Get Up and Go Kayaking in Central Texas
Central Texas is a great place to visit to experience the state. From rolling hills, large cities, and refreshing bodies of water, Central Texas has everything you need to experience the “Lone Star State”. If you are a kayak enthusiast, Central Texas will not disappoint you. Its gorgeous rivers and lakes are sure to scratch your paddling itch. Here are 10 places to kayak in Central Texas!
- Round Rock West Lake
The Round Rock West Lake is a small pond in Round Rock, having a calm and quaint atmosphere. One of the most prominent things in this Round Rock park is the assortment of friendly waterfowl! Different kinds of ducks and geese live in the lake. The calm waters also make the lake perfect for paddling beginners. You can even go kayak fishing for some bass here!
It’s nice to see some feathered paddling companions!
- Brushy Creek Lake
Brushy Creek Lake is in Cedar Park, a city and suburb in Austin. Not only the peaceful park is perfect for hiking and picnicking, but it’s also great for kayaking and canoeing. The lake has a canoe launch and does not allow swimming and motorized boats, so paddlers will be happy to have most of the lake for themselves.
Sometimes, all you need is a day on the water.
- Georgetown Lake
Georgetown Lake is a winding reservoir near the city of Georgetown. If you want to reach the lake, you can go to three different parks: Cedar Breaks Park, Jim Hogg Park, and Russell Park. For the paddlers, the calm waters make for a relaxing kayak experience. You will need to pay a fee to launch, though. The lake is also well-known for its bass fishing, so you might want to add kayak fishing to your list of activities!
Time to put those fishing skills to the test!
- Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River is a popular fishing and canoeing location in Kerr County. The five-mile Guadalupe River Paddling Trail goes through the scenic Hill County nature, where you might find river beavers, deer, and armadillos. The trail ends at Nichol’s Landing County Park, where you can continue down another five to ten miles if you choose so!
A beautiful autumn paddle that will stay in your memories forever.
- Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir in Austin, a city with a perfect backdrop for all the outdoor activities you can think of! Personal gas-powered motorboats aren’t allowed on the lake. Swimming is also prohibited. These make the lake used almost solely by paddlers. Texas Rowing Center, Austin Rowing Club, and The Expedition School are some institutions offering guidance and rowing programs if you want to take paddling classes.
It’s quite a sight to see Austin from the water.
- Lake Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is a reservoir near the town of Bastrop in Bastrop County, Texas. There are two public parks around the lake, North Shore Park and South Shore Park. Kayak fishers enjoy fishing in Lake Bastrop because it’s a high-quality bass lake where they can also catch catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Aside from that, the lake offers a gorgeous view of the pine forest. If you don’t own a boat or don’t want to bring one, several cheap kayak rentals await you in the parks.
Bastrop’s pines are a refreshing sight from Texas’ usual foliage.
- Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake Park is a community park in Round Rock. The park has picnic areas and playgrounds which are perfect for a family day. It also has 1.35 miles of trail to hike. The Meadow Lake reservoir is pretty large and can get as deep as 15 feet. It’s also a popular neighborhood fishing spot! You can go kayaking and catch catfish and bass in its calm waters. Kayaking and fishing are free here, where they practice catch-and-release. Make sure you have a fishing license!
Set the fish free when you’re done!
- South Llano River State Park
The South Llano River State Park is a park in Hill County. The park is filled with lush wildlife and is known for its wild turkeys! For paddlers, there are over two miles of river frontage. You can rent paddles at the park. Spring-Fed Adventures offer overnight paddling trips if you want to experience a different taste of adventure. Just make sure to bring spare batteries for the kayak navigation lights!
Imagine paddling on this stretch of water in the dark!
- Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a reservoir in the Travis and Burnet Counties near Austin. It has the largest storage capacity of the seven Texas Highland Lakes! There are numerous kayak rentals around. Some even offer a deliver-to-your-site option! The large lake also has seventeen parks to visit, as well as a zipline! You might want to take your brunch in The Oasis for a more memorable experience.
A wide, blue lake just waiting to be explored!
- San Gabriel River
The San Gabriel River starts in Georgetown. If you want a whitewater adventure in Central Texas, the San Gabriel River is the place to go! There are around 10 miles of class II whitewater for paddlers who are looking for a little challenge. Be ready to spot beavers and turtles as you paddle!
Sometimes you want a bit of turbulence to your kayaking adventure!
If you’re heading to Central Texas, you can be sure to find beautiful parks and pristine rivers and lakes to satisfy that paddling urge. You know you will have a good time, whether it is at a neighborhood lake, a roaring river, or a beautiful park. And when you’re done with exploring these 10 amazing Central Texas waterways, open and browse this kayaking near me interactive map to find your next great paddling experience!
This is a great resource, thank you for compiling!
You’re welcome! Have fun out there!