Canoe trip camping can be an exciting adventure but planning must be done effectively.  Planning for a canoe camping trip should start at least one year before the adventure begins.  If this is your first canoe camping trip it is recommended that you find a company who takes people on canoe adventures so that you can learn the basics of canoe camping. 

Your first canoe camping trip should be a one day overnight canoe back type of trip.  Choose a route that is well travelled by many canoeist so that if problems arise you have a support group. Ask lots of questions from avid canoeist and in the process perhaps ask them if you could join them on one of their canoe trips.  

Decide when you are going to embark on your canoe camp: Before you decide where you are going you have to decide what time of the year you are gonig to go canoing.  If you have a general idea where you would like to canoe it is wise to perhaps study some weather patterns for that area, accessible camping spots on the route, the number of portages, etc

Decide on a route: When you have decided on where you are going to canoe make sure that you will be able to find accessible camping spots along that route, how long you are going to canoe each day,  alternate camping spots along the route if you don't acheive your distance,

Buy a good topographical map: buy a good topographical map for each member that will be canoing.  Make sure that every person knows how to read a map.  Store the map in a zip lock bag to ensure that no water will ruin the map.

Set time aside for planning :The success of any canoe camp is effective planning.  Set time aside once a week, once a month and make sure that all members are committed to the planning of the trip.