Group of people in camp chairs on a sandy beach below a long red sandstone cliff, with green willows along the river.
Camp chairs in a circle on the beach: the evening routine on a river trip.

Trip type · Private charter

Private charter rafting trips: your own trip, your own group

Every outfitter we found that offers private river trips, with group sizes and how each one prices it.

2 to 10 days / 1 to 9 nights

Quick answer

A private charter rafting trip is a guided river trip booked for your group alone. Of the 139 outfitter sites we checked, 48 spell out a private or charter option for overnight trips. Group minimums run from 1 or 2 people to 24, and published prices include $12,750 for a 3 day Rogue charter and $42,900 per Grand Canyon motor raft.

Published prices

Private charters with a listed price

Most charters are quoted by request. These six outfitters list a price on their own sites.

Small rafts spread along a blue gray river that winds between tall red cliffs and a pale sandbar, seen from high above. 8 to 9 days / 7 to 8 nights

Arizona · Colorado River

Grand Canyon private charter

Class III to IV
Season
April to September
Min age
From 8
Outfitter
Grand Canyon Expeditions

$42,900 per raftWith Grand Canyon Expeditions: Motor trip for up to 14 guests, 2026; $48,100 in 2027. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.

Two paddlers in yellow inflatable kayaks running a whitewater rapid past dark boulders, with pines on the hillside. 3 to 5 days / 2 to 4 nights

Oregon · Wild section

Rogue private charter

Class III+
Season
May or June to October
Min age
From 6
Outfitter
Indigo Creek Outfitters

$12,750 per tripWith Indigo Creek Outfitters: Small charter for up to 10, 3 days, posted January 2026; plus $10 per person government fee. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.

Rafters in sun hats and life jackets walking along a rocky shore toward a loaded blue raft on a clear green river. 3 to 4 days / 2 to 3 nights

Oregon · Deschutes River

Deschutes private charter

Class III
Season
June to September
Min age
From 7
Outfitter
ROW Adventures

$14,190 per tripWith ROW Adventures: Up to 12 guests, 3 days, 2 nights; 4 days, 3 nights $17,050; year not shown. Checked Sep 2026. Confirm when booking.

Wide river under heavy gray storm clouds, with green grassy hills and dry reeds on the bank. 6 days / 5 nights

Idaho · River of No Return

Main Salmon private charter

Class III to IV-
Season
June to August starts
Min age
Not listed
Outfitter
Aggipah River Trips

$3,350 per adultWith Aggipah River Trips: 6 day, 5 night charter; $2,512 per youth; its scheduled trip of the same length lists $2,450; year not shown. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.

Two paddlers in a canoe on a wide, calm desert river with a sandbar, green brush and distant mountains. 2 to 10 days / 1 to 9 nights

Montana · Missouri River Breaks

Upper Missouri private charter

Flat water
Season
June to September
Min age
No minimum; kids must swim
Outfitter
Missouri River Outfitters

$650 per personWith Missouri River Outfitters: 2 day, 1 night trip, priced on an 8 person minimum; 10 days $2,100; year not shown. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.

Aerial view of two red rafts with paddlers on a pale turquoise river bending past a gravel bar and pine forest. 2 to 3 days / 1 to 2 nights

Montana · near Glacier National Park

Middle Fork Flathead private charter

Class II to IV
Season
Early June to early September
Min age
5 to 8, by month
Outfitter
Glacier Guides / Montana Raft

$300 per person per dayWith Glacier Guides / Montana Raft: Private overnight trip; minimum prices vary; year not shown. Checked Oct 2026. Confirm when booking.

These are the charters we found with a price on the outfitter's own site. Most outfitters quote charters by request. Prices are for the whole group unless marked per person.

How it works

How charter pricing works

Outfitters price a private trip in four ways. Read which one applies before you compare.

A flat price for the whole trip. Indigo Creek lists Rogue charters at $12,750 for 3 days for up to 10 people, and says smaller groups pay the full rate. Grand Canyon Expeditions lists $42,900 per motor raft of up to 14 guests for 2026.

