The 13 Best Places to Kayak and Paddleboard Around Austin, TX
Austin, Texas, offers a variety of locations perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. From the tranquil waters of Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city to the natural beauty of the Hill Country's rivers and lakes, Austin provides a diverse selection of spots catering to paddlers of all skill levels.
Let’s dive into this guide with 13 must-visit kayaking and paddleboarding destinations to dip your paddle in the Texas Hill Country!
1. Common Fords Park
Common Fords Metropolitan Park is right off of the Colorado River in Northwest Austin. From the parking lot, you have to walk almost 0.3 miles to get to the launch point. Since you will be in the Colorado River, beware of wakes from boat traffic! This is not a no-wake zone so you must be cautious and safe when paddling around.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: No
Parking: Yes
2. Jessica Hollis Park
Jessica Hollis Park is located next to Mansfield Dam off Ranch Road 620. This park is a hot spot because the water is clear, stays chilly throughout the summer, and is a perfect spot to fish (on top of paddling)! There is no boat activity to the right of the crossing bridge, but you do need to be cautious of the left side where boat docks are. Boaters and jet skiers can sometimes cause wakes. Note that this park only holds 120 people, so come early because the lot can fill up quickly.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: Yes
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Limited
Local Tip: You must reserve a picnic table if you plan to come here on the weekend or holidays. The fee is $45, but after fees, it can be higher than that. Each reservation includes full-day park access, a shaded picnic space, two parking spaces, and two park entrance fees. On weekdays, you can visit here for only $5 per person without a reservation.
3. Lake Pflugerville Park
Lake Pflugerville Park is a great location for kayaking and paddleboarding. It offers calm, scenic waters across a 180-acre reservoir perfect for all skill levels. With a 3-mile trail, beaches, fishing piers, and picnic areas, it's an ideal spot for a relaxing day out on the water.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: Yes
Single Kayak: $20 Per Hour
Canoe: $25 Per Hour
Tandem (2 Person) Kayak: $25 Per Hour
Stand-Up Paddleboards: $25 Per Hour
$5 Military and First Responder discount
Entrance Fees: No
Parking: Yes
4. San Gabriel River
The San Gabriel River in Texas provides a calming setting for kayaking and paddleboarding, with clear waters that twist through lush landscapes. Note that the kayak launch linked below is pretty steep. But it does have PVC rails, so you can gently get your boat in the water!
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: No
Parking: Yes
5. Lake Bastrop South Shore
Lake Bastrop South Shore is about half an hour outside of Austin in Bastrop, TX. This LCRA park will have you wanting to be on the water for hours. The landscape and views are so beautiful. And the park even offers other activities you can do, like mini-golfing. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for 4 hours, starting at $49 and going up to $109 for 24 hours.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: Yes
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Yes
6. Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake
Ah, yes, Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). This is the spot everyone knows and loves to gather at with friends and family. I’m adding it to this list because it is a beautiful stretch of water that gives you great views of nature and the city. There are several launch points you can use if one is more congested than another, and there are plenty of kayak/paddleboard rental companies to rent from north and south of the bridge.
Launch Point Locations:
Rentals Available: Yes
Rowing Dock, Texas Rowing Center, and EpicSUP are a few companies you can rent from along the river
Entrance Fees: No
Parking: Yes
7. Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park in Burnet, TX, has a paddling area that is a no-wake zone and gives you amazing views of the metamorphic rock formation around the Devil’s Waterhole. There are also designated paddling trails in the park you can venture through to see the entire park from the water. At the park store, you can rent canoes, paddle boats, SUPs, and kayaks for $20 for the first hour, plus $10 for each additional hour.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: Yes
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Yes
8. Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park
Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas, has an expansive lake, which is great for hours of paddling. While you’re out there, you can explore several small coves and take in the entire park. When you’re not on the lake, you can fish, have a picnic, bike around the park, or use the sand volleyball courts.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Yes
9. Fritz Hughes Park
Fritz Hughes Park, nestled on the shores of Lake Austin, Texas, is a hidden gem for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and enjoy the crispy, cold water on a hot Texas summer day. Note that there are no restrooms, electricity, or drinking water.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: No
Parking: Yes
10. Canyon Lake - Jacob's Creek Boat Launch
Canyon Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts northeast of San Antonio. Its clear waters provide a peaceful escape for paddlers of all skill levels, whether exploring hidden coves or gliding along the expansive lake surface. It can get very busy during the summer, and once the park reaches capacity, you will be turned away, so plan accordingly. Other locations on this list are nearby in case that happens!
