The Scoop: Lander’s River Trips can trace its history back to 1955 when Bob Lander bought riverfront property on the Delaware River where he’d made many good memories as a Boy Scout. Bob got into the canoe rental business to encourage people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Catskills. His son Rick Lander took over the family business in 1983 and rapidly expanded to offer a variety of river sports and camp sites in the area. Lander’s River Trips currently has eight launch sites and three campgrounds along 70 miles of river, and it’s a go-to destination for couples seeking an outdoor date in the Catskills.
Lander’s River Trips is a family-owned campground and river sports outfitter that covers about 70 miles of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. If you love to get out on the water, this is the place for you.
The riverfront property has three camping destinations that include electric plugins, hot shower facilities, and a convenience store. Plus, campers have access to several river launch points where they can dive into an adventure.
Spending a day on the river can be a wonderful date activity, especially for couples who are looking for an outdoor escape. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to make a reservation with the rental company and explore new sights along the waterway. The property features picnic areas and event spaces on the shore to accommodate lunch dates, friendly hangouts, and celebrations.
Whether you’re in a canoe, kayak, tube, or raft, you can go with the flow and enjoy the beautiful sights of the New York Catskills thanks to Lander’s River Trips.
For nearly 40 years, Rick and Lisa Lander have carried on the tradition started by Rick’s father, Bob, who bought the flagship riverfront lounge in 1955. Lander’s River Trips has grown substantially since those early days, and it has rental equipment for a variety of river spots and outdoor adventures.
“We have something for every experience level,” the Landers team promises. “There’s fun for the whole family or a weekend adventure with friends here, and we look forward to making your river trip a memorable one.”
A Family-Friendly Destination With River Sports & Camping
Lander’s River Trips maintains three riverfront campgrounds that put guests in close proximity to a Delaware River adventure. Campers can take a shuttle to the company’s eight launching ports and rent a tube, kayak, or canoe for the day. Rafting activities are also available for groups of people.
Couples tend to go for the canoe and kayak rental options while families and friend groups typically want to go rafting and tubing together.
The river sports rentals are available to campers as well as daytime visitors, and they can sell out during holidays and at the height of the summer season. Regulars recommend showing up early to get a good spot and pack in many quality hours on the water.
Lander’s River Trips is a popular hangout for young adults because of its easygoing and casual atmosphere. Alcohol is allowed on property, and it’s pretty common to see a cooler of beers floating alongside a group of friends.
This riverfront destination is also dog-friendly. Team members only ask that the dog be up to date on all vaccinations and stay on a leash while on dry land. It is free to bring a dog on a kayak or canoe, but the rafting rentals incur a $25 dog fee. Lander’s River Trips does not have life vests for dogs on hand, so dog owners are advised to bring their own, if desired.
Campers with dogs should note that things can get pretty rowdy at night — some guests bring musical instruments, loud speakers, or fireworks — so it isn’t an ideal situation for dogs with anxiety issues or fear of loud noises.
Guests must call (800) 252-3925 to book a camping package. The online reservation system is for river sport activities only.
A campground provides the quickest access to the Delaware River, but not all visitors fancy a camping date, which is why the Landers website recommends other lodging options in the area. Couples can rest easy at a hotel or bed-and-breakfast and then drive to a launch port when they’re ready to explore the river bends.
Creating Ripples of Joy Through the Generations
Lander’s River Trips is locally famous for its dynamic campgrounds and river sports rentals. Many of its water-loving guests return season after season to enjoy good vibes with good company in the great outdoors. The website features testimonials from some of its most loyal customers.
Steve B. said he and his friends have visited Lander’s River Trips once a year since 1983. The group started with more challenging canoeing, but they have since slowed down and taken more relaxing and scenic routes from Skinner Falls. Steve said part of the fun of this summertime tradition has been watching the owners mature and upgrade the facilities along the riverfront property.
“Landers provides all you need for a weekend out,” Steve said. “‘We’ve been doing this since Bobby himself was at the helm of this chain of canoe bases — the kids are steering quite well these days.”
Mac Gregerson said he’d been camping at Landers for eight years. It started with a weekend trip with some college buddies, and now it involves a group reservation for about 10 families with children. “It is such a good time. The people at Landers are so friendly, they almost feel like family,” Mac said.
A self-described aquatic theologian named Jack Schinella expressed similar sentiments in his review of the area. “I’ve stayed at Landers in spring, summer, and fall and always enjoy my stay,” he said. “I’ve stayed at a lot of campgrounds over the years and Landers seems to attract the most friendly campers and all around fun crowd. I’ll be back next June for Mysteryland and I can’t wait to see my Landers family.”
Some visitors come for the campground party life, while others are mostly interested in water sports, but they all enjoy the hospitality and generosity of the Landers staff.
Lander’s River Trips is popular among people of all ages and backgrounds. The company boasts a 5-star rating from its Facebook reviews, and TripAdvisor had ranked it #4 among the top things to do in Narrowsburg.
Lander’s River Trips: Where Outdoorsy Folks Go With the Flow
Lander’s River Trips encourages couples, friends, and family members to make special memories on the water. The beautiful river scenery can provide a lovely backdrop for a romantic date or a weekend excursion. It has even been known to host bachelor parties and family reunions.
On sunny days in the on-season, it’s common to see the campgrounds full of smiling faces. The shuttles keep people moving from one activity to another, and the launch ports become packed with tubers, kayakers, and other water sports enthusiasts.
The rental company equips visitors for a day of fun in a scenic destination in the Catskills. So jump on board and set a course for adventure.
“The Delaware River is a protected treasure, flowing through the foothills of the Catskill and Pocono Mountains,” said Rick Lander on the company website. “Whether you’re canoeing, rafting, kayaking, or camping on the Delaware, you’ll enjoy the serenity of this beautiful area and may even catch sight of one of the many nesting pairs of Bald Eagles.”
