Chattooga Fest 2024
May 3rd - 5th, Chattooga Sounds Campground
Chattooga Fest is Foothills Paddling Club's largest paddling event of the year! Every first weekend in May, our members from South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia gather at the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River for paddling and camaraderie. The event runs from Friday evening into Sunday with activities that include social dinners, a fun raffle, and meet-up paddling groups.
Proceeds from the event help support our club's ongoing efforts to foster community, provide affordable outdoor education, and advocate for the conservation of our beloved waterways.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to paddle, connect, and make memories with fellow members. Join us for an unforgettable weekend on the water!
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.
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.
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.
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, as well as the Friday evening pizza party at Humble Pie. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
FPC Member Admission: $16
Non-Member Admission: $27
Add Ons
Camping: $12.65 per person per night*
BBQ Chicken Dinner (Saturday): $10 per person
Rafting Trip (Saturday): FREE*
*Camping and Official club trips are available to FPC members only. Join Now!
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 3rd
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
Saturday, May 4th
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know what trips are available?
ChattoogaFest trips are run "Week of Rivers" style where we look to members to step up to lead trips and they will hold up signs for the River/Section to paddle. This is done at the Sat & Sun morning meetings at 8:30 AM. Options include*: Chattooga Section 2 / 3/ 3.5/ 4 Tugaloo Lake, Additional Class 2 options (Tuck, Upper Hooch) *not all options are guaranteed; availability dependent on river level and members' willingness to organize/lead trips; max trip size 12 per group
What if I want to ensure I have a group to paddle with before I arrive?
All members have the option of pre-coordinating trips by starting/responding to a thread in the main #ChattoogaFest Channel on our Discord Server. Leading and/or organizing a trip is a great way to get involved with the club.
I'm a beginner boater; is this event for me?
Absolutely! There are Class 2 options on the Chattooga, as well as nearby options on the Upper Hooch (GA) and Tuckaseegee (NC), both about an hour away. These are also level-dependent rivers.
I'm not able to paddle right now due to injury, etc; can I still attend?
Of course! Many of our members attend simply for the camaraderie and to hang out at the campsite.
Can I still participate in the raffle if I don't paddle? What about the dinners?
Yes and Yes! You can participate in all activities whether you get on the water or not. Please note that you will need CASH for raffle tickets and the dinner. Shirts also available for purchase onsite.
How late can I register online? Can I register onsite?
Online registration closes 5/1, however you can still show up and register onsite. You can also become an FPC member onsite. Note that all onsite transactions will require cash.