– 31st annual Russell Fork Rendezvous –

– History –

The Russell Fork Rendezvous began in 1994. Originally called the Bluegrass Wildwater Association Fall Party, it started as a race between friends from Garden Hole to the takeout at Potters Mill. Soon after its modest conception, a musical element was added and the event was moved to Haysi, VA.

When AW listed the Russell Fork as America’s most endangered river in 1997, more musical acts stepped in, in an effort to raise money to fight on the river’s behalf. Paddlers also reached out to prominent locals for support.

The Gorge section was once considered to be nearly impossible to navigate safely, but advances in boat and gear design now allow it to be enjoyed by a wider range of skilled paddlers. As the popularity of the river grew, so did the festival.

– Today –

True to it’s original mission and now on its 32st year, the festival remains a celebration of the paddling culture of the Russell Fork River and the communities that surround it. As a part of this mission, the festival is staffed 100% by volunteers and donates all profits to organizations like American Whitewater and local organizations that support the communities that support us at the end of each festival. With that said, we also fundraise to host the festival every year starting as soon as the gates shut. If you’d like to help, we would appreciate your support. Contact us via the aptly named page and let us know how you’d like to be involved.

The 2025 Rendezvous will be held on October 22-28 at the Thunder River Campground at 1558 Splashdam Rd in Haysi, VA.  While not technically affiliated with the “Lord of the Forks” race, most participants and spectators stay at the festival to enjoy the camaraderie of paddlers from all over the world and get the most out of this precious natural resource.

– 2025 Festival Info –

With plenty to do and a lot to see, the 2025 Russell Fork Rendezvous will be held at the Thunder River Campground  (1558 Splashdam Rd in Haysi, VA.). Entry to the event will be $50 cash at the gate per person. Full service RV sites are also available for an additional  $20 per site for the duration of the festival.

While at the festival or on your way in, we encourage everyone to hold off on purchasing supplies until you are within a 20 mile radius of the festival. Supporting the communities that support us is extremally important and deeply appreciated.

Just a note about the video; This was filmed several years ago. Since then, the stage has been relocated to a much better spot that allows for extremely quiet camping options and nearly 5 acres added to the property with enhances restroom and shower facilities. We’re sure, you’ll be amazed.

Festival Rules

  1. Entry to the festival is $50 cash at the gate per person for the entire event which lasts from Wednesday October 23rd thru Tuesday morning, October 29th. RV’s with full hookups are an additional $20 per site, which is a one time fee.
  2. Camping at Ratliff Hole ranges from $25.00 to $30.00 per carload depending on the weekend or $15.00 per night. On Race weekend, each carload with paid admission will be issued 1 free festival admission.
  3. Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Guests who prefer quiet camping should take advantage of the areas designated as “Quiet Camping” which basically includes the entire area just past the front gates, or as directed by gate personnel. These sites will be the furthest from the stage and although within walking distance to the stage are extremely quiet.
  4. Parking will be permitted on the festival grounds at your site.
  5. Speed limit within the festival grounds will be 5 mph and strictly enforced. Please be considerate of the safety of those around you.
  6. Wrist bands must be worn at all times.
  7. Dogs are allowed on festival grounds as long as they are under the control of their owners, leashed and get along well with other dogs and people. Dogs should not be left unattended or be allowed to roam the grounds without supervision. Owners must clean up after their dogs and are solely responsible for any damage caused by them. If you are unsure how your pet will behave, please make other arrangements. Pet owners who bring their animals to the festival do so with the understanding that they are wholly and fully liable for any damages or disturbances created by their pets.
  8. Large public bonfires will be provided at locations during the festival but will not be permitted at individual campsites unless they are on raised fire pits. With that said; most campsite are equipped with fire rings.
  9. Dumpsters will be available near the front entrance. Please keep your area clean and remove all trash and deposit in dumpsters before leaving the festival grounds.
  10. As is a Rendezvous tradition, there will be a large communal bonfire. Campfires will be permitted at your site but must be in an above ground firepit.
  11. Keep everything but the good attitudes at home.  The festival has a reputation of being an extremely peaceful event and physical violence will not be tolerated. Should such occur, you will be asked to leave the festival without compensation and law enforcement involved.
  12. Lastly, we reserve the right, rather at the festival grounds or at the Ratliff Hole campground to deny camping or admission for any reason. We are all here to enjoy our surroundings and the event, so let’s all have a great time. Please behave accordingly.