Peripheral natural areas in Russia are being increasingly incorporated into tourism without scientifically grounded methods for assessing their potential, which creates risks and leads to missed economic opportunities for regional development. This study was conducted on the Kolva River in Perm Krai, Russia. We developed and tested a methodology for the integrated assessment of river-based tourism potential in peripheral areas using a combination of expeditionary field methods and GIS tools for tourist route planning. The methodology integrates field hydrological measurements, UAV surveys, campsite assessment based on six criteria, and GIS mapping. Using this approach, we designed a 144-km river expedition route. Thirty-two potential campsites were assessed, and eight were selected, with an average spacing of 25 km. Orthophoto maps were produced for key sections of the route. Twenty rock outcrops were recorded along the river, corresponding to a density of 0.14 units/km. Flood risk at the campsites was assessed using long-term hydrological records from local gauging stations. Hydrochemical analyses of water samples confirmed good water quality, and eight springs had sufficient discharge to supply drinking water along the route. The Kolva River is at the pioneer stage of tourism development, with no infrastructure or signs of recreational impact. The proposed approach to tourist route planning in peripheral areas may be considered broadly applicable to similar settings elsewhere, and the results can support spatial development planning and tourism route design in peripheral regions.