The Best Kayaking In Texas [Guide]

Texans are quick to say that “everything’s bigger in Texas.” And while it may not be the largest stage (that goes to Alaska), Texas’s vast size encompasses an incredibly wide range of environments. No matter what sort of landscape you want to see or activities you want to do, the lone star state has something for you. From rivers and valleys, prairies and plains, woods and mountains, deserts and even coastline, Texas has it all.

TYPES OF KAYAKING IN TEXAS

• River Kayaking is great for paddlers looking for a challenge. The Hill Country outside of Austin is especially great for adventurous kayakers, but it’s far from the only chance to take on fast water. Between the Guadalupe River, the Rio Grande, the Colorado River and more, paddlers of all skill levels can find their perfect getaway.
• Lake/reservoir kayaking is common across Texas. From smaller bodies of water great for learning to paddle, all the way up to five of the country’s 50 largest lakes. Whatever you want out of a recreational kayak excursion, you can find it in Texas.
• Coastal kayaking is available all along the enormous stretch of Texas Gulf Coast. The Gulf offers are a great compromise between the swift waters of Texas’s raging rivers, and the placid paddling available in its lakes. If you want an adventure, you’ll find one here. Just be sure to bring an appropriately-sized kayak for the journey.
• Kayak Fishing in Texas is legendary. Whether you’re saltwater fishing on the Coast or taking your shot at the striped bass in Lake Texoma, the whole state is full of opportunities you won’t want to miss. And fishing kayaks give you greater maneuverability, easier access to smaller areas, and disturb the water less than heading out in a big fishing boat, all while being more affordable.

16 TOP PLACES TO KAYAK IN TEXAS

Wherever you go in Texas, you’ll find a great variety of kayaking experiences. There are lakes and rivers everywhere, and there’s even 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline to play in. Here are some of the best places for kayaking trips in Texas.

NORTH TEXAS KAYAKING

LAKE TEXOMA

Lake Texoma is located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma. Since it sits between the two states, you will need a Lake Texoma license to fish here. But it’s worth it. Saltwater flowing in from the Red River makes these brackish waters a unique habitat for fish outside of the normal freshwater finds. Texoma is one of only seven inland lakes in the country where you can find striped bass.

WHITE ROCK LAKE

White Rock Lake is less than 5 miles from downtown Dallas. If you’re looking for a quick urban getaway, it’s hard to beat. Newcomers will find plenty of smooth water in the cove to learn the ropes, and can head north to White Rock Creek, a calm waterway that feeds the lake. Enthusiasts can head south into the open water, where famously brisk winds are ready to give them a workout.

THE BRAZOS RIVER

The Brazos River runs for 1,280 miles, and some stretches are far more paddler-friendly than others. While there are plenty of put-in and take-out points all up and down the river, one of the most popular is below Possum Kingdom Lake. The area below Lake Granbury is also a favorite.

CENTRAL TEXAS KAYAKING

Central Texas is home to the capital of Austin, as well as the Hill Country, and all of the rivers and lakes winding through it.

COLORADO RIVER (AUSTIN)

The 18th-longest river in the U.S. is also the longest river to start and end here in Texas. This is not the Colorado River that runs through the Southwest, but it still makes for a great trip. The river is largely free of waterfalls, rock ledges, and other common obstacles. While there are many put-ins down the length of the river, the place where it runs through Austin is one of the most popular. 

In Austin, the Colorado River is dammed into a reservoir called Lady Bird Lake. Known to Austin locals as Town Lake, it’s a favorite hangout spot. A connected paddling trail will take you by Barton Creek, and you can see people playing with their dogs in Zilker Park along your way.

SAN MARCOS RIVER

The San Marcos River runs through San Marcos, an hour or two south of Austin. The Edwards Aquifer feeds the river, keeping its water level fairly steady and enabling year-round boating. The San Marcos River is an easy float, and is popular with inner tubers and rafters as well as paddlers. You can find easy access to the river in the city of San Marcos itself.

SAN SABA RIVER

San Saba is great for fishing, full of largemouth bass, Rio Grande perch, redbreast sunfish, and more. Elms, cottonwoods, and more provide a nice cover of shade, and the river alternates between small spots of swift water and laid-back pools perfect for fishing in peace. There are several access points around Brady and Menard.

GUADALUPE RIVER

The Guadalupe River is enormous, encompassing a world of different paddling experiences. Those looking for paddling trails should have no shortage—try Nichol’s Landing near San Antonio, for a start. There’s also a popular kayak fishing ingress point near New Braunfels.

WEST TEXAS KAYAKING

West Texas is full of wide open spaces, including plenty of desert terrain. The rivers that run through West Texas are the stuff of Wild West legend. If you’re looking for a multi-day kayak camping trek, or just to test yourself against a serious river, West Texas is one of the best places to be.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Big Bend is where adventurous paddlers can challenge fast, rough waters to really test their mettle. It’s worth the trek, though. Paddlers on the Rio Grande can have the unique experience paddling through open desert, or amidst canyons towering 1,500 feet overhead. The Rio Grande is a part of American mythology for a reason. You owe it to yourself to see why. Texas Parks & Wildlife dedicates two whole pages to navigating the Rio Grande. There’s no shortage of put ins or terrain to explore.

