIP NEAR YELLOWSTONE
Pricing: $400 per Adult | $400 per Child (Ages 4–12)
Trip Length: 18 Miles | Duration: 24 Hours
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Estimated Return / Pick-Up Time: 9:00–10:00 AM the Next Day
What’s Included: Three meals (picnic lunch, steak or vegetarian/vegan dinner with sides and s’mores, and pancake breakfast), plus a wall tent with cot, pillow, and sleeping bag. We also provide all rafting gear: wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes, and splash jackets.
Overnight Rafting Trip Day 1
Check in at 9:30 a.m. at our office. We’ll get you geared up and transport you to the Yellowstone River, just minutes away. After a quick safety briefing from your expert rafting guide, you’ll board the raft and paddle off.
This whitewater section of the Yellowstone River has several Class II and III rapids, beautiful mountain scenery, and wildlife. Prepare to get wet!
During a calm stretch of river, we’ll land on a riverbank filled with tall cottonwood trees for a hearty picnic lunch with a fresh turkey or ham sandwich roll, watermelon, chips, and a cookie.
After some time to explore, you’ll board the raft again for the next whitewater section called Yankee Jim Canyon, a deep, narrow stretch where you’ll be up close with the canyon walls.
After 18 miles on the river, you’ll reach the take-out point. From there, it’s a short 10-minute drive to our private overnight camp in Tom Miner Basin, just a few hundred yards from the Yellowstone River with a tributary creek running through the property.
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When you arrive at camp around 4 p.m., everything is ready: a campfire, hot or cold drinks, your dry clothes, and all your gear.
Dinner is a proper Montana feast with steak grilled over the fire, roasted potatoes, fresh asparagus, warm sourdough bread and s’mores for dessert. (Vegetarian and other options available on request.)
After dinner, take a walk along the riverbank, try fly fishing, or just sit by the fire. As night falls, you’ll have some of the best stargazing in Big Sky Country.
*You will need a resident/non-resident Montana Fishing license and your own gear to fish at camp.
When you’re ready to turn in, you’ll sleep in a comfortable wall tent with a cot, pillow, and sleeping bag.
OVERNIGHT Rafting TRIP DAY 2
The next morning, wake up to a country breakfast of bacon and pancakes.
Check out is at 10 a.m., and we’ll drive you back to the Wild West Rafting office where you can view and purchase photos from the trip.
Recent Overnight Raft Trip Reviews
Overall Google Rating: 5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (23)
We had Josh as our guide on an overnight rafting trip. We had a great time and the service was top notch. I have probably been on 20 plus whitewater rafting trips and this was as good as any of them, from the service to the river to the guide it was all amazing.
The whole team was outstanding! We loved our guide Josh who was safe, efficient, and a lot of fun! Our grandsons were so impressed with rafting – they had never experienced water rafting before – now they want to do the full day and then the overnight experience. We plan to come back next year!
My group of three just completed the full day rafting with the overnight. It was a tremendous experience and has left us with fun stories to share for years to come. A huge shout out to our guide Hayden (Diesel). It was truly a great experience.
Why Go on an Overnight Rafting Trip?
An overnight rafting trip is the best way to experience the Yellowstone River. You’ll raft 18 miles of whitewater, then camp on the riverbank under Montana’s big sky. Plus, we handle everything: meals, gear, tents, and transportation to and from the river so you can relax and soak in the fun.
Contact us if you have questions, or book your Overnight Raft Trip now to reserve your spot.
Explore Something New
After Yankee Jim Canyon, the river winds through Montana ranch land. Instead of heading back to your car, we’ll drive you to our private camp in Tom Miner Basin and have the whole evening to explore and relax.
Unplug and Recharge
When’s the last time you ended your evening without reaching for your phone to start scrolling? An overnight rafting trip is the perfect time to experience nature and reconnect with yourself and others on a deeper level.
Sleep Under the Stars
Paradise Valley has some of the best stargazing in Montana. It’s far from city lights, with nothing between you and the Milky Way.
Make Unforgettable Memories
Rafting and then eating steak by a campfire and sleeping in a wall tent? That’s the trip your kids will talk about for years.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any rafting experience or training?
No rafting experience is required. Your expert guide is certified in First Aid, CPR, and Swift Water Rescue and will cover everything you need to know before you get on the water, including how to paddle, what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe in the rapids.
Is this trip good for kids?
Yes! Children who weigh at least 40 lbs are welcome on the overnight trip. The Class II and III rapids are exciting but manageable, and your guide will keep everyone safe. Kids especially love the campfire, s’mores, and sleeping in a wall tent.
What should I pack for an overnight trip?
Pack light! We provide a large dry bag for your gear. You’ll need a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing for the river and warm layers (fleece or wool) for the evening, as Montana nights stay cool even in July. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
We provide water shoes, but you’re welcome to bring your own or wear sandals with a heel strap. All camping essentials are included in your trip: tents, cots, sleeping bags, and pillows.
Where will we camp?
We stay at our private, secluded campsite in the Tom Miner Basin, just minutes from the river’s edge. Think wall tents with comfortable cots, a tributary creek running through the property, and no cell service. It’s a true unplugged night with campfire, stars, and the steak dinner we cook for you over the fire.
Are there bathrooms at the campsite?
Can I fish at the campsite?
Absolutely! Our campsite is right near a tributary creek and the Yellowstone River. If you’d like to fish in the evening, bring your own gear and make sure you have a valid Montana fishing license. It’s a great way to unwind before dinner.