Special Events

  • Moonlight Paddles

    Moonlight Paddles are one of the best ways to experience the wild beauty of the river, and the only time we offer guided trips downstream. Your trip starts around sunset with a brief orientation, followed by a paddle down to the picnic pavilions at the halfway point of our standard trip.

    At the pavilions we have campfires, smores, often live entertainment, and a full dinner spread! Previous menus have included all you can eat pancakes, pulled pork sandwiches, homemade tortellini soup, chili dogs, and a wide variety of other entrees, as well as chips, dip, fresh fruit, and other sides to keep you fueled up for the second half of the paddle.

    Once everyone has had their fill, we continue downstream for another hour or so to the busses waiting at our pickup spot. The whole trip takes about 4 hours start to finish, and runs on the Saturday closest to the full moon. Be sure to call to reserve, as reservations are required and spots go fast!

  • Make-Your-Own Events

    While we do not have any Outpost-run concerts or other festivals/gatherings on the schedule currently, you are welcome to rent out our group campground and create your own! We have had moped swap-meets, medeival reenactments, boy scout troops, huge birthday parties with live bands, and even small music festivals on property in the past. Be sure to call at 813-634-2228 to inquire about what we can do for your group.

This poster has all the needed information for our upcoming Moonlight Paddle, be sure to review it before calling to make your reservation!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • To aid in safety, at least one person per boat must have: A flashlight or headlamp, a cell phone (with water protection) and at least moderate paddling experience. We also require a high degree of self reliance to deal with on and off water circumstances and/or weather conditions. We also require all participants have the ability to swim.

  • Please plan on arriving 30-60 minutes before your scheduled paddle time to check in.

  • Plan on approximately a 4 hour long experience from hitting the water to returning to the Outpost by bus. 30-75 minutes of that time will be spent at the halfway point enjoying snacks and drinks, conversation and entertainment.

  • No pets of any kind, no weapons of any kind, no alcohol or other intoxicants.

  • This river is narrow, and has tight turns and obstructions to navigate around, a challenge during the day but especially at night. We recommend that you have river paddling experience in general and preferably experience on our river in the daytime. A moonlight paddle is not appropriate for a first time paddle. While there will be staff along on the trip, they are mainly there to handle the boats at the middle and end of the trip. While they will assist you in any way possible, they can not be by your side at all times, and you must possess a high degree of self reliance.

  • We recommend that each person be mature and skilled enough to independently handle both the expected and unexpected circumstances of this trip. If you or your child cannot swim and get themselves to safety should you have an accident, you should not attempt this trip. The youngest participant on this trip so far has been 8.

  • We will evaluate weather conditions and potentially delay launching or even cancel a trip if heavy rain or lightning are in the area. We want everyone to be comfortable and have a great time, and may also cancel for temperatures, water level, or other factors that would make a successful trip difficult to provide. Cancellations by us will be refunded or transferred to a future moonlight paddle, at customer’s choice. If you decide to cancel a trip, please provide at least 72 hours notice to receive a refund.

  • Dress in light weight layers with the top layer being water repellent if possible. Avoid jeans or garments that get heavy when wet. Expect footwear to get wet or possibly muddy. We recommend bringing extra clothes and a towel in a waterproof bag, available for rental if needed.

  • Once your eyes adjust to the moonlight, most folks can see pretty well. We require each boat to have a flashlight, but try to use it sparingly to preserve your fellow paddlers’ night vision. On cloudy nights visibility may be impacted.

  • If you think our staff have provided you with excellent service, then tipping is appreciated and appropriate, but never expected or required. All staff members (but never the owner) share in any tips received.

  • We strongly recommend that all persons wear a PFD while paddling. That said, we abide by Florida law, which requires those 6 and under to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Over 6 years old it is a parental and personal choice to wear a PFD. PFD’s are provided for everyone and must be at least in your boat and accessible. Our vest style PFDs also help keep you warm.

  • Please plan on completing the entire trip. If you request to stop your trip, for any reason, at the halfway or any point other than our designated pickup area, there will be a charge of $20 per boat to cover the costs of retrieving you and the boat. In the event of a true medical emergency resulting in a call to 911, this charge would be waived. Also if the Outpost cuts the trip short due to weather or safety concerns, this fee would be waived. This trip is great for most but it is not for everyone. We encourage you to evaluate your skills and tastes to be sure you can complete the trip.