Frequently Asked Questions

Since the Niobrara River is a spring-fed river, we are fortunate to be able to offer float trips year-round. Usually, we see a few people canoeing and kayaking in the area by mid-April, depending on the weather.

During pre-season, we offer trips by reservation. Our office will definitely be open by Memorial Day weekend and will remain open daily through Labor Day weekend and beyond. Normally, we have trips going out well into mid-October, by reservation only. Please be aware that we experience sell-out crowds on most Saturdays in July and during the first few weeks of August, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The average depth of the river is about 18 inches, with the main channel typically ranging from 30 to 36 inches deep. There are some deeper pools around the high cliff bank areas where you may encounter depths that reach to 4 to 5 feet and extend for 50 yards or more. Though, for the most part, the water will be knee-deep.

Remember, we are here to help you relax on this beautiful, natural river, rather than challenge your olympic swimming abilities!

It depends on the severity of the rain. In the event of light rain, we often still go out on the river, as it can be pretty fun floating down in a light drizzle. However, your safety is our number one priority. If we deem it unsafe for you and your party to go out on the river, we will offer you a rain check that can be used within one year of your originally scheduled trip.

If it’s raining on your scheduled day, we will always check the weather forecast to see if it will brighten up in the afternoon. When possible, we’ll adjust our schedule to allow you to go out and enjoy the river later in the day!

It depends on where your trip begins. The trips which limit alcohol are the 4 hour, and 5.5 hour kayak and canoe trips from Ft. Niobrara, as they pass through the USFWS Ft. Niobrara Wildlife Refuge.

Please note that on the 4 hour and 5.5 hour canoe and kayak trips, there is a concession stand right by the river at Berry Bridge that sells alcohol, which you can enjoy once you’ve exited the Ft. Niobrara Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, when we arrive at the launch point for any activity, we’ll provide a safety briefing and answer any questions you may have.

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on our river trip excursions or shuttle bus/van rides.

Cell phone service is limited in most areas of the Niobrara River Valley. Overall, the service is unreliable and the quality of cell service will vary among carriers.

This is our preferred shuttle option, and it works very well for most groups. After your morning check-in at the Little Outlaw Office, you will drive your own vehicle to the finish site, where you will board our shuttle van for a short trip to the launch area. From there, you’ll enjoy a leisurely float back to your vehicle at your own pace. At the end of your trip, please deposit your gear in the designated area for outfitter equipment and help keep the landing areas clear.

If you choose to go with this option, we will do our best to estimate the approximate finish time of your group. Please bear in mind that every group moves at a different pace, and we’ve found that it is helpful for you to give your driver a pre-arranged pickup time. Regardless, this time may not be exact, which can result in a wait from either party. If you’re not comfortable with the possibility of waiting, we advise against using this custom shuttle service.

We have campgrounds at both Berry Bridge and Penbrook. Amenities include tent camping, RV hookups, and bunkhouse units. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and restrooms are all provided. Please call (402) 376-3474 to make a reservation.

We often receive requests for custom trips or extended float times beyond what we have listed. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any special requests, as we are often able to accommodate those looking for something different!

A full payment will be required when you reserve the trip. You can pay using a credit/debit card.

If Little Outlaw Canoe, Tube, and Kayaks cancels the trip, for any unforeseen reason—including reasons of safety to our guests—we will refund you all payments made to us. Since we have taken equipment out of inventory and held it for you, if you cancel your reservation(s) for any reason, the following terms apply:

• Cancellations up to 14 days in advance will get a refund, minus a 20% cancellation fee per booking OR you may reschedule your trip during the current season.
• Cancellations 8 to 13 days in advance will get a refund, minus a 60% cancellation fee per booking OR you may reschedule your trip during the current season.
• Cancellations 7 days or less in advance to departure date and time, including “no shows”, will forfeit all money paid and will be responsible for all money owed. These trips may not be rescheduled.

For more information please see our Terms and Conditions page.

Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses—ideally with a floating eyeglass holder, if you have one
• Shoes suitable for wading (not flip flops)
• A jacket or a sweater for the cooler days
• Plenty of water—some to keep hydrated while you’re floating down the river, as well as an extra bottle for when you finish

Extras:

• Disposable or waterproof cameras—best to avoid damaging your expensive camera!

Important: Please be aware that no Styrofoam or glass bottles are allowed for safety reasons.

The Niobrara Council has partnered with local outfitters and land owners to provide vault-style toilets at numerous locations along the river. For the most part, restrooms are available approximately every two hours along your route.

We believe you know your kids better than we do, so we leave it up to parental discretion. Parents of children under 18 will be asked to sign a waiver on behalf of their child.

If you wish to take your valuables with you, we sell dry bags at our offices. Please feel free to come by and purchase as many as you need.

If you haven’t signed the waiver prior to your trip or need specific details about your reservation, please come by our office located at 1005 E Highway 20, Valentine, NE 69201. If you have already signed the waiver online, please give us a call a few hours before (or the day before) your activity and let us know where you would like to meet. You can either take the shuttle or meet us directly at the launch point, it’s up to you!

The custom hotel shuttle is an excellent option for those staying in Valentine and surrounding areas who have a tubing adventure booked with us. This option will allow you to make the most of your day on the river—enjoying the float, relaxing, and even sipping on some cool drinks along the way. We require a group of at least 8 people for this service. Our team will pick you up from your hotel at a prearranged time, take you to the launch point, and meet you again at the end of your trip to drop you back off at your hotel.

Given that you will be floating on a National Scenic River, it is recommended you practice the “leave no trace” or “pack it in and pack it out” method. The National Park Service is partnering with other agencies in a trial recycling program for the future.

No, we do not offer shuttle service without equipment rental.

Get in touch with us and we’d be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.