Texas is a large state with a wide range of opportunities, particularly in the outdoors.
The kayaking locations on this list range from calm, urban waterways to remote, swift streams.
This article will look at a few of Texas’ top parks for kayakers of all abilities. So, if you are a novice or a seasoned kayaker, there is bound to be a spot that is ideal for you.
Best 13 kayaking Getaways in Texas
These locations, which I have classified in order of difficulty, provide some of the greatest kayaking in Texas. You might not see any huge fish, but you can journey through time for an evening.
The Brazos River
| Website: | https://brazos.org |
| Address: | Brazos River, 4600 Cobbs Dr Waco, Texas 76710 |
| Phone: | 254-761-3100 |
| Attraction: | Dick’s Canoes, Rhodes Canoe Rentals, Pura Vida Paddle River Rentals. |
| Reviews: | 937 |
| Rating: | 4.5/5 |
The Brazos River stretches 825 miles and runs from Texas all the route to its entrance in the Gulf of Mexico. This river is known to be among the biggest rivers in America. Kayaking down this river feels calming.
The Brazos River is usually a gentle ride. Dam dumps and floods can lead the river to overflow, resulting in more obstacles for kayakers.
It has a class 2 rapid with multiple riding waves, breaks, swirling lines, and fun places for white-water fanatics. It offers an easy and safe entry point for floating cruises down a highly historic section of the Brazos. Also, Brazos is a location to practice fast current tactics and rescuing abilities for flatwater kayakers.
Crocodiles are still present within the same ecology, so keep an eye out for them when exploring the Brazos River.
The Guadalupe River
| Website: | https://www.guadaluperiver.com/ |
| Address: | New Braunfels, San Marcos, Canyon Lake, Texas 76710 |
| Phone: | 830-515-5292 |
| Attraction: | New Braunfels, Kerrville, Seguin. |
| Reviews: | 807 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
This renowned rafting river in New Braunfels is a famous kayaking destination. Kayakers of all skill sets will love kayaking the Guadalupe River, which features everything from placid whitewater to Class 3 rapids.
There are various points of entry to the river, so you are bound to see paddlers, fishermen, and boaters exploring the waters. The Guadalupe River will be spring fed this season, so a kayaking tour along this famous Texas river will be cold and sparkling clear.
This river is available for kayaking seven days a week, depending on the weather. The amount of water discharged from Canyon Lakes into the Guadalupe River varies based on the extent of the droughts. Also, the conditions, flow, and water balance in this river frequently change.
One can swim, fish, go tubing, and canoe on the river. You may tent, trek, ride dirt bikes or horseback, barbecue, and explore while being on land after kayaking.
The Neches River
| Website: | https://www.anra.org/ |
| Address: | 5390 Pine Street, Beaumont, TX 77703. |
| Phone: | 825-575-4582 |
| Attraction: | Collier’s Ferry, Riverfront Park. |
| Reviews: | 14 |
| Rating: | 4.4/5 |
Kayaking in the Neches River is ideal for those seeking privacy. The Neches River flows for hundreds of miles across East Texas. It is ideal for kayakers looking to see some Texas biodiversity because birds, turtles, and even reptiles are reported to thrive in the area.
The Neches River originates in Van Zandt District in Texas and runs southwest for roughly 400 miles before emptying into the Gulf Coast in Ports of Neches. The Neches River Gathering, a yearly kayaking trip organized by the Angelina District, is well renowned along this section of the Neches.
The Colorado River
| Website: | https://www.americanrivers.org/river/colorado-river/ |
| Address: | 260 N. Spring Street, Blythe, TX 77717. |
| Phone: | 202-347-7550 |
| Attraction: | Moab, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Page, San Luis Río Colorado, Yuma, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction. |
| Reviews: | 739 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
For your following kayaking adventure, head to Texas’ longest river. The Colorado River in Texas is ideal for beginning kayakers owing to its calm and constant flow. While there are no rocks along the River, it is ideal for people seeking solitude far from boaters and paddlers.
While you can not kayak the whole Colorado River from beginning to end without getting out of the boat and trekking a lot, you can do kayaking almost everywhere. The majority of kayakers select a famous part and park vehicles at each end.
Horseshoe Corner is situated in the Glen Canyon State Recreational region of northern Arizona, 7 miles north of the Colorado River near Lee’s Ferry.
Because Glen Canyon Dam bridge is 7 miles upstream from Horseshoe Point, Lee’s Bridge serves as the only way to get there by boat or kayaking.
The Rio Grande
| Website: | https://www.americanrivers.org/river/colorado-river/ |
| Address: | New Mexico, Texas, TX 77717. |
| Phone: | 202-250-7550 |
| Attraction: | El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, Albuquerque, Nuevo Laredo, Las Cruces. |
| Reviews: | 4079 |
| Rating: | 4.1/5 |
Big Bend Nature Reserve is not only for campsites and trekkers but also home to the Rio Grande. This is among the greatest kayaking rivers in Texas. A kayaking tour of the Rio Grande will undoubtedly provide breathtaking sights of the area. This includes jaw-dropping valleys and arid mountainous scenery.