A per person price on a minimum. Missouri River Outfitters prices every private trip on an 8 person minimum. Wilderness River Outfitters sets minimum seats by river, from 6 on the Tatshenshini and Alsek to 18 on the Middle Fork, and a smaller group pays for the extra seats.

The regular price, once you fill the trip. Hatch charges its regular per person price on Grand Canyon charters, with one free space for groups of 16 or more. River of No Return Wilderness Outfitters charters the trip to any group that books 12 seats.

A small group price break. Momentum prices most private launches for 2 to 10 people at its 10 person price, and Kern River Outfitters prices many dates for 2 to 12 at the 12 person price.

A charter can cost more per person than a seat on a scheduled trip. Aggipah lists its 6 day, 5 night Main Salmon charter at $3,350 per adult against $2,450 for its scheduled trip of the same length.

Yellow oar rafts loaded with dry bags and a blue sun canopy tied to a muddy shore on a brown river below a rocky canyon wall.
Rigged rafts carry everything the group needs for days on the river: food, tents and the kitchen.

Every charter we found

Outfitters that offer private charters

Sorted A to Z. Each button goes to the outfitter's own charter or group page.

Outfitters that offer private charter river trips: rivers, group size rules, how pricing works and other terms, from each outfitter's own site
OutfitterRiversGroup sizePricingGood to knowCharter terms
Adrift DinosaurGates of Lodore, YampaUp to 25A flat buyout fee, plus add ons such as tents and sleeping bags; call for the price2027 inquiry dates: Yampa May 26 to June 17, Lodore June 23 to September 9. A reserved date that is not filled is opened to other guestsSee charter terms with Adrift Dinosaur
Adventure IdahoLower SalmonThe whole launchCustom quoteIts VIP page names Main Salmon launches and multiple Idaho rivers; it does not name the Lower SalmonSee charter terms with Adventure Idaho
Aggipah River TripsMain SalmonA minimum number of guests; number not stated6 day, 5 night charter listed at $3,350 per adult and $2,512 per youth; year not shownJune, July and August starts; custom trips may change the rateSee charter terms with Aggipah River Trips
America's Rafting CompanyHells Canyon, Lower SalmonHells Canyon up to 18; Salmon River private trips from 2CallMay to October; it says its Owyhee trips are not offered as chartersSee charter terms with America's Rafting Company
Apakoa RiversDesolation CanyonNot statedNot statedIts custom charter page describes a 6 day, 84 mile trip from Green River, Utah, with a scenic flight to the put inSee charter terms with Apakoa Rivers
Arctic WildKongakut, Hulahula, Noatak1 to 10 people; it says 4 to 6 is often bestBuilt from your budget; no method statedAny of its scheduled trips can run on your dates, for your group onlySee charter terms with Arctic Wild
Arizona Raft AdventuresGrand CanyonAt least 14 on a motor trip, 20 on a non motor tripNot statedThe Park Service allots its dates 2 years ahead and they cannot change; charters book 1 to 2 years outSee charter terms with Arizona Raft Adventures
Arrowhead River AdventuresJohn Day, Rogue6 to 30 on overnights, by river and permitQuoted through its booking form1 night and 3 night trips; its form lists 2027 date windows for each riverSee charter terms with Arrowhead River Adventures
ARTANot named on the pageVaries by river and season; most trips need about 20, smaller groups sometimes possibleNot stated; group discount for 10 or moreRivers not listed on the page. The organizer gets a sign up roster, and members pay separatelySee charter terms with ARTA
Boundary ExpeditionsMiddle Fork SalmonUp to 20Contact for ratesTrip length and start point can change; charter flights or a musician can be addedSee charter terms with Boundary Expeditions
Canyonlands Field InstituteWestwater Canyon, San Juan6 to 25Listed at $580 for a 2 day, 1 night Westwater trip and $895 to $1,155 on the Upper San Juan; the page does not say per person or per group; year not shownPrivate group trips only, on dates by requestSee charter terms with Canyonlands Field Institute
Chilkat GuidesTatshenshini, AlsekNot statedQuoted, often near the price of its regular departuresAll its expedition river trips can run as private trips through the summerSee charter terms with Chilkat Guides
CRATE (Colorado River & Trail Expeditions)Grand Canyon24 paid guests on a motor trip, 16 on a non motor tripPrice on request; $500 per person deposit, balance 120 days before launchSubject to availabilitySee charter terms with CRATE
