Countdown to 2025 RoundUp

Welcome to the 2025 Packraft RoundUp—our biggest community event and annual fundraiser for the American Packrafting Association. This is more than a few days on the water; it’s how we fuel the work that protects access, promotes safety, and builds the future of packrafting.

Join paddlers from across the country (and a few international ones, too) on Idaho’s stunning South Fork Payette River.

Whether you’re here to improve your skills, connect with river friends, or just enjoy the ride, your participation directly supports APA’s mission—and helps keep the stoke alive for years to come.

2025 Packraft RoundUp
Payette River, Idaho
July 9-13, 2025

sign up for ticket alerts
– Tickets go on sale in early May –

Dates & Location

July 9 to 13, 2024

South Fork Payette, ID
Hot Springs Campground

Google Map Location HERE

*NEW for 2025* Paddling skills courses hosted by Cascade Raft & Kayak (optional add-on cost)

Swiftwater courses offered by Swiftwater Safety Institute on July 8 & 9 (optional add-on cost)

More details below. Sign up to be on our RoundUp mailing list and we'll send you an email when tickets go live in May. Sign Up

About RoundUp

The APA Packraft RoundUp is our biggest fundraiser and community gathering of the year—bringing paddlers from across the country (and international river buddies, too!) to connect, learn, and have fun on the water.

Since 2013, RoundUps have united the packrafting community to explore new rivers, improve skills, and build friendships. In 2025, we’re heading to Idaho’s beautiful Payette River system, with a range of river sections suited for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. This event runs on community energy—thanks to passionate volunteers and the support of APA members.

To show our appreciation, APA members receive discounted registration.Come paddle, grow your skills, and celebrate the spirit of packrafting with us!

On-Water Activity Disclaimer

On-water activities during the 2025 Packraft RoundUp are officially sanctioned and provided only through Cascade Raft & Kayak (CRK) and Swiftwater Safety Institute (SSI), professional outfitters with certified guides and appropriate insurance. These activities include scheduled instructional workshops offered in partnership with the American Packrafting Association (APA). Any and all other paddling or water-based activities undertaken outside of the outfitter-led workshops are considered informal and are done solely at the discretion of the individual. These activities are not part of the official APA RoundUp programming and are independent of the APA. All participants are solely responsible for their own safety, decision-making, and risk management on the water. This includes—without limitation—evaluating river conditions, assessing personal skills, using proper safety gear, and choosing appropriate companions. The APA does not endorse or authorize any individual to guide, instruct, or lead others on the water outside of sanctioned offerings, and assumes no liability for such actions. By participating in any paddling activity during the RoundUp—whether organized or informal—you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your safety and choices.

Payette River System Info

RIVER BETA

2025 Roundup schedule

More details coming soon. Schedule is subject to change.

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 9 & 10
  • Swiftwater Safety Institute Courses: Optional add-on cost and pre-RoundUp training. Get all the beta and sign up HERE for these courses. Space is limited on the course, so don't dally if you're interested. Payment and paperwork is handled by SSI, not APA. We have space for you at the campground for SSI courses but please coordinate with APA to plan your travel and camping logistics.  
  • NO early campers for RoundUp: If you arrive early to the area, please plan on your own camping. We do not have sufficient campsites reserved for early camper arrival at Hot Springs campground and we want to avoid the parking fiasco and additional fees from last year. Please kindly do NOT camp at Hot Springs if you are not part of SSI paid courses. Thank you for keeping it friendly.
Thursday, July 10
  • 12 noon: Vendor, Board, Volunteer arrival and set up
  • 4pm:  Paddler check-in. Pick up your registration wristband and goodie bag. Set up camp and make yourself at home.  
  • 7pm:  Welcome from APA Board Members. Meet & mingle activity.
  • 7:30pm:  Boaters & Beers - Group meet & mingle activity to kick off the weekend. APA will facilitate some fun get-to-know you activities among fellow campers and packrafters. Show up to this so you have a friendly foundation for the weekend to build on.
Friday, July 11
  • Paddler Check-in: Registration table will be open from 8-9am and again at 4pm to welcome you and for goodie bag pick ups. Everyone in the campground is required to have an APA RoundUp wristband please.
  • 8am:  SAFETY SIPS: We will start each day with coffee and a safety briefing. All RoundUp participants are expected to attend. This will set the tone for folks on the water in the coming days.
  • 8:30am:  Cascade paddling courses; morning session. Optional add-on cost.
  • 2pm:  Cascade paddling courses; afternoon session. Optional add-on cost.
  • 6pm:  Happy Hour: Board Welcome (again) + Workshop 1
  • 7:30pm:  Group Dinner hosted by APA
  • 8:00pm:  Speaker Workshop 2
  • 10pm:  International Packraft Film Festival Presents
Saturday, July 12
  • Paddler Check-in: Registration table will be open from 8-9am and again at 4pm to welcome you and for goodie bag pick ups. Everyone in the campground is required to have an APA RoundUp wristband please.
  • 8am:  SAFETY SIPS: We will start each day with coffee and a safety briefing. All RoundUp participants are expected to attend.
  • 8:30am:  Cascade paddling courses; morning session. Optional add-on cost.
  • 1pm:  Cascade paddling courses; afternoon session. Optional add-on cost.
  • 6pm:  Happy Hour: River Gear Show & Tell (who loves new gear?) 
  • 7:30pm:  Dinnertime (on your own)
  • 8pm:  APA Big A$$ Raffle
  • 9pm:  Packraft Olympics
  • 10pm:  Let's get western! Boot Scootin' Boogie and Hoe-down
Sunday, July 13
  • 8am: Breakfast with the Board
  • 10am: Camp clean up and check-out

Calling all volunteers!

Get on the volunteer list and we'll reach out with more when plans are firmed up. Thank you.