Bellbrook Canoe Rental

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Bellbrook Canoe Rental We rent Canoes, Kayaks, and Tubes. A safe and friendly atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy nature out on the river. (Updated 8-5-15)
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All trips leave from the Canoe Rental at the top of each hour, and we encourage everyone to arrive 40 mins early so you can register before the trip leaves. All boats are dropped off at the Narrows reserve and go down river to the Canoe Rental. The trip is 5.2 Miles and take anywhere between 1.5-3 hours depending on water levels. Tubes are dropped off at a half way point and can take between 2-3 hours depending on water levels. We sell snacks and drinks in the registration office as well as flip flops and other amenities.

*Weather Advisory*
Due to the nature of pop up thunderstorms, trips will still go out so long as there is no thunder or lightning. We do not cancel trips if there is only a forecast for thunderstorms, they are only canceled if, at the time of departure, it is lighting or thundering. This means that it is possible for storms to appear while on your trip. It is recommended that you check the weather before you arrive to determine if you want to go out.

*Please Be Advised*
-Any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment will incure a fee that must be paid before leaving the premises.
-Kids ages 10 and under must wear a life jacket at all times. We provide life jackets for everyone (or you may bring your own).
-Every passenger on canoe or kayak must keep a life jacket with them in the boat or on themselves at all times.
-All boats and tubes must be returned to the canoe rental by 7:00 pm or a fee will incure.
-Ohio Law states that no alcohol may be permitted on ALL Ohio waterways.
-Dogs must be leashed on the Bellbrook Canoe Rental property (they may be unleashed on the river).
-All paid passengers must receive a customized stamp on their hands (given after payment is made in full) to be allowed to load the bus that drops off at the Narrows.

10/15/2026

For this upcoming weekend, we will be closed on Saturday (10/17/26), but will open on Sunday (10/18/26).

Saturday will just be too cold. Sunday will still be cooler, but it might get warm enough. HOWEVER, it is suppose to get pretty cool at night. Therefore, expect the WATER TO BE COLD, if you do choose to go out, and prepare accordingly.

10/08/2026

We do plan to be open this weekend (10/10/26 and 10/11/26). Remember, there is no online booking available right now. Just arrive at Bellbrook Canoe Rental 30 minutes before whatever hour you choose from 9am- 3pm and you can sign up.

Saturday looks better at the moment, but there is still a good chance of rain on Sunday. We may be open, but check the weather for yourself before coming.

10/04/2026

Alrighty. For those wondering, we will no longer be open this season on weekdays (Monday through Friday). However, we will try to be open on Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) during the month of October whenever possible.

This will be weather dependent, and as anyone who follows our page should know, I cannot tell you what the weather will be in the future. Even a week out can be incredibly hard to predict, so if you call to ask, I would wait until at least Thursday of each week. I will try to post on here as well. Any inquiries before then will not get a firm answer. Sorry, for not being able to see into the future.

Also, to avoid having to refund people if we do close, online reservations will not be available during this time. If I change my mind on this, I will let you know, but for now we'll just be taking walk ins. I also strongly suggest kayaking over canoeing.

Trips will leave roughly 15 minutes before every hour from 9am to 3pm when we do open.

I think that covers it. Hope to see you next weekend, should the weather cooperate.

I went down the river to make sure there weren't any major obstructions. I am glad to report that it looked great. As us...
09/24/2026

I went down the river to make sure there weren't any major obstructions. I am glad to report that it looked great. As usual there are a couple tricky spots, but for the most part nothing crazy as long as you are somewhat okay at paddling. For the record, I am average at best, so if I can do it, you probably can.

I took pictures along the way just to give people an idea of what it looks like. One picture has a red dot in the corner. This area was probably the most concerning spot to me....in fact I think a few people have flipped in this area already this season. It's always hard for me to tell because I can generally avoid some of these spots pretty easily, so sometimes I'm shocked with where others have trouble, but I saw enough to suspect this is a tough spot for some.

Anyway, this spot is right before the first bridge (roughly halfway). It's hard to see on the picture, as I was further away, but the current does run you towards a low hanging tree on the left. You can avoid it by paddling to the right, but the current can spin your watercraft as you exit it. By that point you are out of trouble, but you might have to get yourself turned around. Just take some caution. The other usual trouble spot actually looked better. I should also note, that the water is at more of an early June level right now, so some of these spots could be trickier when the water is lower.

Anyway, we plan to be open tomorrow (Friday 9/25/26) and the weekend. Our takeout spot is a mess, but the river looks good overall!

We will be closed on Wednesday (9/23/26).While the water has receded quite a bit, I'm not feeling confident enough that ...
09/23/2026

We will be closed on Wednesday (9/23/26).

While the water has receded quite a bit, I'm not feeling confident enough that it will be at a good level for tomorrow. Feeling pretty confident we will be back by Thursday though. Just excuse our mess.... for the third or fourth time this season. Boy, this is getting old.

The picture is from earlier today.

We will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday (9/22/26).The writer of this post has been working here since July 2007. I know 19 y...
09/21/2026

We will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday (9/22/26).