Dinosaur River ExpeditionsGates of Lodore, Yampa8 to launchGroup rates by quote; $375 per person depositWhen we checked, it listed no scheduled custom trips; send your preferred datesSee charter terms with Dinosaur River Expeditions
Glacier Anglers & OutfittersMiddle Fork Flathead, North Fork FlatheadNot statedBook by phonePrivate or custom fishing trips of 2 to 5 daysSee charter terms with Glacier Anglers & Outfitters
Glacier Guides / Montana RaftMiddle Fork FlatheadNot stated; minimum prices vary by trip$300 per person per day; year not shownPrivate 2 or 3 day overnights, early June to early September. The page does not name the river; its scheduled overnights run on the Middle ForkSee charter terms with Glacier Guides / Montana Raft
Glacier Raft CoMiddle Fork Flathead, North Fork FlatheadNot statedCall for an itinerary and priceIts multi day page offers private trips for you and your friendsSee charter terms with Glacier Raft Co
Grand Canyon ExpeditionsGrand CanyonUp to 14 per raft; one or two rafts$42,900 for one raft or $85,800 for two in 2026; $48,100 and $96,200 in 2027; $1,000 deposit per raftMotor trips only, on dates from its motor schedule; one free space per raftSee charter terms with Grand Canyon Expeditions
Hatch River ExpeditionsGrand CanyonMotor: 29 on two boats, or 16 on one boat (limited, usually August). Oar: 16, 20 or 24Its regular per person price, with one free space for groups of 16 or moreNo private trips below those sizes; unfilled spots may open to the public after a deadlineSee charter terms with Hatch River Expeditions
Hells Canyon RaftHells Canyon, Lower SalmonFrom 8Call or email; depends on datesMay through October; your group picks the start and end, and nights can be in private lodgesSee charter terms with Hells Canyon Raft
Holiday River ExpeditionsCataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Gates of Lodore, San Juan, Westwater Canyon, Yampa16 on most tripsNot stated; $400 per person nonrefundable depositIt says most trips can be charteredSee charter terms with Holiday River Expeditions
Hughes River ExpeditionsNot named on the pageNot statedCallRivers not named. It says it often runs exclusive charters for friends and organizations, with fishing and trip length to suitSee charter terms with Hughes River Expeditions
Idaho River JourneysMiddle Fork Salmon23 in peak summer; 18 in late May, early June and late AugustNot stated; $750 per person deposit if guests pay individually (16 committed at booking)Fixed launch datesSee charter terms with Idaho River Journeys
Indigo Creek OutfittersRogue, KlamathRogue: up to 10 (small charter) or 20 (large); smaller groups pay the full rate. Lower Klamath: 8 minimumRogue, per trip: $12,750, $15,750 or $18,750 for 3, 4 or 5 days (small); $25,500, $31,500 or $37,500 (large); plus $10 per person government fee. Posted January 202620% nonrefundable deposit. Its Lower Klamath trips run as private charters only, per its Klamath page (checked September 2026)See charter terms with Indigo Creek Outfitters
Kern River OutfittersLower Kern2 to more than 24, by dateOn many dates, a group of 2 to 12 pays the 12 person priceYou choose the date; it says close to half its trips are chartersSee charter terms with Kern River Outfitters
McCarthy River ToursCopper RiverNot stated; trips usually carry 4 to 10 guestsNot stated; 20% depositPrivate trips with custom itineraries and flexible datesSee charter terms with McCarthy River Tours
Middle Fork AdventuresMiddle Fork Salmon2 to 23Quoted by amenities and launch dateYour group picks the launch date and is the only one on the trip; usually 6 days, 5 nightsSee charter terms with Middle Fork Adventures
Middle Fork Wilderness OutfittersMiddle Fork SalmonUp to 22, the whole trip$100 off per person when a group books all 22 seatsIt says many of its trips are private groups that book the whole tripSee charter terms with Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters
Mild to Wild RaftingCataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Gates of Lodore, YampaMinimums vary through the seasonQuote by phone or emailSpecial departure dates for your group, on almost all its riversSee charter terms with Mild to Wild Rafting
Missouri River OutfittersUpper MissouriPriced on an 8 person minimum; up to 30Per person on an 8 person minimum: $650 for 2 days to $2,100 for 10 days; organizer 10% off; year not shownChoose the section, dates and length; canoe tripsSee charter terms with Missouri River Outfitters