The Rio Grande is ideal for kayakers looking for something challenging since it contains both gentle and class 4 rapids.
Swimming in the Rio Grande river is strictly prohibited. The existence of buried trash increases the danger of injury and being carried under waters by the river current. According to the Environment Research Centre, crocodiles in the Rio Grande river are common.
Whether you use your personal boat or one of the regional guides, this will be an unforgettable trip.
Lake Lady Bird
| Website: | https://www.afar.com/places/lady-bird-lake-austin |
| Address: | 200 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA. |
| Phone: | (800) 792-1112 |
| Attraction: | Congress Avenue Bridge, Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. |
| Reviews: | 411 |
| Rating: | 4.7/5 |
Enjoy a relaxing ride on LadyBird Lake if you are in the Austin, Texas area. This lake in the heart of Austin’s provincial capital has gained popularity among Texas kayakers.
You do not even need to bring your own raft because there are kayak-renting establishments all across the lake. Get a stunning city sight while kayaking this Austin treasure.
On Lady Bird Lake, only watercraft equipped with electric motors with a power of no more than 5 HP is permitted. Handmade boats with motors also need to be registered and inspected by the Texas Wildlife and Parks department.
Lady Bird Lake is completely free to visit, with the feature of renting gear from one of the numerous lakefront enterprises.
The maximum temperature will be around 70°F, and the minimum will be about 60°F. Winds will be blowing from the north at 5 mph, with speeds reaching 15 mph. It’s the ideal place to see the city while kayaking.
River San Marcos
| Website: | https://www.afar.com/places/lady-bird-lake-austin |
| Address: | 617 IH 35 North, San Marcos, TX 78666. |
| Phone: | (512) 393-5930 |
| Attraction: | Martindale, Luling, Staples. |
| Reviews: | 485 |
| Rating: | 4.4/5 |
The San Marcos River may be known for its college-aged populace, but kayakers would be very pleased to discover that this river is worth exploring.
Kayaking along the San Marcos River, which is bordered by beautiful flora and full of cold, clear water, merits a position on our list.
The river is indeed a renowned year-round place to enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. There isn’t a fee to get access to the San Marcos or Blanco rivers. There is free parking available. Tourists can bring their personal tube, kayak, paddles, and rowboats or rent one from a seller.
The Toledo Bend Reservoir
| Website: | https://www.toledobendlakecountry.com/ |
| Address: | 620 Louisiana, TX 78666. |
| Phone: | (512) 389-4800 |
| Attraction: | Sabine River |
| Reviews: | 330 |
| Rating: | 4.8/5 |
This large lake on the Texas-Louisiana border has lots of water space for kayaks to explore. Kayaking across Toledo Bend Lake might take all day. Rookie kayakers would feel perfectly at home kayaking around the curves and streams that Toledo Bend has had to offer because the waters here are normally calm.
By land area, Toledo Bend Lake is the biggest artificial water body in South Texas. Alligators have been observed in wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, and wetlands. So you should be aware of them. However, they are rare, and tourists do not need to be alarmed.
Kayaking gives an entirely new experience for nature lovers in the Toledo Bend Area. In Toledo Bend Area, both expert and novice canoers may explore the lakes and streams.
The Frio River
| Website: | https://www.toledobendlakecountry.com/ |
| Address: | HWY127, Concan, TX 78838. |
| Phone: | (830) 232-4310 |
| Attraction: | Leakey, San Antonio, Uvalde, Three Rivers |
| Reviews: | 129 |
| Rating: | 4.1/5 |
During the scorching summertime, kayakers from the country gather at the Frio River in Texas. Because the Frio River is irrigated by underwater springs, it remains cold and clean year-round. Bring the kayak to this stream during the fall months if you’d like to seek some solitude.
The charge for the tubes and shuttles is $15 per person, including transportation from and to Frio River and parking permits. The Camp store always has tube rents, also river and fishing poles. Visitors may also hire kayaks from neighboring equipment stores.
The Frio River flows through the Texas Central Highlands, flowing flat and clean with spring-fed streams. If you go swimming in the Frio, you will enjoy the beautiful sights above, which include steep mossy rocks, large pine trees, and beautiful wildlife.
This river is ideal for anyone searching for a wonderful area to swim, kayak, canoe, or paddle.
Lake Caddo
| Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake |
| Address: | 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661 |
| Phone: | (903) 679-3351 |
| Attraction: | Uncertain city, Tar Island |
| Reviews: | 206 |
| Rating: | 4.7/5 |
Caddo Lake is ideal for kayakers looking to enjoy the day experiencing its diverse surroundings. With 25,250 acres it is Texas’s only natural lake. Wildlife enthusiasts will be happy to discover a vast range of birds and countless fishes, turtles, and alligators near Caddo Lake. Grab the camera because Caddo Lake’s moss-covered cypress trees provide a beautiful photo opportunity.
