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Going down the river in a kayak, canoe, or tube is one of my favorite things to do in the summer with my family.

Everything you need to know about making your tubing, kayaking, or tubing trip successful is found in this guide:

• Best time of year to go on a float
• Average water and air temperatures
• What to bring
• Do you need a life jacket?
• How much time will a float take?
• Are alcohol and coolers allowed on the river?
• Can you get a ticket or be arrested on the river?
• Make sure you arrange for pick up or spot a car at the place you get out.
• Car spotting services in the area.
• Where to rent a tube, raft, kayak, canoe, or fishing boat.

Tubing, Kayaking & Canoeing the Muskegon River

Best Time of Year to Float Down the Muskegon River

The best time of the year to float down the Muskegon River in tubes or rafts is during the heat of the summer months: June, July, and August. Late May and early September may be okay weather permitting.

If you choose to paddle the river in a kayak or canoe, the best times are from spring through fall. Taking in the fall colors while kayaking down the river is one of my favorite pastimes.

Kayaking and canoeing can continue year-round and through the winter for the adventurous at heart. Just make sure you are appropriately dressed for the cold wet conditions.

Average Water & HIGH Air Temperatures on the Muskegon River

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Air Temp	29°F	32°F	43°F	58°F	70°F	78°F	82°F	79°F	71°F	58°F	45°F	34°F
Water Temp	34°F	35°F	38°F	44°F	55°F	66°F	70°F	71°F	67°F	58°F	48°F	39°F

Check out the current water temperature here.

What to Bring on a River Trip

Your Watercraft: Tube, Kayak, Canoe, or Raft

If you choose to use your own watercraft or flotation device, you definitely need one of these items to float down the river. The best type of tube for floating is one that has a bottom in the center and a headrest.

However, if you looking for a one-stop shop that provides the tube, kayak, or canoe refer to the bottom of the page for rental locations.

Sun Protection: Sunscreen, Sun Shirts, Sunglasses, and Hat

These items are a must-have on the river. Bring your sunscreen and apply it before and during your trip. The sun can get pretty hot out there and you don’t have any shade on the river.

In addition to sunscreen, a sun shirt, sunglasses, and hat can provide protection against the sun and help save you from that dreaded sunburn.

Water Shoes

Depending on the time of year you go and how much rain has fallen, the river can get low in some areas. It’s best to have shoes on for walking over gravel and stones that sit on the river bottom.

Snacks

There are no places to stop along the river to grab a bite to eat. Pack a few snacks to remain nourished on the trip so you stay alert and well when floating on a body of water.

Rope & Carabiners

When you’re traveling with friends, it’s fun to tie the tubes together with nylon rope. This will keep your group together so you can relax and not worry about drifting away from the group.

However due this at your own risk. It may not be safe in all situations and conditions.

Bring nylon rope and a carabiner or two so you can attach items to the tube so you don’t lose them.

For example, use the rope and carabiners to keep your water bottle or dry bag with you by attaching them to the tube so they don’t fall out of the tube.

It’s also nice to have a rope to attach a cooler tube so you don’t have to hang on to it throughout the trip.

Water Bottle, HYDRATION DRINKS & COOLER

Grab an insulated water bottle and fill it with cold water to pack on your trip. If you have a small cooler, pack it with ice and drinks to keep you well-hydrated.

A cooler can easily be set in a kayak or canoe, but what if you are floating in a tube? Don’t worry, that’s what they make cooler tubes for. Place your cooler on a tube and keep it floating along your side.

Waterproof Speaker

Some people may enjoy the serene sounds of nature. If you’re like me, I like to have a little music playing in the background while I paddle or float down the river.

A waterproof speaker works well for this. FYI…take care to keep the speaker out of the water. I’ve gone through many speakers that claim they are waterproof to find out they are not.

Dry Clothing & towel

It’s nice to have dry clothing to put on at the end of the trip. Keep a towel and a set of dry clothes in your car to have available for your return.

They are nice, especially if you want to head into town to grab a bite to eat or grill out in the park.

Do You Need a Life Jacket?

There are some people that should wear a life jacket for safety.

• Children under 6 years of age are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
• Individuals that are not very good swimmers.

For more information check out the State of Michigan’s life jacket requirements here.

How Much Time Will It Take? (Distance & Time)

Here are approximate times when using a tube or raft to float the river or a canoe or kayak to paddle the river. Note: Depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall, the river can move slower or faster.

Distance and Time Floating or Paddling the Muskegon River

How to Know Where You Are on the Muskegon River and When to Get Out

There are mile markers posted along the river. Mile marker 0 starts at the Hardy Dam and increases as you move west.

Alcohol Beverages and Coolers on the Muskegon River

I highly recommend bringing a cooler with drinks to keep you hydrated, especially on the longer river floats. Bring water and other hydration drinks.

Alcohol is allowed on the Muskegon River. Just make sure you control your drinking and don’t get too out of hand for your safety.

A couple of things to note when bringing drinks on the river:

• Glass is not allowed on the river. Do not bring drinks or food in glass containers or bottles.
• Styrofoam is not allowed on the river. Skip the cheap styrofoam coolers and bring a sturdy plastic or cloth cooler.
• Bring a bag to keep empty cans, bottles, and trash from contaminating the river.