PECOS RIVER

Pecos River kayaking can be a challenge as well, but those who take it on usually come away with a story—or several stories—to tell. The Pecos runs for 900 miles from eastern New Mexico to West Texas. Because of the remote location, many people write it off as hard to reach. And it’s probably too challenging for many beginners. But the gorgeous blue pools, flowing springs, canyons, and more make the journey incredibly rewarding.

Most people put in at Pandale, and take out 60 miles later (after an admittedly challenging stretch of dead water towards the end.) But there’s no reason to stop there if you’re in it for the long haul. 

DEVILS RIVER

Part of the Rio Grande drainage basin, Devils River’s remoteness is a large part of its appeal. This may be the most unspoiled river in the state. Just be aware that while you may not see a lot of people, much of the land along the river is privately owned. Make sure you get a Devils River Access Permit before you go, and be aware of which stretches of the river do and don’t allow camping. The full distance runs from Baker’s Crossing to Lake Amistad. You can put in at Devils River State Natural Area.

SOUTH TEXAS KAYAKING

South Texas has a wide variety of places to paddle, including many paddling trails along the coast and inland.

GULF COAST FISHING

Fishing in the Gulf is an option for the most adventurous kayak fishers. Nearly any beach along the Gulf is available for paddlers to launch, and from there you can head into open water in search of gamefish. Between the challenging conditions and the size of the fish, it isn’t for the inexperienced. But for people who really want a kayak fishing adventure, the Gulf is an unbelievable opportunity. Many Corpus Christ put-ins like Bird Island Basin or places like Nueces Bay Marsh Restoration Area provide access to great Gulf fishing.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Corpus Christi is home to many kayaking opportunities for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Gulf access abounds, and places like Bird Island Basin, Mustang Island, and the calm waters of Packery Channel Park await you. As a tourist attraction, Corpus Christi waters can get a little crowded, depending on when you go. But if you want to learn to paddle—or introduce someone new to the sport—it’s hard to beat a town like this. There’s no shortage of easy waters or opportunities for learning to paddle, and there are plenty of other things to do with the time you aren’t on the water.

SOUTH BAY PADDLING TRAIL

South Bay Paddling Trail is one of the original paddling trails in the area, and its popularity led to the creation of many others. The trail is located near Brownsville and South Padre Island, and runs an 8-mile loop bounded by the Rio Grande and the Brownsville Ship Channel. Kayakers should run into very little traffic from other boats due to the shallowness of the bay. In addition to elbow room, you can also enjoy unique wildlife like migratory birds and the occasional rare Texas ocelot. You can launch from Isla Blanca Park and make a short open-water transit to reach South Bay.

EAST TEXAS KAYAKING

East Texas includes all of the waterways along the border with Louisiana, as well as the easternmost part of the Gulf.

CADDO LAKE

Caddo Lake sits on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Between the Lake and nearby Big Cypress Bayou, there are over 50 miles of paddling trails snaking through the area, shaded by cypress trees and teeming with egrets, herons, beavers, and more. Each of the 10 trails can be paddled in 1-4 hours, offering plenty of options.

SABINE RIVER

The Sabine River offers plenty of kayaking opportunities, including several designated paddling trails. While there’s plenty of calm water, those planning a multi-day trip will want to choose their campsites in advance, since accommodations can be hard to find. Still, it’s a beautiful float, and the fishing is great, too.

GALVESTON

The city of Galveston sits on the Gulf Coast, a couple hundred miles northeast of Corpus Christi. It’s a great way to access the Gulf, especially if you’re in or around nearby Houston. Galveston Island State Park has three different paddling trails popular with recreational paddlers and anglers. There are also larger bodies of water, like Christmas Bay and West Galveston Bay, if you’re looking for more elbow room.

TEXAS KAYAK LAWS

As with any outdoor activity, Texas kayakers are subject to certain laws and regulations. You may need to secure a permit for the waterways you plan on kayaking. You’ll need a personal floatation device (PFD), and you’ll need some basic safety equipment. Many of the laws around kayaks involve motorized boats, so as long as you’re paddling, the list of things to remember is a little shorter. Regulations may change depending on where you go, and even what body of water you’re paddling, so always check local laws before you set out on a big trip.

• Kayaks and canoes with no motors do not require registration
• Kayaks and canoes with a motor do need to be registered, even if it’s just a trolling motor.
• You do not need a license to operate a non-powered kayak. However, motorized kayaking has some restrictions. People born after September 1, 1993 must complete a Boarding Education Course to operate a motorboat, including a motorized kayak. Anyone under 13 cannot operate a motor vessel with more than 15 horsepower, unless someone 18 years or older who can legally operate the boat is also on board.
• Every canoe, kayak, and paddleboard must have at least one USCG-approved wearable PFD for every person on board. (Basically, everyone needs a life jacket.)
• Kayaks must carry a white lantern, light, or flashlight
• Kayaks must carry one whistle, horn, or other sound-producing device so that they can signal intention and position when visibility is low.
• Boating with a blood alcohol content of .08% or above is considered Boating While Intoxicated, and is illegal regardless of the vessel.
• On coastal waters, kayaks must have USCG-approved Visual Distress Signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.

PADDLE THE LONE STAR STATE

No matter where in the state you may be, no matter what you enjoy, Texas has something for you. From raging rivers to crystal clear lakes, everyone can find what they’re after. Just remember to put safety first and plan your trips well, and go experience all of the beautiful spots the state has to offer.