Have you heard of the floating tents in Troy, Ohio? Every summer starting in late June, the river in Troy is dotted with shoal tents floating (and tethered) near the lighthouse at Treasure Island Park. While viewing a series of inflatable floating tents is a site to see, it’s also a unique camping experience that anyone can sign up for (as long as you can man a kayak).
Located on a quiet stretch of the Great Miami River, Troy, Ohio is home to the world’s only floating tent camp site. These one-of-a-kind Shoal Tents designed by Smithfly, are an exciting site to see all summer long.
Related article: Discover fun things to do in Troy, Ohio
Floating tents in Troy, Ohio
As the only public place you can experience a floating tent, Float Troy has become a regional destination for many outdoor enthusiasts with people signing up from far and wide to take part in this floating adventure.
Read on to learn how to sign up and what to expect when you camp on the water.
What is Float Troy?
This floating camping adventure is put on by the Float Troy program. This is a city program that the park department oversees. Float Troy offers a unique opportunity to camp on the water inside an inflatable tent, also known as a Shoal tent.
What’s included when you rent a floating tent in Troy, Ohio?
Each Shoal tent comes ready to use and is inflated and anchored. Each tent accommodates 3-4 people and includes a kayak to get to the tent (and life jackets). You can also rent an additional kayak for an added cost.
When camping you will want to bring your personal items including pillows, sleeping bags, plenty of water, bug spray, and anything else you may need.
Public bathrooms are available nearby at Treasure Island Park.
Where are the floating tents in Troy, Ohio located?
The Float Troy campsite is located at Treasure Island Park (409 N. Elm St. Troy, Ohio).
How to Reserve a Floating Tent
It’s easy to make a reservation for the floating tents in Troy. You can check availability, pricing, and more on the Float Troy website. But sign up soon because spots are limited and go fast.
How To Check In to Your Floating Tent
After you arrive you will want to find the Float Troy trailer to check in for your adventure. Check-in is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., check-out is at 10 a.m. You will need to sign a waiver, receive your tent number, and get your raft/kayak for the stay.
What is a Shoal Tent?
The shoal tent is what makes this unique experience possible. Invented by local business owner Ethan Smith of Smithfly, a Miami County business, the Shoal tent is a first-of-its-kind inflatable, floating raft with a tent topper that allows you to sleep directly on the water. The Shoal tent has revolutionized camping to provide you with a unique stay and tent experience in the heart of Miami County.
Nearby Attractions in Troy, Ohio
Beyond camping in a floating tent, the city of Troy has many things to discover and is worth exploring. From grabbing dinner at the nearby Smith’s Boathouse to checking out a local event in the charming downtown area, there is something for everyone in this great city. If you want to explore even further the city of Piqua and Tipp City are also nearby.
Take a look at these local attractions.
- Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
- Bike Trail
- Smith’s Boathouse
- Historic downtown Troy
- Nearby Treasure Island Park
- K’s Hamburger Shop
Add The Floating Tents to your Summer Bucket List
So, gear up for an unforgettable summer experience because Troy, Ohio’s floating tents should be at the top of your summer bucket list. It’s kind of surprising that something like this exists in southwest Ohio. There is no other place like Float Troy it in the entire United States with people coming far and wide to check it out. If you’re local we hope you check it out as well. And if you’re coming in from out of town we hope you fall in love with Miami County as much as we have.
