Texas has some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the country. Why not explore them first hand in a kayak? We fell in love with the scenery of this expansive state on a trip there this summer. Check out the list below for some of our favorite destinations for kayaking (or canoeing or camping!) in the Lone Star state.
1. Lady Bird Lake
If you are lucky enough to live in Austin, and want to take a scenic kayaking trip without venturing too far from home, head out to Lady Bird Lake. Located in downtown Austin, this lake makes for a beautiful natural escape smack dab in the middle of the city. The lake, fondly known by Austin natives as Town Lake, offers paddling loops ranging from 3 to 11 miles long, as well as hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots. If you don’t own a watercraft, there are plenty of docks along the lake where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP board for the afternoon.
2. Brazos River
For the more experienced and adventurous kayaker, the Brazos River offers a taste of Texas’s wild side. There are no rapids here, so you can paddle along easily while taking in the views of granite cliffs and the Palo Pinto Mountains. Paddle from Possum Kingdom Lake to Highway 4 for a 19-mile trip, or make it longer by going to Highway 180 (about 38 miles). There are no public campsites along the Brazos, but brave outdoorsy types are welcome to set up tents along the sand bars, which are public land.
3. Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River has it all. Smooth sections, Class III rapids, lush banks full of mature trees, clear water, and year-round trout fishing. This is a great destination for those who want to see (and photograph) some of the best natural beauty Texas has to offer. If you don’t know where to start, the part of the river near Canyon Lake has the best fishing opportunities and most varied paddling trails. Or, book a trip with the Guadalupe Canoe Livery, which also offers rentals and convenient riverfront campsites.
4. Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou
When you visit Caddo Lake, you will think you left Texas and landed in Florida! It is the only natural lake in Texas and has over 26,000 acres of swamps and bayous. Check out one of the lake’s ten official paddling trails, which offer over 50 miles of paddling adventures for kayakers! Fish for over 70 different species or just take in the scenery, with its moss, cypress trees, and occasional alligator sightings!
5. Morgan’s Point Resort
Just outside the city of Killeen, TX, you’ll find an area known as Morgan’s Point Resort. Sitting on the edge of Belton Lake, close to Fort Hood, this is the perfect launching point for 3 popular paddling trails: Tanyard Springs, Camp Kachina, and Mother Neff. These three trails take about 1-3 hours each, winding paddlers along the tall bluffs and through the lake’s still coves. We were originally told about this delightful kayaking area by friends of ours who were stationed for a few years at nearby Fort Hood. On move-in day they asked their Killeen moving company for some advice on local attractions. The movers suggested investing in kayaks and exploring Belton Lake on their own, rather than renting them from the base recreation area (BLORA). The waters of Belton Lake soon became a favorite weekend destination for the whole family.
6. Lighthouse Lakes
Despite the name, the Lighthouse Lakes are not lakes at all. They are actually a series of flats and tidal channels on the Texas Gulf Coast. Here you can paddle through sea grass as you watch marine birds or take advantage of the amazing fishing opportunities. This destination is perfect for beginner kayakers, as the four marked paddling trails range between 1.25 and 6.8 miles long. Don’t forget to look for the Civil War era Lydia Ann Lighthouse for which the “lakes” are named that is still in use as a private navigational aid today.