Calleva Trough Outfitters
Calleva Trough Outfitters
Our West Virginia location WON’T be open for rentals in 2026.
Calleva will be using the Trough as a hub for our school/club wilderness adventure groups and High Adventure summer camps.
Wapacoma campground is a good alternative camping location with water access, just downstream from the Trough.
“The Trough” is an incredible destination for anyone, with their friends and families, wanting to get outdoors to canoe, kayak, and camp! It is also our basecamp for our amazing WV High Adventures Camps! This beautiful spot in West Virginia is only a 2.5 hours drive from DC. It offers everything needed for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
CTO Kayak & Canoe Rentals outfit groups to paddle or float down the South Branch of the Potomac — choose a section that fits your timeline. After a long school year, it’s time to get the entire family outdoors and connect with nature!
What to Expect
This is the perfect beginner river trip for the entire family. The South Branch of the Potomac offers options for those seeking a remote paddling experience.
Crank out 16 miles in 1 day, or plan 2 days with an overnight campout for a more relaxed 7 mile paddling trip. The river offers great birding, fishing, and many shallow class I-II rapids between sections of slow moving water.
Water temperatures fluctuate in the spring and fall, but are extremely refreshing during those hot summer months. Expect higher waters in the Spring and lower water flows during the late Summer.
Paddling Options
We have the best half-day, full-day, multi-day paddling trip for your family that isn’t just boring flatwater!
A general rule of thumb is that if you are planning on “floating more than paddling” then expect to go about 1-2 miles per hour, and if you are “paddling more than floating” you can cut that in half!
If you’re planning on camping, let us know prior to getting on the river and we’ll suggest some good spots to stop overnight!
Starting upstream and ending at Trough General Store
- 7 miles ~ McNeil/Sycamore Bridge ($90/canoe – $55/kayak) **the most popular option
- 12 miles ~ Old Fields Bridge ($110/canoe – $65/kayak)
- +$30 every additional day/any vessel
- Email for extended 3 + day rentals
Shuttle Options
Each rental comes with free shuttle service. If you have your own equipment and just need a ride, we got you covered as well. The fees below only apply to non-rental guests..
- 7 & 12 mile upstream sections $20/person
Camping
One site is available on weekends through reservations for up to 10 people. $15/pp
Booking
We are taking reservations on-line for Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays with departure times at 8am, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.
Walk-ins are welcome but please note that we will NOT be running 8am & 2pm departure times unless we have a reservation on our books.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your booked departure time to inspect your watercraft and learn about the gear required for your outing. Each rental comes with the necessary lifejackets, paddles, and includes one shuttle for each watercraft. All others must get dropped off at the launch location, or pay a per person shuttle fee of $20.
Because of poor cell phone reception, late arrivals will have to wait until next departure time.
The Store & The Boats
The majority of our fleet are Paluski Canoes (75lbs), and “sit-on kayaks” 1-person Jackson Riviera (58lbs) and 2-person Jackson Riviera (70lbs).
We sell boats, gear, and supplies in the general store.
Contact Us:
