My fiancée and I had a wonderful time on the river! The staff was great, very helpful, and clear on the process. The kayaks are well maintained and it was awesome to spend a few hours enjoying our trip without any worries. I docked one star only because of the launch point. Only one boat could go at a time, so it took a while to get going. If they could find a launch point with a wider area, more boats could get their trips started earlier. read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental - Boating Near Me - Bellbrook, Ohio

If I was you, I would not make a reservation. If you have friends in town, it would be a great thing to do, but with the weather changes and all this stuff they don't refund even if they have an out of town ID to say that the reason they are not going is because of the rain so if you're military, I would make sure that you pick a different one and not make a reservation take a chance they always have openings, but yeah, won't be going to this one again you're forced to go in the rain read more

I loved this experience. I did a 5.2 mile single kayak with a group of 6 others. It was superb. The route was beautiful. The ride there was informative. This is an experience everyone should try! The online registration was convenient and user friendly. read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental - Boating Near Me - Bellbrook, Ohio

It was good and the canoe ride was pleasant and the service was good and everyone was nice!

Beautiful section of the Little Miami River. Very quiet and relaxing trip. The only negative comment I have is that (approx. 30 )people kayaking had a very awkward launch due to the steps leading down to the river. Having a couple of employees assist with the launch would have been great! Note: There was an offer for assistance from one employee but my group was not aware of the unusual launch situation so he took off when nobody asked for help. read more

I'm only giving this three stars because - The staff is very sweet and helpful, however, we were disappointed there was no one to help get kayaks into the water. We were on a girls' kayak trip and luckily we were able to count on other patrons for help. Positives - started promptly, easy to register online. read more

This place is one of favorites to kayaking with in a area. This is my 2nd time this month going kayaking with Bellbrook Canoe Rental. It is easy to book online but they do cut it off I believe 24 hours out and then you have to call to make a reservation which is easy enough. I booked online the second time and since it was same day decision I called. The float is an easy 5ish mile run it took me 4 hours just to float with minimal paddling. The second time I went our group stopped a few times to play in the water and it took longer. In years past I have returned within 3 hours with some paddling. I have gone with inexperienced children as young as 8 years old and experienced adults. Everyone found it to be easy and a lot fun! read more

We had a good experience here. No shop with items to buy, no dressing rooms, and only port-o-lets. However, friendly service, descent kayaks, paddles and life jackets, assist in getting in water and a great price (about $15 less than some local competitors) Beautiful part of the river that I had not yet paddled. If you are looking for an over all bargain, this is your place. I'll definitely be back! read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental - Great kayak trip - Boating Near Me - Bellbrook, Ohio

Terrible experience, staff is absolutely ridiculous they might as well not even be there, not everyone who is a customer is going to be a total expert on canoeing or kayaking, anyway water was higher due to all the rain.. obviously some rough spots with currents hit a bad spot and capsized ok pulled off to the side by the first underpass called the pass let them know what happen maybe someone could bring us paddles since we lost ours nope... an hour or so passed called the place again had no idea what I was talking about.. let's just say if you're not an expert or have kids not really the place I would go. Oh and fyi the life jackets are gross and covered in mold. read more

The 5.2 Mile Kayak trip is a wonderful experience. So peaceful and so many things to see as you cruise down the river. Lots of places to stop during the trip to take a break and have lunch\drinks. You can't beat the price! read more

Average experience.. the river view itself is nice with opportunities to rope swing and a few areas to stop but the staff experience was mediocre at best. Our bus driver was rude and not welcoming what so ever, he mainly gave commands to the group as if he was extremely frustrated vs politely directing or helping the guests. They only have port-a-potties for their guests and sadly when we entered the water there were no employees there to help you get going on the water so that was a chaotic mess.. read more

Wonderful trip. Place is easy to find and provides life jackets and paddles. I would recommend that you bring a nice picnic lunch. And enjoy the afternoon on the water. read more

ZERO CURRENT... we paddled til we had blisters... we were warned the water was low but not to the extent that we would have to literally paddle the entire time to get back. also, no fault to this place BUT we had a group with us on canoes that were banging their boats LOUDLY and sucking some song from whatever country they are from VERY LOUDLY! they were horrible! they were catching fish and throwing them in their canoes and watching them suffer. we begged then to out then back but they would not. they put the fish in their coolers!!! I hope so bad that is they ate those fish, they got SOOO ill for days! horrible people! ruined our "peaceful" days of kayaking that we "thought" we were going to have... just aweful all around.... read more

We went on a Sunday. It was a family trip but just two teenagers, mom and dad this time. The river was pretty high but it would still be an ok beginner trip. The two teenagers were each in their own kayaks and did just fine. There is a great spot about 2 miles in that would be good for a picnic or rest. Also, plenty of wildlife in the area. We saw a log with 5 turtles on it. The trip was a 5.2 mile trip and definitely a competitive price. Owner is on site at the sign up building and the customer service is great. The kayaks are is great shape. The team loads up oars for you so you don't have to carry one unless you are canoeing. We loaded up on the bus and were at the drop point in no time. Note, the drop point is a pretty busy local park but you're able to get on the water without much interference and there are stone stairs to the water which helps of you have smaller children. I will definitely recommend Bellebrook Canoe to friends. Thanks for a great trip! read more

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We had a great trip. Staff was friendly and helpful. The river is scenic with lots of places to stop and enjoy the scenery, birds, and turtles. Mostly an easy pace with a few spots of faster water which keeps it interesting. The river is mostly shaded, but bring water to drink. The water level was fine for us, but there are some shallower spots where you might need to get out and walk for a few yards if the water level is low. We were on the water for about 2 1/4 hours, and did not rush. Highly recommended. read more

This was our first time visiting this place and everyone was so nice. The water was a little high today so they upgraded us to a kayak. They also offered to refund if we felt uncomfortable going onto the water with it being high. They were very accommodating and I recommend this business for all of your canoe and kayaking adventures. The staff was awesome and answered our questions to ensure it was a great experience. read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental - The outside photo. - Boating Near Me - Bellbrook, Ohio

The was river was wonderful, however I was disappointed in the lack of staff support! You are basically drop off to fend for yourself. There are large steps you must carry you kayak down with no assistance. It was very difficult and not ideal for a group of women. Finally, at the end staff members pulled the kayak effortlessly up the nice gravel path! I can't say I will be back! if you are looking for hospitality visit Morgan's Canoe rental! read more

Left a lot to be desired with staff and entire experience. Zero current so it was impossible to have a relaxing time. If its that low they shouldn't be operating read more

We had a great time kayaking on Saturday - the 5.2 mile route wasn't overly strenuous, but the water level was very low. I am glad they were still open because the weather was perfect but our kayaks basically got stuck in several places. The kayaks are not typical, they're aluminum like a canoe with a folding plastic seat. We would visit again, easy livery service and liked ending our trip at the car. read more

I have been here many times and usually have a great experience but this time not so much. I know people go through things and aren't always there best self but the gentlemen who took us out were very rude and uncoordinated. we started the trip with some confusion as well as some flack. read more

kayaking was great, however it's a little ridiculous that they don't have anyone help you drag your kayaks down the steep hill and/or get you in the water. Its the only place I've been where they don't help you. read more

This was a very fun experience and we will be back. I love how you just get your stuff and they let you go on down the river. If you dont know what you are doing tho it would be a good idea to read up on or ask questions because you get no instructions. It was a good distance, beautiful scenery and nature. We went on a day it rained a good amount but was still nice it didnt ruin anything. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect going into canoeing but I loved it. Customer service was great and very helpful since I had never canoed before. There are places to stop along the pathway so in the future I'd probably plan going around lunch and bring food. Definitely do this if you're in the Dayton area! I did read some other reviews and would like to add I also think the staff should help you get into the water, especially if you're new to canoeing! read more

We rented two kayaks. The price was reasonable and the stretch of river was perfect. Reserved online and signed the waivers. Easy peasy!

This was our third trip, but the first since Covid. Online reservation was awesome, and the waiver signing online was great. Check in was quick and easy. Not sure why I still had to show up 40 minutes early? I was not happy being on a bus load for drop off. That is 50 people all crammed into one bus and dropped off all at once. We had problems with some of the people, as they were intoxicated and playing load music the entire trip. We even stopped, to let them go down the river that lasted only minutes, because they kept stopping, and going. They were tossing empty beer cans and bottles into the trees and water. He was even so smug as to ask the driver before departing, how much the fine was for drinking while kayaking, cause he knew he would just pay the ticket if he got caught and that would be the end of it. I would like to see more patrols along the river. Because this group, ruined our trip. We couldn't get away from them. We came to relax and unplug, they came to party. I felt cheated. If this is the way my trips are going I don't' think I will come back. When I came to the end of the trip, no one helped me or my family get the boat on shore, they ignored us and moved to the younger group causing all the noise. Seemed Rude. Just told me to take my vest to the lodge. Things have gone down hill since the last time I was there. read more

We visited Memorial Day weekend 2021. On our shuttle ride to the drop off location, we had the back 2 wheels of our shuttle bus FALL OFF WHILE WE WERE DRIVING! We were fortunate the accident wasn't worse and that no one was seriously injured. They were quick to get a new shuttle to our location and send us on our way. However, no one from the canoe rental seemed to think this incident was a big deal or could ruin our experience. They offered no apologies nor a reimbursement for our canoe rentals. The experience was a bit bizarre and surreal. Renters should also know you will lose your reservation, if you do not show up on time with your whole group. I would also caution any canoers/kayakers coming to the drop off location in Narrows Reserve to be aware the Park Rangers are actively checking for current watercraft registration, life jackets and alcohol. That all being said this trip down river was one of my favorite in the Miami Valley. It is beautiful! read more

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Perfect experience. Easy process, great staff, fun times! Looking forward to doing it again! Definitely worth it. read more

Great Experience!! My wife and I visited from out of town and would definitely go back. We completed the waivers online which made the process extremely simple. The staff was very friendly and we were happy that the bus departure was promptly at the scheduled time! We rented a canoe and it bottomed out in a couple spots, but the staff informed us before we got in the water that it could happen due to the recent lack of rain, so no big deal. Great trip, we had fun, and would go again! read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental - Canoeing - Boating Near Me - Bellbrook, Ohio

The staff was rude and not at all helpful. The kayaks are old and beaten up. No one helped us into the water. They just dumped the kayaks and left. If you want to change your clothes, you'll have to do it in a port-a-pot. We've been going here for years but won't anymore. read more

Had a great time.... very relaxing. My only suggestions would be to have a longer trip and a colorful sign indicating we've reached the end of the trip and this is where you get out a little bit prior to actually arriving at the end. Staff was friendly and the area was clean. Wonderful experience.. would Def do it again! read more

I usually go to rivers edge. With the water still a little high or rapid in places (plus debris from all the past storms) they only had their 3.5 mile running...So I thought I would try here since it's been a few years, and supposedly 5.2 miles. well I live in Englewood and had the idea I needed to be there 20 mins to my departure ( I had already paid for me and my guest and we both had signed our wairvers for 12 o'clock departure.) Traffic made me show up 10 mins till 12...but at that point my friend who arrived before me had checked us in and been treated rudely and told they would leave without me multiple times way before 12. She told me multiple times she was treated rudely in the 30 minutes she was there before me. After I got there our instructions were basically dont do stupid shit and don't lose their equipment. Once we arrive there none of the passengers/ customers knew what to do. We all stood around for 10 mins at the narrows waiting on tubes and kayaks to arrive, no instructions or anything until I decided to ask our driver if we continue to wait for paddles and kayaks. He was pleasant and and said they would arrive shortly. There were many families and large groups there....once the tubes and kayaks arrived we received no help carrying any of the equipment or kayaks to the water which is a little ways and struggle to get in for beginners. When they pulled up we were instructed to grab a paddle and kayak and that was the end of instructions. I helped quite a few before going in myself. Water was nice with a little rapids here and there. We did not stop at all and only paddled when needed for Rapids or to get away from crowds and still arrived back in 1.5 hours. Not sure I would say it's an actual 5.2 mile since I took longer to do a 3.5 at rivers edge a week before that with faster running water and no stops as well. Only had sit in kayaks or a few sit on top with broke straps for carrying bags. Place was nothing like I experienced when I was younger and so glad I was the one who showed up last and didn't have to deal with rudeness. I'm a very kind person but when treated poorly like my friend was I tend to defend. I was told you were very rude and pushy stating at 1130...30 mins before scheduled trip. She was told they want you there an hour before departure but in none of the things I read or signed did it say that. Please update this information for future people. All and all I had a good trip with a few rapids here and ther but nothing too difficult. The customer service and equipment was sub par, but scenery and my company was nice before we came to a few places next to a busy road. read more

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We had a group of 15 family members in kayaks and we had a great time! Everything was very easy from online reservations, to check in, to drop off. The staff was very friendly and well organized and we all had a great time! read more

The rental process was very easy and getting the waiver signed online was easy as well. The trip down river was very nice. However I agree with many of the other comments when it comes to the quality of the equipment and the assistance of the staff. They were all very nice but when it came to getting the kayaks in and out of the river it almost felt like they assumed that everyone knew what they were doing. They dropped the kayaks off and gave little to no instruction other than don't damage our equipment or you will be fined, a brief river update, and then left. The lifejackets are definitely in need of cleaning and many of them just need to be thrown away as the smell of mildew and mold made them impossible to wear. Overall I would use this place in a pinch but would not recommend it. read more

Really well organized canoe rental place. My son and I had a few friends go with us this weekend. The river is fun and it's easy enough for first timers. They have enough people and how they handle the crowds works really well. They even have small shelters that can be utilized if you have a group. Super thankful for a relaxing time o. The River. read more

We had a family group of 7, ages 6 to 73, and we had a great time. The staff are total pros who have the service down to an art. Lots of help with launch and return and friendly service throughout. A great day on the river. read more

You get what you pay for I guess. My wife and I have been trying various canoe/kayak services along the Miami River. We just didn't enjoy them as much as their competition. The were no bathrooms or changing areas, just port-a-potty's. The equipment was well used and in rough shape. Most kayaks had no bungies to secure personal items, and many of the paddles were bent. My biggest issue was that no employee stayed behind to assist in launching. They just dropped off the equipment and left. I took it upon myself to help the group. No exit/end point was ever briefed either. Had to ask others that had done it in the past. Won't use again. read more

Bellbrook Canoe Rental did a great job. We rented two canoes. Everything at check in was efficient. Drop off was smooth. The staff unloaded and carried the canoes to near the waters edge and we were able to easily get them in the water. The equipment was as would be expected for rental, somewhat weathered but very functional for our level of experience. We had two adults (one in each boat) with some experience but the others were able to learn quickly and we all had a great time. We look forward to going back. The people at Bellbrook Canoe can not control the water level or the behavior of other people/ groups that are canoeing on the river. I have read a couple low reviews because of the water being too shallow in areas or because of groups on the river playing loud music or acting rude. If this concerns you, be mindful of the weather, the water is typically low in the late summer or if it hasn't rained in weeks. That is up to Mother Nature, not Bellbrook Canoe Rental. Also, you might possibly consider going early in the morning if loud groups aren't your thing. read more

My family and I booked a canoe trip down the river and had to move the date due to incline to weather the staff were so accommodating, on the day of trip turned out to be a beautiful August Day some of us rented kayaks and some were in canoes both were great we came down the river 5 miles in a little over 3 hours we stopped for lunch and a swim Thank you To all the staff who helped us have a great day read more

We had a good time. Kayaks were so so. For the money kayaks should be in better shape. They gave no help launching.

Had a great time. Distance was perfect. Other places were either too short or too long. staff was very friendly. Will def go back!