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 kayaks |
| 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. |
| Dinosaur Valley | (940) 839-4331 | Kayaks |
| Eisenhower | (903) 463-3999 | Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available. Contact Eisenhower Yacht Club: (903) 463-3999, eyc@eisenhoweryachtclub.com, or www.eisenhoweryachtclub.com |
| Fairfield Lake | (903) 389-4514 | Self-service kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park through PaddleEZ. |
| Fort Parker | (254) 562-5751 | Canoes - daily during peak seasons and off-season by request |
| Garner | (830) 232-6132 | Kayak, inner tube and paddle boat |
| Huntsville | (936) 295-5644 | 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 | We rent canoes, single and double kayaks, and paddleboards at our park store, from 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 rowboats= (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 |
| Martin Creek Lake | (903) 836-4336 | Canoe |
| Martin Dies, Jr. | (409) 384-5231 | Canoe |
| Meridian | (254) 435-2536 | Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board |
| 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. |
| Sea Rim |
(409) 971-2559 | Canoe and kayak |
| Tyler | (903) 592-6790 | Canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats are available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Labor Day to Memorial Day. |
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.