Be aware, some full-service rental companies will not allow you to transport alcohol in their vehicles. Check out their websites or give them a call for more information.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Newaygo

Police Patrol the River: Can You Get a Ticket or Arrested?

Don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol

Michigan law allows alcohol on the river, however, you must still abide by the laws including being of minimum drinking age and not being intoxicated.

The effects of drinking on the river are magnified as you are out in the hot sun. Stay safe and keep your alcohol intake to a minimum.

Don’t litter

Keep your trash contained and don’t pollute the natural waterway. Enjoy nature and don’t litter so the river can continue to be enjoyed in its natural state.

Don’t be excessively loud

While Michigan doesn’t have a noise ordinance on the river, public nuisance laws are still followed. The authorities respond when a complaint is filed.

Be mindful of the music level and the use of foul language on the river. There are many families with young children floating down the river as well.

Be considerate of all people enjoying Newaygo’s scenic water pathways.

Don’t trespass on private property

There are many cottages and homes located along the Muskegon River. Anytime you are out of the river and standing on the shoreline you are considered to be on the property.

Trespassing can result in a ticket with a fine.

Need a Restroom Along the Muskegon River?

Spot a Vehicle or Arrange a Pick Up (DIY Floaters)

Trying to DIY your trip and transport your own equipment and gear for the river? This can save you money, but take some extra planning and time to make sure you have a vehicle at the point where you get off the river to take you to a vehicle left at the launch point.

There are spotting services available that will transport your vehicle to the pick-up point so you don’t have to worry about it. This is a great option to have so you can get on the river right away and not worry about running vehicles back and forth.

For a small fee, the spotting service will drive your vehicle from the starting point and have it waiting for you when you get off the water. They transport vehicles with or without trailers.

Here are a few spotting services in Newaygo:

• Muskegon River Shuttles | 231-250-6470 | Website
• Wisner Canoes | 231-652-6743 | Website
• Croton Dam Float Trips | 231-652-6037 | Website

Where to Rent a Tube, Kayak, & Canoe on the Muskegon River

Wisner Canoes: Offers kayaks, canoes, tubes & fishing boats

25 East Water Street, Newaygo MI
Google Maps | 231-652-6743 | Website

Book Your River Adventure

This is a one-stop shop to rent a tube, raft, kayak, canoe, or fishing boat to take down the Muskegon River.

Have you ever tried to figure out how you’re going to haul 3 canoes, a kayak, and several tubes down the road for your outing? I have…it’s quite the ordeal. You hope you have everything once you get to the launch.

This is why I highly recommend you rent your gear from Wisner Canoes. Pay the fee and have Wisner transport you to the launch where your items await. There’s no wasted time trying to blow up tubes and trying to spot vehicles.

Wisner Canoes has been offering this service since 1969. They know the ins and outs of the rental business. You can trust them with the gear and the logistics.

Muskegon River Float Trips Offered:

• Thornapple High Rollaway to Newaygo: 7 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 2.5 hour trip (approx.)
  • Tube or raft: 4.5 hour trip (approx.)
  • Fishing boat: 3.5 hours trip (approx. plus anchor time)
• Newaygo to Anderson Flats: 4 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 1 hour trip (approx.)
  • Tube or raft: 2.5 hour trip (approx.)
  • Fishing Boat: 1.75 hour trip (approx. plus anchor time)
  • Exit: Anderson flats – Mile marker 18 on the left just after the big island.
• Pine Ave. Access to Newaygo: 12 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 4.5 hour trip (approx.)
  • Fishing boat: 7 hour trip (approx. plus anchor time)

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Pinky’s Tubes

8118 Mason Drive, Newaygo MI
Google Maps | 231-652-8002 | Website

Book Your Tubing Adventure

You’ll find Pinky’s Tubes on the east side of Mason Drive (M-37) between Cronk’s Ace Hardware and the BP fuel station.

Pinky’s only offers tubes to float the Muskegon River. I suggest Wisner Canoes if you are looking to travel down the river using another method like a canoe or kayak.

The fee to rent a tube includes transportation to the entry point and pick-up from your exit point. You don’t have to worry about getting stranded at your point of exit without a ride.

Note: They will not transport your own equipment if you choose to bring your own tube.

Muskegon River Float Trips Offered:

• Henning Park to Anderson Flats
  • 2.5-hour trip (approx.)
  • Exit: Anderson Flats – Mile marker 18 on the left (look for the pink flag)
• Thornapple High Rollaway to Henning Park
  • 4-hour trip (approx.)
  • Exit: Henning Park – Just past mile marker 15 on the right (look for the pink flag)

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Croton Dam Float Trips

5355 Croton Drive, Newaygo MI
Google Maps | 231-652-6037 | Website

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Vic’s Canoes

8845 Felch Avenue, Grant MI
Google Maps | 231-834-5494 | Website

Book Your River Adventure

Muskegon River Float Trips Offered:

• Henning Park to Salmon Run Campground: 6.1 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 2 hour trip (approx.)
  • Tube or raft: 3 hour trip (approx.)
  • Fishing boat: 3.5 hours trip (approx. plus anchor time)
• Thornapple High Rollaway to Salmon Run: 12.6 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 4-6 hours (approx.)
• Croton to Salmon Run: 17.9 miles
  • Canoe or kayak: 6-10 hours (approx.)