Momentum River ExpeditionsRogue, Klamath, Illinois, Hells Canyon, Owyhee, California Salmon, Tatshenshini2 to more than 24On most trips, a group of 2 to 10 pays the 10 person priceYou choose the river and the date; it also names Idaho's Salmon and the SaltSee charter terms with Momentum River Expeditions
Mountain River OutfittersLower Salmon, Main Salmon, OwyheeNot statedNot stated; guests pay individually under the group nameExclusive trip buyouts on private dates; plan a year or more aheadSee charter terms with Mountain River Outfitters
Oregon River ExperiencesDeschutes, Grande Ronde, John Day, Owyhee, RogueNot statedNot statedCustom trips for private groups of up to 6 days; its form also lists the SalmonSee charter terms with Oregon River Experiences
Ouzel OutfittersRogue, Lower Salmon, DeschutesOvernight groups up to 13Quoted per group by size, river and seasonRogue and Lower Salmon for longer trips; Deschutes for shorter overnightsSee charter terms with Ouzel Outfitters
River of No Return Wilderness OutfittersMain Salmon12 or more seats charters the whole tripIts seat price; adult rates $2,100 for 5 days and $2,350 for 6 days; year not shownFixed launch dates; trip length can changeSee charter terms with River of No Return Wilderness Outfitters
Rocky Mountain River ToursMiddle Fork Salmon, Main SalmonNot stated$6,000 deposit to hold the date; price depends on length, details and group sizeSet charter launch dates; custom length and itinerarySee charter terms with Rocky Mountain River Tours
ROW AdventuresDeschutes, Rogue, Main Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, Lower Salmon, Hells CanyonAt least 10Not stated on its charter page. Its Deschutes page lists a 3 day, 2 night charter for up to 12 at $14,190, and 4 days, 3 nights at $17,050 (checked September 2026)Any of its set departure dates; no custom dates. Its charter page names Idaho's Salmon River and the RogueSee charter terms with ROW Adventures
Sheri Griffith River ExpeditionsWestwater Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Gates of Lodore, YampaFrom 10Not statedIt says all its trips can be chartered; group picks date, length, section and menu. More than 18 people, the organizer goes freeSee charter terms with Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
Solitude River TripsMiddle Fork SalmonA minimum number of seats (for example 23 rafting seats); up to 30Contact for pricingAny mix of rafting and fishing boatsSee charter terms with Solitude River Trips
St. Elias Alpine GuidesCopper River1 to 12Not statedPrivate trips with custom dates may be availableSee charter terms with St. Elias Alpine Guides
Tributary Whitewater ToursHells Canyon, Rogue, Deschutes, Klamath, OwyheeNot statedPer person; ask for pricingCustom dates, longer or shorter trips and add onsSee charter terms with Tributary Whitewater Tours
Tsé Kooh OutfittersSan JuanNot statedNot statedSpecially chartered whitewater trips; contact for detailsSee charter terms with Tsé Kooh Outfitters
Western River ExpeditionsGrand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Hells Canyon, Main Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, RogueBuilt for 14 to 28. Trip maximums: Grand Canyon 28, Cataract 30, Desolation 25, Hells Canyon 19, Middle Fork 23, Main Salmon 25, Rogue 20Contact for pricing. Utah and Idaho trips can be chartered below the maximum at the full charter priceIn the Grand Canyon, 14 fills one boat, and other guests may share if your group books fewer seatsSee charter terms with Western River Expeditions
Wet Planet WhitewaterMain Salmon, OwyheeAt least 18Call; $500 per guest deposit30 days to fill the trip or pay the difference; custom dates may be possible early and late in the seasonSee charter terms with Wet Planet Whitewater
Wild River AdventuresLower SalmonNot statedContact for special pricingTrip length can be adjusted; other dates with advance noticeSee charter terms with Wild River Adventures
Wilderness River OutfittersMain Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, Lower Salmon, Alsek, Tatshenshini, OwyheeMinimum seats: Main Salmon 15, Middle Fork 18, Lower Salmon 8, Alsek 6, Tatshenshini 6, Owyhee case by caseYou pay for the minimum seats; no prices shownBook 1 to 2 years ahead; some rivers have select dates onlySee charter terms with Wilderness River Outfitters
Winding Waters River ExpeditionsHells Canyon, Lower Salmon, Grande RondeNot statedContact for pricingA limited number of charters each year, up to 6 days, 5 nightsSee charter terms with Winding Waters River Expeditions
Yellow Jacket River GuidesMain SalmonUp to 24Not statedGroups set the privacy, menu and itinerary; parties of 8 or more can also book into a shared tripSee charter terms with Yellow Jacket River Guides

