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  • United States

    Looking for the best kayaking in United States? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around United States. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Kayaking Spots in and near United States

    • Yukon, Oklahoma

      Paddle from Yukon to Lake Overholser

      5.0
      Figure out how you're going to shuttle your car and kayak. The float begins in Yukon, which is on the west side of OKC. Drive to the center of Yukon and turn north on Piedmont Rd. (Hwy 4) Drive a few miles north to the N. Canadian bridge. Park on the NE or NW side of the bridge. The parking is no...
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    • Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

      Kayak or Canoe through Mirror Lake

      5.0
      Wonderful spot to go kayaking, once you enter the park, follow the signs for the "boat launch". It will be the 2nd road on your left as you drive through the park. This park is perfect for camping, kayaking, and minimal hiking.  Kayaking is open in the summer and fall, and you can rent it by the ...
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    • Lemont, Illinois

      Kayak the Des Plaines River

      Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...
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    • Laurel, Delaware

      Camp at Trap Pond State Park

      Camp within the enchanting forest of Trap Pond State Park and explore the northernmost natural grove of baldcypress trees on the east coast. Be sure to take out a kayak or canoe and paddle among the ancient baldcypress swamp to discover native birds, turtles, wildflowers, and other incredible spe...
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    • Lewes, Delaware

      Kayak Cape Henlopen State Park

      Cape Henlopen State Park is located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay where the Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Gaze over the sandy cape itself to see the Atlantic while paddling through the calmer bay water. During the summer months, it is common to see osprey, dolphins, or even schools of rays and...
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    • Moran, Wyoming

      Camp at Lizard Creek Campground

      This gem of a campground was discovered in desperation after all the campsites were booked at Yellowstone. There are 60 sites with relatively clean bathrooms. The sites are large with optimal privacy from your neighbors. If you're lucky enough you can even snag campsites steps from the lake. Ther...
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    • Juneau, Alaska

      Kayak Mendenhall Glacier Channel

      Kayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Junea...
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    • Lake and Peninsula, Alaska

      Climb to the Summit of Mount Katolinat, AK

      8 mi / 2200 ft gain
      This adventure begins long before you start climbing the mountain. First you need to make your way to Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula. The Alaska Peninsula is not connected to the road system of Alaska so all travelers must arrive by either boat or plane. Fly to the sm...
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    • Mesa, Arizona

      Kayak the Lower Salt River

      5.0
      It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River!  And there's no better way than by kayak.  Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's.  Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds. The best launch point by...
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    • 700-898 South Orlando Avenue, Florida

      Paddle Board to Dog Island

      Starting at Fort Maitland Park, free entrance and parking, unload your water transport unto the designated area. Be mindful of other people as this is a popular spot to unload big boats as well as small crafts. In general, it is easy to get out of the bay made by the lake on this particular spot,...
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    • White Haven, Pennsylvania

      Kayak the Francis E. Walter Dam

      5.0
      The Francis E. Walter Dam, located in White Haven, Pennsylvania, is truly an amazing location. Constructed in 1961, Francis E. Walter Dam, has prevented nearly $180 million in flood damages to the Lehigh River Valley. The reservoir was designated for recreation use by Congress in 1988. While kaya...
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    • Seward, Alaska

      Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

      5.0
      8.2 mi / 3000 ft gain
      None of Alaska’s eight national parks are easy to get to, but Kenai Fjords National Park is one of only three national parks in the state that can be accessed (partly) by road. It’s also the closest national park to Anchorage, which makes this an easier jaunt from the capital. While this park is ...
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    • Castaic, California

      Paddle Castaic Lake State Recreational Area

      6 mi
      Castaic Lake is a man made reservoir located 41 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, CA in the town of Castaic. Made up of two bodies of water, separated by a 425-foot dam, Upper and Lower Castaic Lakes have a combined 29 miles of shoreline forming the Castaic Lake State Recreational Area. The s...
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    • Van Buren, Missouri

      Big Spring

      5.0
      1.8 mi / 413 ft gain
      With an average daily water discharge rate of 276 Million gallons of water and the largest spring in Missouri it is easy to see how Big Spring got its name. Located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, this spring and over 20 other springs nearby feed the Current River in Southeast Missouri. T...
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    • Ketchikan, Alaska

      Kayak the Blank Islands

      You'll start your journey from the docks of Ketchikan, Alaska, where there are plenty of outfitters willing to rent boats to experienced paddlers looking to make the 14-mile out and back trip.Starting from the docks of Ketchikan, paddle across the Tongass Narrows towards Pennock Island. Watch out...
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    • Greentown, Pennsylvania

      Camp at Rustic Bear Wallow Cabins

      Rustic Bear Wallow Cabins are the ideal compromise between going camping and staying home. Enjoy an intimate connection with the natural landscape of Pennsylvania, including two lakes and the Pocono Plateau of Promised Land State Park. Explore the rich landscape, enjoy the water, and come home to...
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