My 10 Favorite Places To Go Kayaking In Texas

There is no such thing as a doubt that Texas is blessed with a plethora of waterways. The Lone Star State boasts quite a few lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that make it simple to take pleasure in a time out on the water. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the lookout for a tranquil stream or a rapid-filled river, Texas has you lined. There is no such thing as a higher solution to expertise the enjoyment of being on the water than exploring it by kayak. 

Kayaking in Texas permits you to rise up shut and private to among the greatest nature spots within the state. The varied panorama discovered all through Texas solely amplifies your kayaking expertise. Whereas kayaking, you may encompass your self with the Texas Hill Nation, the desert plains, or the gorgeous waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, which means there really is a Texas kayaking journey for everybody!

As a Texas native, I’ve been exploring the waterways of Texas for years, so belief me once I inform you that you’re in for an journey whenever you go kayaking in Texas.

1. Massive Bend Nationwide Park

Head to far West Texas to seek out the unimaginable Massive Bend Nationwide Park. A kayaking journey in Massive Bend is like no different. One minute you might be paddling on the Rio Grande by open desert land, and the following you might be surrounded on all sides by 1,500-foot canyon partitions. Kayaking in Massive Bend Nationwide Park additionally permits you a chance to see among the animals that decision Massive Bend residence. Preserve your eyes peeled for beavers, turtles, deer, and birds. 

With a number of put-in and take-out spots, many individuals select to do a multi-day kayaking journey on the Rio Grande. The Santa Elena Canyon float is well-liked for this sort of tour as you may have the chance to expertise the tranquil portion of the river in addition to the Rock Slide — a Class IV speedy — when the water ranges are excellent.

Make sure you go to the Nationwide Park Service web site to acquire the correct permits and to make sure that you may have the appropriate gear earlier than starting a float in Massive Bend. 

Professional Tip: Massive Bend is a large nationwide park. Make sure you try these Massive Bend suggestions earlier than you go to. Additionally, deliver loads of provides, particularly meals, water, and solar safety throughout your go to. 

2. Brazos River

The Brazos River is likely one of the greatest locations to go kayaking in Texas for many who need a peaceable and scenic expertise. Stretching over 840 miles, the Brazos River is likely one of the longest rivers in america and flows by Texas all the best way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Whereas there are quite a few locations to kayak on the Brazos River, probably the most well-liked spots is the world under Possum Kingdom Lake. Possum Kingdom Lake is positioned about 90 miles west of Fort Price and is taken into account “The Nice Lake of Texas.” 

This space of the Brazos is often Class I waterflow, which means they make for a straightforward, peaceable float whereas having fun with the gorgeous North Texas surroundings. The world south of Possum Kingdom lake rewards guests with kayaking beneath 500-foot tall cliffs made out of Texas granite. It’s really an impressive sight! 

Professional Tip: Spring and autumn are the most effective seasons for this journey, however it could get very crowded. Attempt to come in the course of the week if you wish to keep away from among the crowds on this stretch of river. 

3. Corpus Christi

The Texas seaside city of Corpus Christi is a superb kayaking vacation spot that gives alternatives for all ranges of kayakers. Skilled kayakers will admire entry to the Gulf of Mexico, and newbie kayakers will love the calm waters which are additionally obtainable on this space. 

With simple proximity to Mustang Island, Chook Island Basin, and Packery Channel Park, there is no such thing as a scarcity of water on this space. Whereas kayaking in Corpus Christi, you will see that your self surrounded by nature, particularly birds. Birding on this area is definitely one of many foremost causes that individuals like to kayak right here. 

Professional Tip: Corpus Christ makes for a wonderful weekend getaway as there may be simply a lot to see and do round city. Take into account making this Texas kayaking journey into an extended trip!

4. Caddo Lake

A go to to Caddo Lake in East Texas makes you’re feeling as if you may have been transported to a different land! Situated in East Texas between Texas and Louisiana, Caddo Lake is a straightforward escape from Dallas. 

Caddo Lake is available in at simply over 25,000 acres, making it crucial to get out on the water if you happen to really wish to expertise the great thing about the lake. Whereas paddling right here, you will see that your self surrounded by attractive Cypress timber dripping in Spanish moss that make for the right picture alternative. As well as, there are quite a few animals to look out for on Caddo Lake. Residence to all kinds of fish, birds, and reptiles, together with alligators, a day kayaking on Caddo Lake is really a serene expertise.