From each outfitter's own charter, group or FAQ page, checked October 13, 2026, as worded there. Rivers are the ones on our site that the outfitter runs; where the charter page names no river, the table says so. Terms change, so confirm with the outfitter.

By river

Private charters by river

Which outfitters offer private trips on each river we compare.

Rivers with private charter trips and the outfitters whose sites offer them
RiverOutfittersWho
Grand Canyon5Arizona Raft Adventures, CRATE, Grand Canyon Expeditions, Hatch River Expeditions, Western River Expeditions
Middle Fork Salmon9Boundary Expeditions, Idaho River Journeys, Middle Fork Adventures, Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters, Rocky Mountain River Tours, ROW Adventures, Solitude River Trips, Western River Expeditions, Wilderness River Outfitters
Main Salmon9Aggipah River Trips, Mountain River Outfitters, River of No Return Wilderness Outfitters, Rocky Mountain River Tours, ROW Adventures, Western River Expeditions, Wet Planet Whitewater, Wilderness River Outfitters, Yellow Jacket River Guides
Lower Salmon9Adventure Idaho, America's Rafting Company, Hells Canyon Raft, Mountain River Outfitters, Ouzel Outfitters, ROW Adventures, Wild River Adventures, Wilderness River Outfitters, Winding Waters River Expeditions
Hells Canyon7America's Rafting Company, Hells Canyon Raft, Momentum River Expeditions, ROW Adventures, Tributary Whitewater Tours, Western River Expeditions, Winding Waters River Expeditions
Rogue8Arrowhead River Adventures, Indigo Creek Outfitters, Momentum River Expeditions, Oregon River Experiences, Ouzel Outfitters, ROW Adventures, Tributary Whitewater Tours, Western River Expeditions
Owyhee6Momentum River Expeditions, Mountain River Outfitters, Oregon River Experiences, Tributary Whitewater Tours, Wet Planet Whitewater, Wilderness River Outfitters
Deschutes4Oregon River Experiences, Ouzel Outfitters, ROW Adventures, Tributary Whitewater Tours
John Day2Arrowhead River Adventures, Oregon River Experiences
Grande Ronde2Oregon River Experiences, Winding Waters River Expeditions
Illinois1Momentum River Expeditions
Klamath3Indigo Creek Outfitters, Momentum River Expeditions, Tributary Whitewater Tours
Cataract Canyon4Holiday River Expeditions, Mild to Wild Rafting, Sheri Griffith River Expeditions, Western River Expeditions
Desolation Canyon5Apakoa Rivers, Holiday River Expeditions, Mild to Wild Rafting, Sheri Griffith River Expeditions, Western River Expeditions
Westwater Canyon3Canyonlands Field Institute, Holiday River Expeditions, Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
San Juan3Canyonlands Field Institute, Holiday River Expeditions, Tsé Kooh Outfitters
Gates of Lodore5Adrift Dinosaur, Dinosaur River Expeditions, Holiday River Expeditions, Mild to Wild Rafting, Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
Yampa5Adrift Dinosaur, Dinosaur River Expeditions, Holiday River Expeditions, Mild to Wild Rafting, Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
Lower Kern1Kern River Outfitters
California Salmon1Momentum River Expeditions
Middle Fork Flathead3Glacier Anglers & Outfitters, Glacier Guides / Montana Raft, Glacier Raft Co
North Fork Flathead2Glacier Anglers & Outfitters, Glacier Raft Co
Upper Missouri1Missouri River Outfitters
Tatshenshini3Chilkat Guides, Momentum River Expeditions, Wilderness River Outfitters
Alsek2Chilkat Guides, Wilderness River Outfitters
Kongakut1Arctic Wild
Hulahula1Arctic Wild
Noatak1Arctic Wild
Copper River2McCarthy River Tours, St. Elias Alpine Guides

Counts only outfitters in the table above. ARTA and Hughes River Expeditions offer charters without naming rivers on their pages.