Launch Point Location: Here
Currently, this location is marked as “Temporarily Closed” on Google Maps. Call before visiting this area!
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: Possible
Parking: Yes
11. Nichol's Landing
Kayaking at Nichol's Landing on this roughly 9.9-mile trail offers a blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Depending on water levels and flow rates, it takes approximately 3-6 hours to navigate. While you are paddling, you can enjoy fishing for various bass and other fish, as well as the rich wildlife and ecology, including high limestone bluffs and diverse vegetation.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees:
Access is free except on the weekends and during the offseason
Weekends and holidays during the summer cost is $4 per adult and $2 per child (when parking a vehicle) and $1 per person (if dropping off without parking)
Parking: Yes
12. Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park will have you in awe, surrounded by huge bald cypress trees along the water. When the water conditions are ideal, you can kayak or paddleboard on the 5-mile paddling trail in the park. Before you visit, call the park and ask what the water flow is like to see if it is ideal to get in.
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: No
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Yes
13. Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park is a beautiful spot along a mile of the spring-fed Blanco River. Bring your kayak or paddleboard and relax in the river. You can also swim, fish, hike, and geocache if you want to take a break from paddling. If you need a watercraft, kayaks and tubes are at the park store for $20 credit card deposit required). There are also good BBQ and ice cream shops right outside the park!
Launch Point Location: Here
Rentals Available: Yes
Entrance Fees: Yes
Parking: Yes
5 Kayak and Paddleboard Safety Tips
Before heading out on the water, follow these five safety tips to ensure you are prepared for your paddling adventure.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear or carry a properly fitted PFD or life jacket when kayaking or paddleboarding, even if you are a strong swimmer, to ensure safety in case of unexpected capsizing or falling into the water.
In the state of Texas, it is the law to have an easily accessible PFD on your kayak or paddleboard.
Check Weather and Water Conditions: Before heading out, check the local weather forecast and water conditions. Avoid paddling in extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, or lightning storms, and be aware of water temperatures and currents.
Know Your Limits: Be realistic about your physical condition, skill level, and experience. Choose routes and water bodies that match your abilities, and avoid challenging areas with strong currents, rapids, or waves if you're not experienced in handling them.
Use the Buddy System: Whenever possible, paddle with a companion. Having someone with you can be invaluable in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. If paddling alone, inform someone of your plans, including your route and expected return time.
Carry Communication and Emergency Gear: Always bring a waterproof bag with essential safety gear, including a whistle for signaling, a flashlight or headlamp, a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case for emergency calls, and a small first-aid kit. Being prepared can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Austin Kayaking Spots
To make it easier for you to locate these spots around the city, here is a map of all of the paddleboarding and kayaking spots in Austin, TX that I’ve listed in this guide.
Launch Points in Austin, TX
Austin's diverse kayaking and paddleboarding spots offer both peaceful and fun adventures within lakes and rivers, making it a prime destination for water enthusiasts of all skill levels. I hope these 12 locations highlighted above give you a new way to experience the natural beauty of Central Texas.
And don’t forget to practice water safety when out on any body of water. Conditions can change in an instant so be prepared and let others know where you will be going!
Are you a paddleboarder or kayaker? Which one of these spots are you planning to check out? Leave a comment below!
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