When the river runs long or you don't have a friend to pick you up, getting back to your vehicle can be the hardest part of the day. Our Catawba River Shuttle Service takes care of that.
We give you and your equipment a ride from your exit point back to your vehicle, so you can paddle one way and skip the long haul back. The shuttle runs based on season, scheduled pickups, and emergency pickups, grab one of our discounted “while-here” windows, or call for an emergency ride if you ever find yourself stuck. It is simple, friendly, and priced so you always know the cost before you go.
You leave your car at one of the 3 shuttle stops (The Catawba Dam, The Pump House, or River Park), paddle, fish, or tube downriver to your exit, and we meet you there and bring you back. We run it out of a large truck that seats up to 5 people per load. For larger groups we take multiple trips.
You can come along for just the ride if you are hauling your own kayak, or let us load and bring your kayak back for your vehicle. Either way, you tell us when and where, and we handle the drive.
Every shuttle trip is built around the same stretch of the Catawba River. Normally your day starts at the Catawba River Dam or The Pump House, which is also where your car stays parked and waiting. From there you paddle downriver to one of our three pickup exits.
The Pump House, at the Barret Boat Ramp, is the first and shorter exit. River Park is the second exit, further downriver, for paddlers who want the full run. Both are recommended pickup points and part of the normal route.
We also keep two emergency only exits, Masons Bend and Westminster Park, for paddlers or tubers who get stuck and cannot reach a main exit. These are not part of the regular route. Westminster Park sits across the river, so reaching it takes a longer drive and costs a little more. We will always do our best to come get you, but please plan to finish at the Pump House or River Park whenever you can.
We keep it to two clear rates, plus an emergency option, and you always see the total before you pay.
The best deal is our while-we’re-here pricing. On days and during windows when our driver is already on the water with another group, you ride for $25 per person for a ride only, or $40 per person if we haul your kayak too, with no minimum. These windows show up as deal days right on the booking calendar, and booking into one is the smart way to save. You are simply catching a ride during a window we are already working, so we pass the savings straight to you.
For pickups outside those windows, our standard prebooked rate uses the same per person pricing, $25 per person for a ride and $40 per person with your kayak, with an $80 minimum per trip. Book a little ahead and we will line your pickup up for the time you want.
If you are stuck on the river right now and cannot wait for a scheduled window, we offer same-day emergency pickup. A same-day emergency ride is $100, or $120 if you are on the far side of the river at Westminster Park, where the drive is longer. Because our driver may be out on the water when you call, please ring us first to confirm someone can reach you before you pay. Your safety comes first, so never put yourself at risk trying to reach an exit. Call us and we will sort out the best way to get you back to your vehicle. We are not an emergency medical service. If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911. We do usually have a first aid kit on hand.
Booking takes a minute. Use the shuttle widget at the top of this page to pick your ride, choose a day and time, tell us how many people are coming, and set your pickup point. Your price locks in the moment you book, so there are no surprises at the takeout.
Prefer to talk it through, or need an emergency pickup right now? Use the widget or call us at (704) 614-8998 and we will get you sorted.
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