Chattooga Fest 2023
May 5th - 7th, Chattooga Sounds Campground
Kickoff the summer with Foothills Paddling Club’s largest paddling event of the year! The first weekend in May, adventurers from across the southeast, come together at the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River for a time of paddling and community building. Proceeds from the event and its legendary raffle help to cover the club’s operational expenses for the year so that we can continue to support the paddling community, provide affordable outdoor education, and advocate for the conservation of and access to some of the best waterways in the country.
Meet Ups
We will provide three opportunities for you to meet up with fellow adventurers to coordinate your trip for the day. Nearby adventures include Lake Tugaloo, Section 2 (Class II+), Section 3 (class III), and Section 4 (Class IV). There are also ample hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Official Club Trips
Rafting
Rafting is a fun and laid back way to enjoy the scenic Chattooga, and is great way to share this outdoor gem with your friends and family who may not have the requisite whitewater experience. FPC will be running a free rafting trip on either section 3 or 3.5 (level depending) for members. Members may also reserve a spot for a friend or family member.
Section 4 PFD
For many paddlers, the beautiful and thrilling Section 4 of the Chattooga River, is on their bucket list. However, its consequential Class IV rapids, most notably, the legendary Five Falls, require a good leader who know the lines and can keep the crew safe. At Chattooga fest, FPC hosts perfect opportunity for those with the skills to safely descend this iconic stretch of whitewater. You can sign up for this trip during online registration .
*This trip is subject to river level. The max level is 1.8 on the online USGS gage.
*The trip lead may opt to exclude participants, if they feel the participant’s skill level is not appropriate for the trip.
Admission
Chattooga Fest is Open to the public, however, FPC members receive early access to registration and discounted admission, as well as access to group camping, official club trips, and a free Pizza Party!
To get these benefits, FPC members must access the event registration through the membership portal..
Admission
Admission gives you access to the campground for meet ups and the Saturday evening festivities. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
FPC Member Admission: $14
Non-Member Admission: $25
Add Ons
Pizza Party! (Friday Night): FREE*
Camping: $12.65 per person per night*
BBQ Chicken Dinner (Saturday): $10 per person
Rafting Trip (Saturday): FREE*
Section 4 PFD Trip (Saturday): FREE*
Chattooga Fest T-shirt: $35 - Pickup at check-in
*Pizza party, Camping and Official club trips are available to FPC members only. Join Now!
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 5th
Kick-off!
Bandstand | 12pm
Meet Up with other paddlers to join a trip
Check-in
Main Entrance | 4-5:30pm
Pizza Party
Humble Pie | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Free to members! Space is limited, so make sure you register.
Saturday, May 5th
Check-in
Main Entrance | 7-9am
Morning Meetup
Bandstand | 8:30am
Check-in
Main Entrance | 6-8pm
BBQ Dinner
Camp Kitchen | 6:30pm
Club Meeting and Raffle
Bandstand | 7pm-8:30pm
Sunday, May 5th
Morning Meetup
Bandstand | 8:30am
Checkout for Group Campers
Group Campsite | 4:00pm
Join the conversation and get an early start coordinating some of your own trips ahead of time. Updates about trips and other Chattooga Fest Activities will be posted in the #Chattooga-Fest channel on our Club Discord Server.
Chattooga Fest Base Camp
Chattooga Sounds Campground
2851 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658
Phone
864-647-6196
Foothills Paddling Club rents the group camping area for the weekend which includes:
space for up to 40 People
kitchen cook shed
bandstand
nearby bathhouse
When you register to attend Chattooga Fest, you will be able to select to include one or two nights of camping at our group site.