Frequently Asked Questions
How many people participate?
What does my registration fee include?
How much does it cost?
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
What do I need to bring?
Where do we camp?
Do I need to bring food?
Where do I leave my car?
How can I learn more about the history of the Peace River region?

How many people participate? In cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection we limit the number of paddlers to 200 along the Peace River Canoe Trail.
What does my registration fee include? Paddle Florida registration fee includes a T-shirt, boat decal, camping, maps and river descriptions, evening entertainment/activities on Saturday and Sunday and the shuttle ride from the Gardner boat ramp finish in Arcadia to the Ft. Meade Recreation Area starting point. Bathroom facilities and showers will be provided at all campsites.
How much does it cost? Paddle Florida Peace River registration fee is $175. Add a Full Meal Deal package for $75.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler? No. You do not need to be an expert, but you do need some experience. The distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river are generally suitable for novice paddlers.
What do I need to bring? You are responsible for bringing a canoe or kayak, paddles and a personal floatation device (PFD) and a whistle for each paddler. Paddle Florida does not supply or rent boats. Paddlers must also bring standard camping gear including a tent and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person. Items we would rather you leave behind include chaise lounges, framed bedding/cots, plastic boxes without tops. Please make sure all luggage is labeled and secure.
Where do we camp? Tent camping will be by the river at Ft. Meade Outdoor Recreation Area (starting point), Paynes Creek Historic State Park near Bowling Green and Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. Bathroom facilities will be available at all campsites and shower facilities at Pioneer Park. We'll set up a portable shower at Paynes Creek.
Do I need to bring food? Breakfast and dinner will be provided for a fee each day and lunch stops on the river will provide you with all you can eat or carry . Participants may choose to bring their own lunch food and snacks . A menu and meal plan registration form is available on-line elsewhere on this website. Participants are strongly encouraged to make use of the meals provided at the campsites.
Where do I leave my car? Paddle Florida encourages you to park your vehicle at the starting point in Ft. Meade and at the end of the trip have us shuttle you and your canoe or kayak back to Ft. Meade. Your camping gear will be shuttled between campsites each day, allowing you to travel light on the river. Those who choose not to park at Ft. Meade or use the provided shuttle must make their own arrangements.
What is the history of the region? River guide Lars Andersen loaned us a concise summary of the early discovery and settlement of the region, "Tampa Bay and the Palmetto Prairies" reprinted from the CD, Natural Florida in Word, Image and Deed with permission from the CD's producer, Florida Defenders of the Environment. For copies of the Natural Florida CD or information contact FDE at www.fladefenders.org/. You can read the story here. (There may be a test when you get to the Fort Meade campground.)