Caddo Lake is accessible all year and allows visitors to swim. However, it’s not recognized for its diving facilities. Caddo Lake is among Texas’ best-kept secret holiday escapes. Caddo Lake has stunning scenery that may be explored by watercraft, canoe, or kayak.
Caddo Lake has a skiable area. Skiers will find large coves. Visitors claim that the best times to come and tent at Caddo Lake are in the fall and spring months.
The Buffalo Bayou
| Website: | https://bayoucityadventures.org/buffalobayou |
| Address: | Gulf Freeway, I-45, Houston, TX 77007, United States |
| Phone: | 713-538-7433 |
| Attraction: | Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and River Oaks. |
| Reviews: | 100 |
| Rating: | 5/5 |
Buffalo Bayou is a 25-mile canal that flows across Houston, Texas. It’s a terrific place for a kayak trip. Buffalo Bayou has calm flowing water, making it popular with visitors, couples, and newbie kayakers. Kayaking around Buffalo Bayou is an excellent way to get in touch with Houston’s rural side.
The bayou’s quality of groundwater varies, but it’s typically unfit for swimming. Washing hands and the use of sanitizers are advised as safeguards.
Kayaking time might vary based on water conditions and mass flow. The track is too lengthy to kayak in one day because of its length. Different sections of the path may be kayaked in 1 hour 30 minutes to 5 hours.
When the total of the water and air temperatures is similar to or even less than 124°F, you must use a bodysuit or dry suit. Hot weather doesn’t eliminate the possibility of cold air. In fact, choosing lighter garments on a hot day raises the chance.
We don’t advise kayaking out on the lake when the wind direction is 17 knots or higher. More wind equals bigger waves. You may get a decent notion by looking at the waters.
The Devil’s River
| Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river |
| Address: | 21715 Dolan Creek Rd. Del Rio, TX 78840. |
| Phone: | (830) 395-2133 |
| Attraction: | Buckhorn Draw, Johnson Creek, Amistad Reservoir. |
| Reviews: | 29 |
| Rating: | 4.4/5 |
Find calmness somewhere along a remote yet wild Texas river. Devil’s River is only suitable for skilled kayakers. While there are a few pleasant calm sections of the stream, there are also some dangerous class 3 rapids. While paddling this south Texas area, take in the stunning blue waters and sandy surroundings.
In the river, you may fish, swim, and paddle. The river is a one-mile trek from the parking area. You will need to handle all of your belongings, so try to pack them lightly. Read over the river safety tips that you can find on the spot if you want to fish or kayak in the devil’s river park.
State Park of the Sea Rim
| Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sea-rim/fees-facilities/campsites |
| Address: | Sea Rim State Park, TX 78940. |
| Phone: | (512) 389-8900 |
| Attraction: | Big Bend National Park, The Alamo. |
| Reviews: | 145 |
| Rating: | 3.9/5 |
The marshes at Sea Rim State Park are well worth a visit. It’s about a 30-minute drive northwest of Port Arthur. In addition to lodging, where the weather drives most mosquitoes away, kayakers may visit the Texas Fisheries and Recreation Department with only a boat-in campground.
The 4-mile round ride to that campsite crosses wide; quiet waterways shielded from larger waves in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tour the state park on 3 different kayaking paths, each with a different difficulty level. During the wintertime, look for beach songbirds and blue-winged ducks, which are very beautiful in the park’s marshland bays.
FAQ
What are the 3 key things about kayaking?
The 3 key things are a series of guidelines that can allow you to paddle more effectively when followed while also keeping you secure on the water.
Every stroke must make advantage of the strength of torso movement. You must select an acceptable kayaking site. You must have a safety plan in place in case you sink the kayak.
When is the greatest time of year to go kayaking?
Most kayak tours are normally booked during winter since the fine weather provides ideal kayaking conditions. During winter, it also overlaps with the peak of populations.
However, kayakers must watch for rainfall and thunder that may follow winter storms moving in from the northwest.
Is a kayak license required in Texas?
License is needed for rowboats, kayaking, canoes, sailboats, rubber boats (despite the length), or other watercraft smaller than 15 feet long when paddled, oared, or poled.
Registration and licensing are required to install an offshore or drifting engine to any vessel class. Also, individual kayakers don’t need a license even to start kayaking. But if anyone wants to set up a kayaking business, they must need registration from the authority.
Conclusion
Texas kayakers are fortunate to have access to various excellent rivers, reservoirs, and lakes ideal for kayaking. The kayaking sites on this list range from calm, urban waterways to remote, rapid-filled streams. So anybody, from the novice to the seasoned kayaker, will find a wonderful area to kayak inside Texas.