Kayaking is one of the most popular activities among RVers. There’s nothing like getting out on the water just after dawn, while the sky is still rose-colored, in the middle of a spectacular canyon or mountain basin.
Avid kayaking RVers are constantly on the lookout for a paddling experience where they can enjoy undisturbed natural beauty. If you’re on the hunt for your next great kayaking trip, we’ve got some recommendations we’re excited for you to try out.
Here’s our top 6 national parks for kayaking adventure.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places for sea kayaking. Experienced paddlers will love exploring Frenchman Bay or Western Bay. Less experienced kayakers should take a guide, or take in the beauty of the park’s ponds and lakes.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is one of the best locations in the United States for kayaking enthusiasts. The river borders the park for 118 stunning miles, coursing through a mix of 1500-foot canyons and open land. The variety of wildlife is second to none, and you can enjoy anything from a half-day paddle to a multi-day excursion.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Although it’s known primarily for its arid landscape, Canyonlands National Park also straddles a section of the Colorado River. If you’re looking for an exciting river trip, you’ll find it here, with a 14-mile stretch of Class III to Class V rapids through Cataract Canyon.
Dinosaur National Park, Colorado/Utah
While most people visit Dinosaur National Park for its dinosaur fossils, it also has a lot to offer serious kayakers. The Yampa and Green Rivers offer plenty of whitewater as they thunder through tight channels, over drops, and around obstructions.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Synonymous with water activities is the Everglades National Park. The Everglades is one of the lushest and most beautiful places to paddle, offering a wide variety of kayaking that you won’t find almost anywhere—freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, ponds, and bays. This park offers a challenge for the experienced kayaker—with treacherous passes and shallow reefs.
Glacier National Park, Montana
If you’re looking for snowcapped mountain vistas and icy rivers, with a mix of whitewater and scenic paddling opportunities, you can’t do better than Glacier National Park (not to be confused with Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park—which also has terrific kayaking, but no onsite RV camping). The rivers run high in spring and summer, during snowmelt—creating some excellent paddling. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of glacier-sculpted mountains, and you might catch a glimpse of a grizzly fishing for a meal!
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