47 Best Places To Kayak In The U.S. For 2025

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 12, 2025

Last summer, I found myself floating through a narrow slot canyon on the Colorado River, the red rock walls towering 1,000 feet above my kayak. The silence was broken only by the echo of my paddle strokes and the occasional cry of a canyon wren. That's when it hit me - after 20 years of paddling across this country, I'd barely scratched the surface of America's incredible kayaking destinations.

From the glacier-fed lakes of Alaska to the mangrove tunnels of Florida, the best kayaking in United States waters offers something for every paddler. Whether you're planning multi day kayaking trips through wilderness areas or seeking the most scenic places to kayak for a weekend getaway, this guide covers the absolute best spots I've discovered (and a few I'm still dreaming about).

Quick Overview: America's Top Kayaking Destinations

Before we dive into specific locations, here's what makes the U.S. such an incredible kayaking destination:

Diverse ecosystems: From desert canyons to temperate rainforests
Year-round paddling: Always somewhere with perfect conditions
Accessibility: Options for every skill level and budget
Protected waters: National parks and wilderness areas preserve pristine paddling
Wildlife encounters: Manatees, whales, eagles, and more

What This Guide Covers

Famous kayaking destinations with proven track records
Hidden gems in the best states for kayaking
Multi day kayaking trips for serious adventurers
Best kayaking camping vacations us has to offer
Scenic day trips and overnight kayaking trips
Essential planning tips for each destination

Best Multi-Day Wilderness Kayaking Adventures

1. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

The BWCAW is the holy grail of best long distance canoe trips in North America. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 2,000 designated campsites, this million-acre wilderness offers the ultimate backcountry paddling experience.

Why it's special: Complete solitude, pristine lakes, incredible fishing, and zero motor boats allowed. I spent a week here last September and didn't see another soul for three days straight.

Best for: Experienced paddlers seeking true wilderness Season: May through October Permits: Required (reserve early at recreation.gov) Pro tip: Hire an outfitter in Ely for your first trip - they'll set you up with everything including the right kayak weight for portaging

2. Everglades National Park, Florida

The Everglades offers some of the most unique kayaking overnight trips in the country. The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway from Flamingo to Everglades City is a bucket-list paddle through mangrove tunnels and open bays.

Wildlife spotted on my last trip:

14 manatees (including a mom with calf)
Countless dolphins
3 small alligators
More birds than I could count

Camping options: Chickees (elevated platforms over water) and beach sites Best season: December through April (fewer bugs) Distance options: 2-10 day trips available

3. Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Stretching 740 miles from New York to Maine, the NFCT is one of the longest multi day kayaking trips in the eastern U.S. Most paddlers tackle it in sections over multiple seasons.

Highlights:

Historic waterways used for centuries
Mix of lakes, rivers, and short portages
Small towns for resupply
Excellent kayaking apps available for navigation

Famous Rivers Worth Paddling

4. Colorado River Through Glen Canyon

Paddling below Glen Canyon Dam offers crystal-clear water, towering sandstone walls, and access to hidden slot canyons. The stretch from Lees Ferry to Horseshoe Bend has become one of the famous rivers and kayaking destinations for good reason.

Don't miss:

Paddling into Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell
Horseshoe Bend from water level (mile 10)
Hidden petroglyphs along the walls

Logistics: Most paddlers use a shuttle service for the 15-mile day trip Water temp: Cold year-round (48-52°F) - wetsuit recommended

5. Buffalo National River, Arkansas

This free-flowing river in the Ozarks offers everything from gentle floats to Class III rapids. With 135 miles of paddleable water, it's perfect for best kayaking camping vacations us paddlers seek.

Best sections:

Upper Buffalo (Ponca to Kyles): Technical paddling, stunning bluffs
Middle Buffalo (Rush to Buffalo City): Perfect for multi-day trips
Lower Buffalo (Below Buffalo Point): Wide, gentle, great for beginners

Fishing: World-class smallmouth bass (caught my personal best here - 4.2 pounds!)

6. Green River, Utah

The Green River through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons offers 120 miles of flat water paddling through some of the most spectacular desert scenery in America. This is one of the best scenic places to kayak without dealing with rapids.

Trip highlights:

Zero rapids (perfect for beginners)
Incredible side canyon hikes
Ancient rock art
Dark sky camping

Permits: Required for overnight trips Best time: Spring and fall (summer is brutally hot)

Most Scenic Coastal Kayaking

7. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

These 22 islands in Lake Superior feature some of the most stunning sea caves in North America. The sandstone cliffs have been carved by waves into arches, tunnels, and chambers that glow with reflected light.

Cave kayaking tips:

Only safe in calm conditions (check forecast obsessively)
Best light for photography: morning on mainland caves
Water temp: Cold even in summer - dress accordingly
Consider a guided tour for safety

8. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

The 17-mile Na Pali Coast on Kauai offers dramatic 4,000-foot cliffs, hidden beaches, and pristine tropical waters. This is expert-level ocean paddling - not for the faint of heart.

