Kayaking in Texas is one of our favorite summertime activities.
If you are looking for adventure, try kayaking in Texas, where the rivers are rich with wildlife, caves and natural beauty.
You will be able to kayak through gushing waterfalls, navigate around rapids, discover caves and even venture out into nature for an unforgettable experience in the Lone Star State.
Best Lakes to Kayak in Texas
Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country with its amazing rivers and lakes is naturally one of the best spots to go kayaking in Texas.
But you will also find exceptional kayaking in the rest of the state.
From sea kayaking and kayak fishing on the Gulf Coast to kayaking the beautiful Caddo Lake State Park, here are the best places to kayak in Texas.
Kayaking on Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake State Park in the Piney Woods region of East Texas is one of the top destinations in the Lone Star State for kayaking.
The enchanting landscape of Spanish moss and bald cypress trees on Caddo Lake is best explored by kayaking.
Caddo lake offers a vast range of paddling trails for people of all interests and skill levels.
Kayakers can look forward to exploring the many creeks, backwaters and marshes that thread through the park.
You can rent kayaks near Caddo Lake State Park in Karnack, Texas.
Also Read: 18 Best things to do in East Texas
Inks Lake, Colorado River
Another popular kayaking location is on Inks Lake, which is probably the smallest of the Highland Lakes.
This lake is surrounded by the rugged beauty of Texas and offers numerous hiking trails as well as limestone bluffs overlooking the water.
It’s recommended that beginner kayakers start this trip at the Inks Dam Overlook or Valley Springs Lodge, where they can relax and learn about kayaking with a bit more ease.
Lady Bird Lake, Austin
Kayaking on the Lady Bird Lake in Austin is an amazing experience.
Lady Bird Lake is located in downtown Austin and offers easy access to the city’s best attractions.
From paddle boarding and kayaking to rowing, there is a range of activities you can do on Lady Bird Lake.
The Lady Bird Lake paddling trail takes Texas kayakers under the Congress Avenue Bridge and you can see the large bat colony that resides here.
If you kayak around sunset, you can also watch the bats fly out from under the bridge.
There are several kayak rentals available near the lake in downtown Austin.
If you are planning your trip, be sure to check the water levels as they tend to rise or fall throughout the year depending on rain levels.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Lake Buchanan kayaking
Kayaking on Lake Buchanan all the way to the mouth of the Colorado River is an amazing experience.
Start your kayaking trip on Lake Buchanan’s placid waters.
Enjoy views of the bald eagles soaring above in winter as well as other Texas wildlife such as along the banks of the Colorado River.
The highlight of this kayaking trip is the Hidden Fall Creek waterfall on north of Lake Buchanan.
This beautiful waterfall can be seen only via boat and is one of our favorite hidden gems in Texas.
It makes for a picturesque photo op on your kayaking trip.
Lake Lady Bird Johnson
Lake LBJ is another great place to spend summer days kayaking in Texas.
The Lake LBJ Paddling Trail winds through the cypress and pine forests of the Highland Lakes region.
The scenic shores and backwater creeks of Lake LBJ are home to a wide range of Texas wildlife such as beavers, muskrats and waterfowl along with lots of native plants.
You can access the trail from multiple points along its route.
Highland Lakes kayaking
Besides Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, and Lake Buchanan, the other Highland Lakes in Central Texas are also excellent for kayaking in the Lone Star State.
You will find a variety of kayak rentals in the small towns located near the Highland Lakes region.
Also Read: Ultimate Texas Hill Country bucket list
Turkey Bend and Muleshoe Bend on Lake Travis
Looking for the ultimate kayaking adventure in Texas?
Launch a kayak on Lake Travis during the bluebonnet season!
Turkey Bend is located on the north shore of the lake near Burnet while Muleshoe Bend is located on the south shore near Spicewood Springs.
Both the natural recreation areas are covered in vast fields of bluebonnets every spring.
Launch a kayak from the boat ramps and enjoy the stunning vistas of the never ending flower fields from the calm waters of the lake.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend is a beautiful reservoir located between Texas and Louisiana that is a popular destination for kayaking.