Ask about it

Outfitters that mention private trips but give few details

Ask these outfitters directly about group size and price.

The no lottery way in

Your own trip, without winning a lottery

On the most wanted rivers, a private group runs its own trip only if someone wins a lottery. A charter gives you the same thing, your group and no strangers, on the outfitter's permit.

The permit limits still apply. Grand Canyon National Park says commercial trips are "often reserved a year or two in advance," and Arizona Raft Adventures says the park sets its dates 2 years ahead. On the Selway, one party of up to 16 may launch each day from May 15 to July 31, per Recreation.gov.

Book early, and see the lottery calendar for the private side.

How to choose

How to choose a charter

Count your group first

Minimums run from 1 or 2 people to 24. If your group is small, look for a small group price break (Momentum, Kern River Outfitters) or a low minimum (Middle Fork Adventures, St. Elias Alpine Guides).

Compare group sizes

Fixed dates or your own?

Some outfitters only charter their scheduled departures; others build the trip around your dates. Ask before you set a date for the group.

Best time to go rafting

Check who pays for empty seats

A flat price or a seat minimum means a smaller group pays more per person. Read the deposit and fill deadline terms too.

Rafting trip cost

Questions

Private charter rafting trip questions

What is a private charter rafting trip?

A guided river trip booked for your group alone. The outfitter supplies the guides, boats, food and camp, and no other guests join. Middle Fork Adventures, for example, guarantees your group will be the only participants.

How many people do you need for a private river trip?

It depends on the outfitter and the river. Minimums on the sites we checked run from 1 or 2 people (St. Elias Alpine Guides, Arctic Wild, Middle Fork Adventures) to 24 paid guests for a CRATE motor charter in the Grand Canyon. Many fall between 8 and 20.

How much does a private rafting charter cost?

Published examples: $12,750 for a 3 day Rogue charter for up to 10 with Indigo Creek (2026), $14,190 for a 3 day, 2 night Deschutes charter for up to 12 with ROW Adventures, and $42,900 per Grand Canyon motor raft of up to 14 with Grand Canyon Expeditions (2026). Most outfitters quote by request.

Is a private trip more expensive than booking seats?

Sometimes. Hatch charges its regular per person price on Grand Canyon charters. Aggipah lists its 6 day, 5 night Main Salmon charter at $3,350 per adult against $2,450 on its scheduled trip. If your group is smaller than the minimum, expect to pay for the empty seats.

Can we pick our own dates?

With some outfitters. Kern River Outfitters, Momentum and Middle Fork Adventures let you choose the date. ROW Adventures, Hatch and Grand Canyon Expeditions use their own scheduled departures.

Do we need a river permit for a private charter?

No. The outfitter runs the trip on its own permit, so you skip the private lottery. Launch limits still apply, so popular dates fill early. See the lottery calendar.

How far ahead should we book a charter?

A year or more on popular rivers. Arizona Raft Adventures says Grand Canyon charters book 1 to 2 years out, Wilderness River Outfitters says 1 to 2 years, and Mountain River Outfitters says a year or more.

What if we can't fill the trip?

Read the terms. Wet Planet gives you 30 days to fill a charter or pay the difference, Adrift Dinosaur opens unfilled dates to other guests, and Hatch may open unfilled spots to the public after a deadline.

Can a family book a private trip?

Yes. Middle Fork Adventures takes groups from 2, and Momentum and Kern River Outfitters price small groups at a set group rate. Check minimum ages on our family rafting trips page.

Ready to book

Plan your group's own trip

Pick a river, then ask the outfitter for charter dates and a quote for your group size.