Critical info:

Summer only (May-September) due to massive winter swells
Start at dawn to avoid afternoon winds
Camping available at Kalalau and Miloli'i (permits required)
One of the most challenging but rewarding paddles I've ever done

9. Kenai Fjords, Alaska

Paddling among glaciers, icebergs, and abundant wildlife makes Kenai Fjords one of the most scenic places to kayak in America. Based out of Seward, you can do everything from half-day trips to week-long expeditions.

Wildlife guarantee: You WILL see sea otters. Probably also seals, sea lions, and if lucky, whales and bears.

Guided vs solo: Unless you have serious cold-water experience, go guided. The conditions can change fast, and local knowledge is invaluable.

Best States for Kayaking: Regional Highlights

Pacific Northwest

10. San Juan Islands, Washington

Multi-day island hopping
Resident orca pods (follow viewing guidelines)
Protected waters perfect for beginners
Waterfront camping on many islands

11. Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Lake Crescent's crystal-clear waters
Ocean paddling at La Push
Hoh River through temperate rainforest

Southeast

12. Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia/Florida

120-mile wilderness canoe trail
Alligators, but they leave kayakers alone
Platform camping in the swamp
Incredible bird watching

13. Biscayne Bay, Florida

Urban paddling with a wild side
Manatees in winter months
Access to kayak registration info essential for Florida

Southwest

14. Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona

96 major canyons to explore
Houseboat-supported kayak camping
Slot canyon access by water only
Check water levels - drought has impacted access

15. Black Canyon, Nevada/Arizona

Below Hoover Dam hot springs
Easy day trip from Las Vegas
Emerald Cave is Instagram famous (go early)

Northeast

16. Adirondack Lakes, New York

3,000 lakes and ponds
Classic canoe camping country
Fall foliage paddling is unmatched
Excellent for families

17. Acadia National Park, Maine

Sea kayaking with mountains as backdrop
Tide pools and seals
Somes Sound (only fjord on East Coast)

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Paddling Paradise

18. Devils River, Texas

The most remote river in Texas offers crystal-clear spring-fed water and zero development for 60 miles. Getting there is half the adventure - 4WD required for most access points.

What makes it special:

Pristine water quality
Ancient Native American sites
Challenging logistics keep crowds away
Some of the best overnight kayaking trips opportunities in Texas

19. Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers offer 134 miles of spring-fed beauty with over 100 springs feeding crystal-clear water year-round.

Unique features:

Huge springs you can paddle into
Historic mills and settlements
Excellent smallmouth bass fishing
Float-camping perfection

20. Prince William Sound, Alaska

Less famous than Kenai Fjords but equally spectacular, PWS offers protected paddling among glaciers with fewer tour boats.

Highlights:

Paddle to active glaciers
Remote camping on pristine beaches
Incredible wildlife density
Fly-in basecamp options

Best Kayaking Day Trips

21. Three Sisters Springs, Florida

This Crystal River destination offers the unique opportunity to paddle with manatees in crystal-clear 72°F spring water.

Manatee season: November through March Rules: Look but don't touch - strict wildlife protection Best time: Early morning before tour boats arrive

22. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

The clarity of Tahoe's water is legendary - you can see 75 feet down on calm days. Paddle the east shore for the best scenery and fewer crowds.

Must-do sections:

Sand Harbor to Hidden Beach
Emerald Bay (get there early)
East shore boulder fields

23. Pictured Rocks, Michigan

The colorful cliffs of Lake Superior's Pictured Rocks stretch for 15 miles, offering some of the best scenic places to kayak in the Midwest.

Plan for:

Cold water even in August
Afternoon winds - paddle early
Miners Beach launch for beginners
Check out proper kayak entry techniques for rocky launches

Planning Your Kayaking Adventure

Choosing the Right Destination

For beginners: Start with protected lakes or slow rivers

Lake Tahoe's calm bays
Florida springs
Adirondack lakes

For families: Look for short distances with easy camping

St. Regis Canoe Area, NY
Suwannee River, FL
Many Texas Hill Country rivers

For experienced paddlers: Challenge yourself with

Ocean kayaking in Alaska
Multi-day wilderness trips
Whitewater sections

Essential Gear Considerations

Different destinations require different setups. A lightweight kayak matters more for trips with portages, while stability is key for fishing-focused trips.