Formed on the Sabine River, Toledo Bend Reservoir is top spots in the state for water recreation.
The many creeks and marshes here offer a great view of the surrounding wildlife such as waterfowl, deer and wild turkey.
This lake as well as Sabine River are known for their excellent fishing opportunities so you can go fish or just enjoy the landscape from your kayak.
Lake Conroe
If you are looking for kayaking on a lake near Houston, try Lake Conroe in Conroe, Texas.
The constant winds make it ideal for windsurfing but there is also great kayaking to be had on the shores of the lake.
You can access the water at various boat ramps or launch your own kayak or other watercraft.
Kayaking on Lake Conroe is one of our favorite day trips from Houston.
Best Kayaking Rivers in Texas
Texas has many rapid filled rivers as well as calm and placid rivers which are perfect for kayaking.
Enjoy a leisurely float down the trip or go on an adventurous multi day trip amidst native trees and Texan wildlife, these rivers have the perfect kayaking opportunities for types of visitors.
Colorado River paddling trail
If you are looking for excellent kayaking near Austin, the Colorado River paddling trail is the perfect trip.
Launch your kayak from Little Webberville Park, and enjoy the views down the Colorado River for 6 miles all the way to Big Webberville Park.
The stretch has numerous fish and is amazing to spend a day outdoors.
Also Read: Best day trips from Austin, Texas
Columbus Paddling Trail
The Columbus Paddling Trail is a 6.5-mile stretch of the Colorado River that winds through the city of Columbus, Texas.
The trail is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle-boarding, and offers great views.
Along the way, paddlers will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including herons, ibises, waterfowl, and reptiles.
The trailhead is located at Riverside Park, and there are several rental companies in town that offer kayaks and paddles for those who don’t have their own.
Guadalupe River Kayaking
When it comes to kayaking in Texas, you can’t beat the Guadalupe River.
The scenic river is a gem of the Texas Hill Country and is one of the state’s popular tubing river.
The river banks of the Guadalupe River feature limestone cliffs and dramatic waterfalls along the trails.
The Guadalupe River State Park located on the banks has excellent kayaking.
The river is also popular for kayak fishing and largemouth bass, white bass can be caught plenty.
Mission Reach Paddling Trail on San Antonio River
Mission Reach of the San Antonio River is an 8 mile long paddling trail through San Antonio’s historical Missions.
The area provides a network of public parks and places to access the river.
You can kayak past the Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada one by one as you take in views of the beautiful surrounding nature.
Paddling the river is one of the best things to do on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Brazos River kayaking
The Brazos River is the longest river in Texas as well as a popular Texas waterway.
You can kayak the Brazos River at several locations.
The most popular spot is probably in Waco, Texas.
The city has several paddling trails starting at Cameron park.
Beginners can go for the 2.2 miles Bosque Bluffs Paddling Trail while an experienced kayaker can enjoy the popular 4.8 miles Brazos Bridges Paddling Trails.
The Brazos Bend State Park, located south of Houston, also has good kayaking and paddling trails for all skill levels.
Possum Kingdom Lake, located along the Brazos River, is also a good place to kayak.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Waco, Texas
Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail, Houston
When it comes to H-Town, the city’s Buffalo bayou paddling trail is exceedingly popular with all skill levels.
Kayaking on the Buffalo Bayou while taking in Houston’s urban skyline is a great experience.
There are several kayak rental places for those who don’t have their own kayaks near the launch area.
You can take short trips on the bayou or complete the entire 26 mile trail as a multi-day trip.
Also Read: One Day in Houston Itinerary
Big Bend National Park Kayaking on the Rio Grande
Looking to kayak through jaw dropping canyons amidst spectacular desert scenery?
Head south to the Big bend National Park located near the US Mexico border.
The Rio Grande River flows through the Big Bend National Park and has a variety of kayaking trails on offer.
The Santa Elena Canyon on the Rio Grande River is one of the most popular spots for kayaking in this area.
