Packraft RoundUp is APA’s biggest community gathering of the year — part campout, part learning opportunity, part fundraiser, and all about bringing the packrafting community together.
We're bringing RoundUp to Maine for the first time September 4-7 on the West Branch Penobscot River in partnership with Packraft Maine. Join us at Big Eddy Campground for several days of camping, connection, evening programming, and river community.
Whether you’re coming to meet other paddlers, build your skills, or simply be part of the scene, RoundUp is a chance to connect with the broader packrafting community while supporting APA’s mission.
Google Map Location HERE
Optional guided outings offered during the event
with Packraft Maine
We are excited to have you join us for community, education, safety, fun and laughs! Please note that only those with a RoundUp ticket will be admitted into the campground. This event is limited to 40 tickets, so register early to get a spot!
Three nights of camping and community
One group dinner hosted by APA (night TBD)
Opportunity to meet/greet with APA board members and other packrafting peeps to expand your packrafting community
Access to evening programming and community activities, including a screening of the 2026 Packraft Film Festival
Morning safety discussions — river selection, group self-assessment, recommended group size
Win raffle prizes and take home new gear! Huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors and donors that make the APA wheels turn.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners who believe in adventure, education, and building a strong paddling community.
Headwaters Event Sponsor
Thank you to our additional partners
On-water activities during the 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.
Before you email us, please take a peek at the frequently asked questions below.
Sanctioned Roundup paddling is only offered through licensed instructors and clinics managed by Cascade Raft & Kayak and Swiftwater Safety Institute as noted on the schedule of events. APA does not offer any other guided paddling.
This event originated and remains a platform for packrafters to come together and expand their packrafting community. We are committed to facilitating connections among packrafters through our nightly evening activities, fostering opportunities for participants to meet and organize paddling groups.
⚠ Professional on-the-water paddling instruction and learning is not offered by any other APA attendees, staff or board of directors.
Our friends at Utah Whitewater Gear in Salt Lake City and Idaho River Sports in Boise rent packrafts that you can snag on your way to the event. Backcountry Packraft Rentals will ship you a packraft to use at the event (please thoroughly clean this before and after use to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species).
⚠ If you are looking for professional instruction, we recommend you register for one of the courses led by Packraft Maine.
The APA Roundup has a rich history of fostering inclusivity for novice packrafters. However, it's important to understand your own abilities before attempting more challenging rivers. When you step up your game in a friendly setting versus instructional setting, you are putting yourself and others at risk. The APA Education & Safety Committee is committed to providing resources on self-assessment and risk management, both for the Roundup and beyond. Empowering packrafters to make informed decisions helps us all paddle safer and smarter. Thank you for paddling within your limits and pursuing skill enhancement in the proper environment with qualified instructors.
⚠ If you are looking for professional instruction, we recommend you register for one of the courses led by Packraft Maine.
Pets are welcome and must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended in the campground. Please pick up after them.
We love volunteers and appreciate your generous energy and time! All volunteers must purchase a ticket, which will be reimbursed after the event. This ensures everyone follows through—past free tickets were sometimes taken advantage of. Volunteers assist with duties like guest check-in, raffle sales, HQ tasks, trash pickup, parking, or workshop setup.
☑ Are you a shutterfly or amateur photographer? We are looking for professional event photographers to help capture RoundUp and would love to chat with you! If you’re interested, please reach out to us at roundup@packraft.org.
↠ Only registered Roundup attendees are allowed to camp and attend RoundUp activities. Thank you for understanding as we are a nonprofit and this is a community, educational and fundraising event.
↠ Camping is permitted in the designated group sites. APA is required to provide the campground with camping assignments ahead of time. If you would like to request to camp with someone, please let us know.
↠ No trailers allowed.
↠ Please clean up after yourself, do not leave food or food containers attended or out overnight.
NOTE: There are showers for a fee, WiFi for a donation, and limited cell service at the campground.
We'll be sharing a group campsite so thank you in advance for being conscientious. Campsite details can be found at this link HERE. There is little to no cell reception at the campsite so please plan accordingly.
BRING FOR CAMPING:
↠ CAMPING: Car-camping gear (please be aware of early and late hours for slamming car doors, talking and late-night chill sessions). Please bring all supplies needed for self-sufficient car camping including cleaning stations, water bins, proper food/gear storage, and cook items.
↠ MEALS: One group dinner is provided by APA. You're on your own for other meals.
↠ KITCHEN: Bring your own plates, utensils, cups and mugs for APA meals.
↠ PROGRAMMING: Bring a camp chair and/or blanket for evening workshops and speakers.
↠CASH: You'll need this for showers, using the WiFi and will be accepted as paymnet for raffle tickets.
AVOID:
▪ Please do not bring one-use plastics such as disposable water bottles, plastic silverware or non-recyclable products. Recycling will be hauled away after the event.
▪ Please do not bring glass containers.
BRING FOR PADDLING:
↠ US Coast Guard approved PFD (type III or V is best)
↠ Whitewater-specific helmet
↠ Exposure/thermal protection (drysuits are encouraged, also wetsuit, dry top, etc)
↠ Self-bailing or whitewater decked packraft
↠ Throw bag
↠ Spare paddle
↠ Dry bags and clips to secure your gear
Drop us an email and we'll get back to you during business hours. Please allow 48 hours for reply.
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