Due to its isolated location, Ruby-Horsethief has no mobile phone reception. All waste must be removed, and Leave No Trace principles must be observed. From the beginning of the summer until the flagle, fires are prohibited.

Remember that river weather may change rapidly. You never know what the weather will be like up in the rafters; it may be hot and sticky one day, then snow and heavy winds the next. If you wish to raft the Ruby-Horsethief in the winter (when camp permits are free), you may do so as long as you come prepared with adequate camping equipment and lots of warm garments. In the spring, the weather may be unpredictable, and in the summer, it can become quite hot with the occasional heavy rain shower. Most people choose to raft Ruby-Horsethief in the fall since the days are still warm, the evenings are cold, and the rain is rare. The government website Recreation.gov is where you should go to get your camping permit if you plan on spending the night on the river. There is a two-month booking window for camping permits that resets every day. It's always 8 a.m. MT when you can make a reservation.