By Rena Ryan

For Miami Valley Today

TROY — Those interested in a unique camping experience should come to Troy for a new adventure with Float Troy in the historic area along the levee on the Great Miami River.

Participants can enjoy a relaxing day and evening floating on the river, and then let the Great Miami River rock you to sleep.

Float Troy was created in 2018 by Mayor Mike Beamish to create a unique experience that would not only draw people from Troy but also bring visitors to the area. The tents are located on the river at Treasure Island Park.

“It’s been very well received,” said city of Troy Assistant Director of Recreation Carrie Slater. “The weekends tend to fill up first, then the weekdays are usually filled.”

Float Troy, which offers nine floating tents that are available for overnight rental throughout summer nights, has recently opened camping registration. Campers can rent a tent for $95 per night; this includes a raft or kayak and paddle for traveling to and from the shore and life jackets. Up to four people can stay in each tent and restrooms are available 24 hours a day.

Tents can accommodate four adults, or two adults and two children. Pets are asked to stay home. According to the city of Troy, registration fills up quickly for Float Troy’s unique camping experience, so those interested should make reservations soon. Reservations must be canceled seven days prior for a full refund, minus a $10 per tent cancellation fee.

“We typically recommend two adults and two children,” Slater said. “Four adults can definitely fit, but it may be a tight squeeze.”

The recreation department began renting the floating tents in summer 2020 and have continued each year since.

Slater said Float Troy has been a unique attraction that has brought visitors from across the country.

“The Float Troy program has definitely attracted many families from outside the area,” she said.

Betsy Blackmore, of Troy, said her father booked the experience for himself, her mother, all her siblings, and their children. They rented a total of four floating tents.

“We had an awesome time!” Blackmore said.

Blackmore’s father is a duck hunter and very familiar with the river.

“My dad was like our private tour guide and he had our whole evening planned,” she said.

They put their stuff in their tents and were immediately off down the river, Blackmore said. They set up a place to eat and let the children play. They stayed out until dark.

“Overall it was a really fun experience and the kids had a blast. I would do it again for sure, but next time I would bring some kind of padding for the floor of the tent,” she noted.

The writer is a contributor to Miami Valley Today.