Make sure you go to the Caddo Lake web site for essentially the most up-to-date data on the park.

Professional Tip: With over 50 miles of paddling trails, you may wish to contemplate hiring a information earlier than you set out kayaking on Caddo Lake. 

5. Guadalupe River 

One other fabulous place to kayak in Texas is the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. New Braunfels is positioned about 30 miles north of San Antonio, Texas, within the lovely Texas Hill Nation. This prime location signifies that you’ll be surrounded by attractive surroundings whereas kayaking the Guadalupe River.

All talent ranges can take pleasure in a float down the Guadalupe River because it has every thing from calm waters to Class III rapids. Kayaking the Guadalupe on this space ensures that you’ll all the time have one thing to see as the world is well-liked with fishermen and river tubers along with kayakers. The spring-fed waters are often crystal clear and the encompassing Texas Hill Nation surroundings is attractive. 

Professional Tip: Floating the Guadalupe River within the summertime is a well-liked exercise, particularly on the weekend. To keep away from among the crowds, and have a extra stress-free kayaking expertise, contemplate kayaking the Guadalupe River in the course of the week. 

6. Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe is one other of the Texas lakes that make for a terrific kayaking journey. Situated about an hour from Houston, Texas, Lake Conroe is a tranquil paradise. This 21,000-acre lake (which is definitely a reservoir) boasts nearly 160 miles of shoreline, supplying you with plenty of areas to discover each on and off of the water. 

My favourite a part of Lake Conroe to discover is the portion of the lake that’s inside the Sam Houston Nationwide Forest. Kayaking right here gives guests with calm, clear waters whereas they’re surrounded by East Texas pine timber. 

7. Girl Chook Lake

Situated proper within the coronary heart of Austin, Texas, Girl Chook Lake is the right place to go kayaking when you find yourself visiting the capital metropolis. Girl Chook lake presents kayakers calm waters to navigate as they discover themselves surrounded by views of the Downtown Austin skyline. The most effective half is that you simply don’t even should deliver your individual kayak as there are kayak leases proper on the lake!

Make sure you try the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site for extra data on paddling Girl Chook Lake. 

8. Frio River

One other well-liked river to kayak in Texas is the Frio River. Guests flock to this south-central Texas river to flee from the Texas warmth. Which means the Frio River is well-liked with kayakers, swimmers, and tubers in the summertime months. The water of the Frio stays crystal clear year-round since it’s fed by an underwater spring. The Frio rewards kayakers with calm waters which are simple to navigate and gives attractive cliffs that appear to plunge into the river. 

Professional Tip: Like most Texas waterways, the Frio can get extraordinarily crowded in the summertime months. For a serene expertise, contemplate kayaking the Frio within the fall. Not solely are you rewarded with fewer folks, however the altering leaves reflecting within the river are attractive!

9. Colorado River

One other excellent place to kayak in Texas close to Austin is on the Colorado River. The Colorado River is the 18^th longest in america and is definitely the longest river to begin and finish within the Lone Star State.

Kayaking the Colorado River is nice for rookies or these on the lookout for a pleasant, peaceable float as there are not any rapids on the river. The truth that there are numerous put-in areas within the Austin space makes this a highly regarded river to kayak on.

10. Padre Island Nationwide Seashore

Situated on the southernmost tip of Texas, the Padre Island Nationwide Seashore presents a enjoyable expertise for each superior and novice kayakers. Skilled kayakers will take pleasure in exploring the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Right here, you may problem the waves of the ocean when you strive your hand at some sea fishing.

The calm waters of the Laguna Madre provide starting kayakers the chance to discover a uncommon ecosystem in america. Being one in every of six hypersaline (saltier than the ocean) environments in North America signifies that paddling these waters will permit you to see a various and distinctive ecosystem at work. This space is particularly vital to migratory hen species, so preserve your eyes peeled to see what number of completely different species you may spot.

Professional Tip: Deliver your fishing pole whenever you go to this space! The Padre Island Nationwide Seashore is an unimaginable ecosystem. Along with migrating birds, a number of species of fish name this space residence. The Laguna Madre is taken into account top-of-the-line locations in North America for noticed sea trout, crimson drum, and black drum. Get extra data whenever you go to the Nationwide Park Service web site.