Multi-day trip essentials:

Dry bags for everything
Water filter or purification
Detailed maps/GPS
Emergency communication device
Proper kayak modifications for extended trips

Best Times to Paddle

Spring (March-May):

Texas rivers at peak flow
Florida without summer heat
Desert destinations perfect

Summer (June-August):

Northern destinations ideal
Alaska's long days
Mountain lakes ice-free

Fall (September-November):

New England foliage
Stable weather many places
Fewer crowds everywhere

Winter (December-February):

Florida and Southern destinations
Manatee season
Southwest still paddleable

Top Multi-Day Trip Itineraries

24-30. Yellowstone Lake Loop (5 days)

One of the most remote kayaking camping vacations in the lower 48:

Day 1: Bridge Bay to Wolf Bay (8 miles)
Day 2: Explore Southeast Arm (12 miles)
Day 3: Southeast Arm to Eagle Bay (10 miles)
Day 4: Eagle Bay to Wolf Bay (7 miles)
Day 5: Return to Bridge Bay (8 miles)

Permits: Required, reserve early Hazards: Cold water, afternoon winds, grizzly bears

31-37. Maine Island Trail (7-10 days)

This 375-mile water trail connects 200+ islands and mainland sites:

Southern section: Casco Bay islands
Mid-coast: Muscongus Bay
Downeast: Mount Desert Island area

Membership required for island camping access Best done in sections over multiple trips

38-43. Mississippi River Source to Sea (90+ days)

The ultimate best long distance canoe trips challenge:

2,320 miles from Lake Itasca to Gulf
Most paddlers do sections over years
Incredible variety of landscapes
Well-documented by previous paddlers

44-47. Alaska Inside Passage (14-30 days)

The crown jewel of North American sea kayaking:

Ketchikan to Skagway options
Glacier Bay National Park
Remote hot springs
Humpback whale encounters

Logistics: Most use water taxi for sections Experience required: Expert-level expedition

Safety and Preparation

Know Before You Go

Check regulations: Many destinations require permits or have specific rules
Weather awareness: Conditions can change fast, especially on large lakes
Leave a float plan: Someone should know your route and return date
Practice skills: Don't let a dream trip be your first time loading a kayak

Wildlife Considerations

Alligators (Southeast):

Generally avoid kayakers
Don't feed or approach
Be cautious at dusk/dawn

Bears (Multiple regions):

Proper food storage essential
Bear canisters or cables required many places
Make noise at landing sites

Marine mammals:

Maintain legal distances
Never pursue or surround
If they approach you, stop paddling

FAQ

What are the most scenic places to kayak in the USA?

The most scenic kayaking spots include Glacier Bay (Alaska), Na Pali Coast (Hawaii), Apostle Islands sea caves (Wisconsin), and Glen Canyon (Arizona/Utah). Each offers unique beauty - from glaciers and tropical cliffs to sandstone caves and slot canyons.

Which states have the best kayaking?

The best states for kayaking are Florida (year-round paddling, springs, and manatees), Alaska (glaciers and wildlife), Michigan (Great Lakes and rivers), Maine (ocean and lakes), and California (diverse options from ocean to alpine lakes).

What are the best multi-day kayaking trips for beginners?

Beginner-friendly multi-day trips include the Suwannee River (Florida), parts of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (Northeast), Ozark Scenic Riverways (Missouri), and the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon (Utah) - all offering gentle currents and established campsites.

Where can I find famous kayaking destinations in the US?

Famous kayaking destinations include Everglades National Park, Boundary Waters (Minnesota), Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Lake, and the San Juan Islands. These spots are renowned for their natural beauty and paddling opportunities.

What's the best time of year for kayaking trips?

The best time varies by region: Florida and the Southwest are ideal in winter/spring (December-April), Northern destinations shine in summer (June-August), and places like the Ozarks and Texas rivers are perfect in spring (March-May) when water levels are optimal.

How do I plan overnight kayaking trips?

Planning overnight trips requires researching campsite availability, obtaining necessary permits, packing waterproof gear, planning daily mileage (10-15 miles average), checking weather forecasts, and leaving a detailed float plan with someone reliable.

What are the best long-distance canoe trips in America?

Top long-distance trips include the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (740 miles), Mississippi River (2,320 miles), Missouri River (2,341 miles), and the Yukon River (1,980 miles). Most paddlers complete these in sections over multiple years.

Where are the best kayaking camping vacations?

The best kayak camping destinations are Boundary Waters (Minnesota), Everglades (Florida), Yellowstone Lake (Wyoming), Apostle Islands (Wisconsin), and the San Juan Islands (Washington). Each offers established water-access campsites and stunning scenery.

Which rivers are famous for kayaking?

Famous kayaking rivers include the Colorado (through Grand Canyon), Buffalo National River (Arkansas), Salmon River (Idaho), Chattooga (Georgia/South Carolina), Green River (Utah), and the Suwannee (Florida/Georgia).

How do I choose between different kayaking destinations?

Consider your skill level, desired trip length, season, type of water (ocean/lake/river), camping preferences, permit requirements, and whether you want solitude or social paddling. Start with easier destinations and progress to more challenging ones as skills develop.

Making It Happen: Turn Dreams into Paddles

The best kayaking destinations in America are waiting, but they won't paddle themselves. Start with a destination that matches your current skill level, then build toward those dream trips.

My advice after decades of paddling? Pick one destination from this list and commit to it this year. Whether it's a weekend on a local lake or a week in the wilderness, the best kayaking trips in USA waters create memories that last forever.

Remember: The best kayak is the one that gets you on the water. The best destination is the one you actually visit. And the best time to start planning? Right now.