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
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San Juan County, Washington
Kayak Camp on Posey Island
A tiny gem within the San Juan Islands, Posey Island is a perfect kayak camping spot for novices, experts, and everyone in between. While the Island only has 2 campsites, each can be reserved ahead of time if you are going May 15th - September 30th. Reservations open each year starting Jan 2nd @ ...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Kayak Saguaro Lake
4.0If you want to enjoy some paddle time on the beautiful Saguaro Lake, launching from Butcher Jones Recreation Area is your best bet. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent from the nearby Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and they’ll bring the kayaks to the launch point for you (as well as provide...Read more -
County Road 317, Texas
Paddle Board or Kayak on Keller Bay
If you're interested in kayaking, paddle board, or just chilling, this spot is perfect for you (you can also fish, take photos and bird watch). To get to the spot, you will need to take I-10 from Houston, 71 from Austin, or 239 from San Antonio. The launch point is literally at the end of county ...Read more -
Turquoise Lake, Colorado
Escape to Turquoise Lake
5.0Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...Read more -
Houghton Township, Michigan
Hike to Lookout Louise
2 miStarting at the Tobin Harbor day use dock kayak/canoe northeast or out of the inlet towards Lake Superior. Stay on the left side of the inlet for roughly a mile. You will pass several small chains of islands so stay to the left. You will come upon another day use dock and you will want to get out...Read more -
Ocoee, Tennessee
Whitewater Raft the Middle Ocoee River
5.0The middle Ocoee River offers Class III and Class IV rapids through the southern Appalachian Mountains. Those with their own vessels can put into the river just below the Ocoee #2 TVA Dam. For those who do not have a vessel, there are numerous river guide companies who offer guided adventures. Th...Read more -
Vancouver, Washington
Kayak Vancouver Lake
This is a lovely shallow lake for kayaking with spectacular views of Mt Hood and Mt St. Helens on clear days. It’s an ideal spot for beginners to learn water sports including, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and swimming. There is a beach and park available for those afternoon picnics and nap...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Mead's Quarry Park
3.0This quarry is located near the Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. In the summer there is kayak a...Read more -
Rockport, Washington
Kayak Ross Lake to Cougar Island and Rainbow Point
5.0Start from the Ross Lake Trailhead off Highway 20. Hike down with your vessel 1.5 miles to the hull road. From there you can launch your vessel. Ross Lake is very large with many destinations to paddle to. I went to Cougar Island and Rainbow Point then paddled up to multiple spectacular wate...Read more -
Helen, Georgia
Hike the Unicoi Lake Trail
1.9 miUnicoi State Park is a pleasant, refreshing park just outside of Helen, GA. There is a hiking trail, kayaking/canoeing launch, paddle boat rentals, camping area, and even a 3 segment zipline course (all three were fantastic)! Fishing is allowed, and when we went last there were a few kayakers fis...Read more -
Lake Clear, New York
Relax at Ampersand Beach
1.1 mi / 20 ft gainLocated across from the Ampersand Mountain trailhead on NY Route 3, a trail will take you a short walk (about a half mile) to this beautiful, quiet beach on the shores of Middle Saranac Lake. Starting at the trailhead, you will continue along an unmarked but clear footpath that trails through the...Read more -
Bemidji, Minnesota
Paddle at Big Wolf Lake
4.0Big Wolf Lake is a relatively little lake in comparison to neighboring waters (Leech, Cass, or even Bemidji). Start out at the access point on the southwestern part of the lake. The southern bay mostly consists of summer residences. If you paddle north, you'll cross a point that separates the la...Read more -
Port Orchard, Washington
Crabbing Puget Sound
Did you know that Dungeness Crabs are named after the port of Dungeness, Washington where they were first commercially fished? Big, meaty and delicious these crabs are plentiful in the Puget Sound region as their under appreciated cousins the Red Rock Crab. The Washington State Department of Fi...Read more -
Edisto Island, South Carolina
Kayak to Otter Islands
If you're looking for your own personal kayak adventure to do without a tour guide, this is the trip for you...as long as you plan wisely! Where the South Edisto river spills into the Atlantic off the coast of Edisto Beach, South Carolina, there is a pair of secluded and protected islands in the ...Read more -
Palmer, Alaska
Eklutna Lake
This beautiful lake is fed by Eklutna Glacier. There is so much to do here: Rent bikes or kayaks (bring your own too). Info about renting is here. Relax around the lake. There is plenty of space here, walk along the lake and head to a more secluded area, or closer to the parking lot there...Read more -
Oneida, Tennessee
Paddle the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River
This is an awesome trip because it allows you get a little taste of what it could have been like to explore the nation by waterway hundreds of years ago. Paddling as a means of traveling is an ancient practice. You are able to glide through nature, more a part of it rather than an unwelcome intru...Read more