The picturesque landscape of the Rio Grande paddling trail is filled with desert mountain scenes and is perfect for outdoor lovers.
Devil’s River State Natural Area Kayaking
Devils River State Natural Area, located in Southwest Texas, is a favorite with experienced kayakers.
Although the Devil’s River is mostly calm, there are several level drops on offer along with several scenic pools that make excellent swim stops.
The Texas river’s Del Norte unit is home to mild rapids as well as treacherous class iii rapids and is a favorite with those looking for adventure.
Dolan Falls, a 10 feet tall class iv rapid waterfall, is a highlight of the trip.
The varied landscape makes this an exciting trip while the easy access to waterfalls and deep pools provides fun.
Also Read: 24 Best Things to do in West Texas
Neches River National Wildlife Refuge
Neches River National Wildlife Refuge is located near the town of Jacksonville in East Texas.
This refuge is a good place for kayaking and other water recreation including fishing, bird watching and hunting.
The Neches River is known to have excellent flatwater paddling opportunities suitable for beginners looking for a more tranquil experience.
The Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail is a 6.6 mile trail known for its wildlife and calm waters.
Frio River, Garner State Park
Enjoying kayaking on the Frio River near Garner State Park is a great way to spend an afternoon.
The Frio River flows through beautiful landscapes of limestone bluffs and bald cypress trees near the town of Concan, Texas.
The Frio river is especially amazing in the fall when leaves turn color.
Trinity River Kayaking
Kayakers can enjoy the trails on Trinity River in both Dallas and Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is a good place for beginners looking to try their hand at kayaking while the Dallas Trinity Paddling Trails offers more challenging and exciting runs.
San Marcos River Kayaking
Looking for the perfect place to try white water kayaking in Texas?
The San Marcos River in the Hill Country is your best bet!
Located near New Braunfels, the San Marcos River is a great place to try different levels of white water.
There are many class I-II rapids on the river which allows for safe kayaking fun.
It is also considered one of the best places in Texas for whitewater kayaking lessons and is quite popular during spring break.
San Marcos also has many other attractions for visitors.
Best Places for Sea kayaking in Texas
For more of an adventure, sea kayaking on the Gulf Coast of Texas is a great option.
The Gulf of Mexico offers many wonderful sea kayak spots along the Texas coastline.
With its crystal clear waters, you will be able to enjoy time with friends and family as well as wildlife, including dolphins which are common on the gulf.
Sea kayaking at Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is our favorite when it comes to sea kayaking and kayak fishing on the Gulf Coast.
While sea kayaking is best left to experienced kayakers, those looking to kayak on the placid water can launch their kayaks from Bird Island Basin located on the Upper Laguna Madre side of Padre Island.
Bird Island Basin has kayak rentals and is also great for windsurfing.
Sea Rim State Park kayaking trails
When it comes to Texas parks, Sea Rim State Park near Sabine Pass is one of the most underrated kayaking destinations.
The park has several miles of kayaking trails that traverse the 4000 acres of marshlands.
Kayak rental options are available at the park store or you can bring your own.
The park is a great option for kayakers seeking solitude.
On the paddling trails, you can spot several migratory birds of the Gulf Coast.
South Padre Island kayaking
South Padre Island is a great place to kayak and is full of beautiful sights and wildlife.
The island also has some good paddling trails for kids and beginners.
South Padre’s best paddle trail is the Laguna Madre seashore which is excellent for watching dolphins, turtles and birds.
Kayak fishing in South Padre is outstanding and there are several international angling records held here.
Some of the best spots to fish from your kayak include Brownsville Ship Channel which has good catches of redfish, speckled trout and flounder while the southernmost tip of South Padre near Port Isabel is a great place to fish for tarpon.
Best Paddling Trails in Texas
Looking for the best paddling trails in Texas?
The state has established paddling trails of varying lengths where you can experience kayaking at its best.
For more information on the paddling trails, check here.
We hope you liked our guide to the best kayaking in Texas for beginning kayakers as well as experienced kayakers.
Did we miss any kayaking opportunities in the Lone Star State? Let us know in the comments.