The writer of this post has been working here since July 2007. I know 19 years isn't a huge chunk of time, but it's still a decent bit of time that I've been around this river. I don't recall ever seeing it get this high in the month of September. I should mention it was a little higher than this a few hours ago. What an interesting year weather wise. I know we were going through some droughts over the last couple of years, so I guess this is making up for it. I am sick of the rain.

09/21/2026

We will be closed on Monday (9/21/26) due to high water.

I'm just going to stop even bringing up low water in September.... At least this time, on the last post about water levels, I said that this could happen. I'm not sure how high the river will actually get, but we also had the creek running through our property get clogged for the billionth time this Summer, and as a result there will be a lot of clean up to do. Sorry for the inconvenience.

It seems like a good amount of people who visit us also enjoy getting tattoos, so we figured that we would share a tatto...
09/17/2026

It seems like a good amount of people who visit us also enjoy getting tattoos, so we figured that we would share a tattoo business that has recently opened a place in Bellbrook (has a shop in Wilmington too). The name of the place is Vision to Ink Tattoos, and it just happens to be operated by one of our office workers. She is a very talented artist, and does very good tattoo work, in our opinion. With that said, if she doesn't think she can do something for you, she will be honest and tell you. She's not about putting permanent garbage looking tattoos on your skin just to make money... unless you want garbage looking tattoos that is. Please check out the page and contact Emma for any questions.

With those who aren't our fans, and still follow us for whatever reason, I imagine they're thinking, "Why would I go to a tattoo shop that this unprofessional and horrible business is recommending." I probably can't convince you that Vision to Ink Tattoos is different, but I have an offer that you might like. I am just now giving Emma permission to give out "Bellbrook Canoe Rental Sucks" tattoos. That way when you begin getting agitated that you're feeling a little too happy in life, and not angry enough, you can look down at your tattoo, and be reminded of how much you hate us. From there you can get the anger that you desire to feel. Just don't do anything stupid with it. However, I just randomly threw out this offer in the moment. You will have to consult with Emma as to whether or not she will move forward with it.

Anyway, if you're looking into getting a tattoo, feel free to contact Emma and see if Vision to Ink Tattoos is the right place for you! Again, visit the page to check out her work, ask questions, or to schedule an appointment. She is very talented!

09/11/2026

Today (9/11/26), our 2pm trip is all booked up. If you want to come out, plan on an earlier trip, or our 3pm trip. Remember trips usually depart early. Be here 30 minutes ahead of time.

Also, we would like to give our rememberance to those who perished or were injured in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago. That also includes those who developed illnesses from the aftermath of the attacks, and either died or had their lives greatly altered as a result. And of course, we extend our remembrance to those, who died or were injured, while serving our nation in the wars/conflicts that resulted from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We remember and thank all who served in general.

09/05/2026

Barring a disaster, we do plan to be open tomorrow (Sat 9/5/26)!

Now, I feel I need to address something. Just so everyone is clear. But before doing that, let me say that I am well aware people have had a bad time paddling at our place. Whether that is our fault, their fault, or a mixture of blame; I get that it happens. Not everyone is going to be happy, and that is okay. I'm generally not going to call someone out on reasons why they had a bad experience. However, when flat out misinformation is being shared, and it could affect everyone, I need to point out the issue. So here I go.

The question: Are pets allowed on canoes and kayaks?

The Answer: YES, in the vast majority of cases. As long as pets are on a leash (or controlled) at the rental and not getting wet before we get you to the drop off spot, that is fine. There are only a handful of cases where pets would not be allowed, and here they are.

1. Most of the time the pets are dogs. However, we've seen a cat go out as well. They are all fine. If you want to bring your rat, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, go for it... assuming you have confidence in their survival. Shoot, if you want to bring a parrot on your shoulder, and go for the pirate theme, that is fine.
However, if you bring something like an alligator, crocodile, or a python; then yes, we are probably going to say no.... Although, honestly, maybe I would let the python slide as long as I am assured it won't slither away and become a problem.... Actually, no one test that. But I think you get the point. Most pets are welcomed. But yeah, a pet tiger or something exotic, not so much.

2. Back during the COVID period, we had state mandates saying dogs weren't allowed. Apparently, people would be way too tempted to pet them, and that would spread COVID. I personally thought that explanation was a little questionable, but we had to enforce it. By enforcing, I mean paying lip service, and telling people that dogs weren't allowed. However, it seemed like dogs somehow kept sneaking by us, if they were brought to our place. So, if we ever have another disease grip the nation of fear, yes, it might be possible that "you can't bring your pet".

3. If your pet is a menace to society, then we might say no. I understand dogs might have a small scuffle with one another. But if your pet is consistently acting poorly towards other dogs or people then that is a problem. If your pet, unprovoked, is charging at people/other pets, growling, and attempting to bite them; that is a problem. I can think of one possible time where this may have happened. So bad behavior would make us say no to a pet. Which, is another reason why exotic pets might be a problem.

4. Your dog isn't a dog. It's a skinwalker. Really, that could apply to any pet. We don't want a skinwalker lurking at the canoe rental. So keep them away from here. Any pets that are cosmic entities or fall into the supernatural realm should probably remain at home.

There are probably other reasons, but this post is long enough. To sum it up. 99% (maybe higher) of the time, PETS ARE ALLOWED!!!

Address

3234 Washington Mill Road
Bellbrook, OH
45305

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+19378484812

Website

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