Water trails are like hiking trails except they are for canoes and kayaks. Some have designated access points, signage that provides information you’ll need for your journey, and many amenities like picnic spots or natural attractions that dot the route. Travel down a river-way or through a swamp for scenic views, wildlife viewing, and many points of interest.
Look over the water trails below and nearby state parks for camping and see what your top choice might be.
Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail, Georgia
This fun water trail begins at Sautee Creek and ends in Hall Country at the Clarks Bridge Park. At a little over 36 miles, you’ll find the trail upstream from Lake Lanier. Depending on the water levels, the paddling ranges in classification from Class I to Class III. With eight access points, you’re sure to find a great place to start out and enjoy moving along the Upper Chattahoochee River.
Where to Camp: Don Carter State Park
This state park is located on the north end of Lake Lanier. Besides exploring the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail, the lake offers lots of water recreation opportunities. You’ll find RV and tent camping, as well as two-bedroom cottages near the lake.
Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail, Texas
The Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail is a 5-mile paddling trail in the Texas Hill Country region of Texas. The river is known for beautiful scenery and clear-flowing waters. Follow the river through high limestone bluffs and a variety of shrubs and trees, including cottonwood, bald cypress, and pecan. Low lying vegetation provides cover for a multitude of animals that includes deer, raccoons, foxes and armadillos.
Where to Camp: Guadalupe River State Park
This state park is the perfect place to make a home base since it is right on the river. Besides following the water trail, you can also go tubing, fishing, or swimming. Hiking is fun here too.
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Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, Louisiana
This paddle trail extends 135 miles, but you can break it up into shorter trips between towns. It all depends on your time and sense of adventure. Many of the towns you come to along the way have docks for canoes or kayaks. Families and inexperienced paddlers prefer the upper stretches of the Bayou Teche from Port Barre to St. Martinville, as it is calmer water. When going beyond St. Martinville, the experienced paddler must be prepared to portage around the Keystone Lock and Dam. On your trip down this water trail you’ll be sure to spot wood ducks, warblers, herons, and kingfishers. Each town will show you a different side of Louisiana as far as food, music, and art. It’s an exciting waterway to paddle.
Where to Camp: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
This state park is a great spot to make your base for your water trail trip. There are 50 sites for tent or RV camping, along with eighteen waterfront cabins. Along with many available outdoor activities, there is also a water playground that is open during designated times of the year.
Tillamook Water Trail, Oregon
This is a long, beautifully scenic water trail on Oregon’s North Coast. You will find yourself traveling through green pastures, marshes, dense forests, and quaint towns. When you arrive, you should grab a map and find access points and guidelines. There are five watersheds, each with their own personality. Nehalem gives you the chance to explore dozens of marshes, and to paddle from town to town in calm and shallow waters. Tillamook Bay has a web of inlets and sloughs with five rivers pouring in. You’ll spot some beaver lodges among the tall grasses. Nestucca and Sand Lake give you the opportunity to travel the fast-moving 5-mile stretch of the Nestucca River. This waterway isn’t for beginners, but experienced paddlers will enjoy the challenge of the changing conditions.
Where to Camp: Nehalem Bay State Park
When not exploring the water trail, you’ll have fun beachcombing, clamming, or crabbing. The park is on a sandy area that separates Nehalem Bay from the Pacific Ocean. This is the ideal home base for your water trail adventure.
The Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania
This river has whitewater stretches as well as calmer spots. You might want to try the lower section that is less traveled, between Connellsville and Perryopolis and onward to Ohiopyle. You will find the 13-mile trip is well worth the time.
Where to Camp: Ohiopyle State Park
This state park has more than 20,000 acres of rugged beauty. The Youghiogheny River passes right through the park and boasts some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern U.S.. Other recreation opportunities include biking, fishing, hiking and hunting.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.