Private Car Spotting
If you have your own watercraft and the associated permits, we offer transportation from your endpoint to your starting point. This service is provided as available and typically follows the same schedule as the rental transportation.
Most often, customers with their own boats and permits will drop the watercraft off at their launch point and meet at the office for a shuttle. The fees are $2.00/mile, calculated roundtrip from our office, and approximately $25.00 depending on the trip. This price is based on two people for the most popular trips.
Regulations
River Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The majority of the river is state or federal public land, each with different regulations. The federal permit area is from Elm Flats to Low Bridge (see the map). Above this is State DNR land.
Camping in the USFS land requires you to use numbered and designated campsites or be 1,200 feet from the riverbank. Camping in DNR land is 325 feet from the riverbank.
Within the national forest, federal law applies. This means glass, fireworks, and marijuana are illegal. The use of alcohol is regulated to a 4-can limit, and single-use plastics such as jello shot cups are prohibited. State land has fewer restrictions, but as always, be respectful and pack out whatever you bring. Each watercraft is equipped with a mesh litter bag. Please use them and recycle the trash in the receptacle at your Take-Out. Lastly, kindly return the mesh bags to the watercraft.
Permits
Every floating vessel on the Pine River requires a federal watercraft permit, which is crucial to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of the river by regulating the number of vessels and keeping the river clean and quiet. The permit is only available through Recreation.gov and applies to the federal permit area from Elm Flats to Low Bridge. Above this section is State DNR land, which has different regulations.
For Hoxeyville Outfitters Customers:
If you are renting watercraft from Hoxeyville Outfitters, we will handle the watercraft permits for you. This ensures that you are fully compliant with federal regulations without any additional effort on your part.
For Private Watercraft Owners:
If you plan to bring your own watercraft, you must obtain a federal watercraft permit independently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to purchasing your permit:
- Visit Recreation.gov.
- Search for the “Pine River Watercraft Permit” or use the direct link.
- Select the dates for your trip and check availability.
- Follow the prompts to complete your registration and payment.
- Ensure you have a printed or digital copy of your permit with you during your trip.
Cost Information:
Private Users: The cost is $2.00 per watercraft plus an $8.00 processing fee.
Rental Companies: Hoxeyville Outfitters covers a higher cost, approximately $5 per raft, to simplify your experience we handle all of the permitting process and bill the costs into the listed price.
Permits are required from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The private sector is allowed 100 watercraft on the weekends and 60 on weekdays. If permits are not available, please consider using state or private landings upstream of Elm Flats or taking them out downstream at Norman Dixon. Alternatively, you can rent boats from us if we still have permits available.
Importance of Compliance:
Having a federal watercraft permit is important to the National Forest Service, which patrols daily.
The permit system has been in affect since 1978 to regulate the number of vessels on the river, preserving its pristine condition and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors. Failing to have the proper permit can result in fines and disrupt your trip.
Additional Tips:
- Purchase your permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates.
- Double-check that your permit details match your planned trip itinerary.
- Keep your permit accessible and ready to show if requested by river authorities.
Environmental Protection:
To further protect the river’s environment, Hoxeyville Outfitters offers free litter bags for private paddlers. These bags are designed to help keep the river clean, even in the event of a capsize. We encourage all visitors to use these bags and contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the Pine River.