Boating & Paddling

Explore Texas State Parks by Boat

Almost anyone can canoe or kayak - more Americans paddle than play soccer. Many state parks rent canoes, kayaks and more.

If you want to see nature in a new way, get your paddle wet!

Paddling Trails

More than 70 official designated trails (including in many state parks) offer well-mapped, accessible trips for all levels of experience. See routes, access points, float times, bird life, fishing information and more at Texas Paddling Trails

Texas State Parks with Paddling Rentals

Most of these are available seasonally. Check the park's website for more information.  

Name Phone Rentals
Abilene (325) 572-3204 Canoe and kayak
Atlanta (903) 796-6476 Canoe and kayak
Blanco (830) 833-4333 kayak and tube
Bonham (903) 583-5022 Paddle boat, kayak and canoe
Buescher (512) 237-2241 Canoe
Caddo Lake (903) 679-3351 Canoe rentals are available at headquarters. Rent Jon boats from a private marina 5 miles east on FM 2198.
Cleburne (817) 645-4215 Two paddle boards, two single kayaks and two double kayaks are available through a credit card only self-service rental at the Cedar Lodge day use area.
Colorado Bend (325) 628-3240 Double and single kayak
Cooper Lake (903) 395-3100 Double and single kayak
Daingerfield (903) 645-2921 The park rents paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks (single and tandem) and flat bottom boats. Life jackets and paddles are included. Paddle boards are available from Spring Break through Labor Day and all other rental boats are available year-round.
Eisenhower (903) 463-3999 Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available. Contact Eisenhower Yacht Club: (903) 463-3999 or by email
Fort Boggy (903) 344-1116 Kayak
Fort Parker (254) 562-5751 Kayak and canoe, weather permitting
Garner (830) 232-6132 Kayak, inner tube and paddle boat
Goose Island (361) 729-2858 Kayak
Huntsville (936) 295-5644 Kayak, canoe and paddle boat
Inks Lake (512) 793-2223 Canoe, kayak and paddle boat
Lake Colorado City (325) 728-3931 Kayak
Lake Corpus Christi (361) 547-2635 Self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park through PaddleEZ.
Lake Livingston (936) 365-2201 Canoe, single and double kayaks, and paddleboard at park store, Saturday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Self-service rentals are also available. Use your smart phone to access the PaddleEz website, and reserve from the fleet of four double kayaks and two stand-up paddle boards. For more information, visit the PaddleEz website, or call the park store at (936) 365-2201.
Lake Mineral Wells (940) 325-7152 Canoe, kayak, flat bottom boat with trolling motor, and rowboat. (Water skiing, jet skiing and tubing prohibited)
Lake Somerville | Birch Creek  (979) 535-7763 Canoe and kayak
Lake Somerville | Nails Creek (979) 289-2392 Canoe and kayak
Lake Tawakoni (903) 560-7123 Kayak
Martin Creek Lake (903) 836-4336 Canoe
Martin Dies, Jr. (409) 384-5231 Canoe and kayak
Meridian (254) 435-2536 Kayak
Palmetto (830) 672-3266 Canoe, hydro-bike, kayak and pedal boat
Possum Kingdom (940) 549-5612 Canoe, rowboat, wake board, knee board, water ski, boat slip and tube rental are available from P.K.S.P. Store & Marina, (940) 549-5612.
Purtis Creek (903) 425-2332 Kayak
Sea Rim (409) 971-2559 Canoe and kayak
Tyler (903) 592-6790 Canoe, paddleboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and johnboat are available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
Village Creek (409) 755-7322 Standup paddleboard, one- and two-person kayaks, and canoe

Safety

Natural water bodies in state parks are very different from local swimming pools. Consider wearing a life jacket while enjoying lakes, rivers, bays, bayous, ponds and oceans. Please be aware of the following:

  • No lifeguard on duty
  • Water conditions change rapidly
  • Underwater currents exist
  • All children require adult supervision
  • Texas children under age 13 on boats under 26 feet must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets
  • Vessels under 16 feet (canoes, kayaks etc.) must carry Type I, II, III or V life jackets for each person on board.

Water Safety  [en espanol] -Watch true stories and learn the top five ways to avoid accidents.

Swimming Safety- Follow these tips to enjoy your swim.

Boater Education - These courses are required for certain boaters and are recommended for all. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Texas game wardens and other trained volunteer instructors teach the courses. Online courses are also available.

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