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 |
| 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
- All canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rubber raft, or other paddlecrafts must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device (lifejacket) for each person onboard and those under 13 years of age must wear them at all times
- Paddlecraft that are 16 feet or greater in length must also carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable flotation device that is readily accessible for use in the event of an emergency.
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.
