sehutchison

Does anyone care to suggest a park within a couple hours of Austin that has good camping and kayaking? I'm not from Texas and have only tried a couple of parks so far. Any help would be great!

Turn Key

In about 3 hours we'll be headed for one of our favorite parks for camping and kayaking. Inks Lake is about an 1-1 1/2 hours north and a bit west of you you near Burnet. Great park that we go to often. We're not taking the 'yaks with us on this trip but have often. Great lake to paddle! If your interested, you can run a "search" under "Inks Lake" with my username and you should find two reviews I did on this park and the area. Also, links to those reviews may show at the bottom of this thread. If you can't find them, PM and I'll post the links when we return. Just don't have the time now because...:cool:I'M GOING CAMPING:cool:!!!

Happy Camping!

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toejam

Lake Georgetown - you could camp at one of the developed parks or paddle up the lake to one of the primitive campsites.

JohnK

This depends on what type of camping you have in mind. Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan is a very nice park that has everything from primitive camping sites on the water to more developed sites with RV hookups. They also have cottages.

Texas Hill Country Resorts, Lake Buchanan Family Vacations, Reunions-Canyon of the Eagles

There is a business operating on the grounds that offers kayak tours and rentals. Although not mentioned on their website, I have read elsewhere that they have a shuttle service whereby they will haul you and your yak up river via boat to scenic areas (waterfalls, cliffs, etc.) where they drop you off to paddle back.

Lake Buchanan Adventures - A Hidden Jewel in the Heart of Texas Hill Country

If primitive camping is what you have in mind and you will be bringing your kayaks, Colorado Bend State Park would be great. It's fairly remote and far enough upstream that there shouldn't be much motorboat traffic.

http://www.wildtexas.com/parks/cbsp.php

I like Inks Lake S.P. as well, but it is one of the busiest parks in the state; so, I wouldn't go there if you are looking for a peaceful experience.

All of the above is predicated on the assumption that you are a touring kayaker. If white water is your thing, there is a little of that to be found along the Guadalupe between Canyon Dam and New Braunfels. You could Google it and find some private parks along the river, but this would be a high traffic experience as well, not for those who relish peace and quiet.

JohnK

srds

I vote for Inks Lake.

srds :cool:
Have Fun

JohnK

Have you been to Canyon of the Eagles?

srds

We have been there about a dozen times.It's a nice park and a good place to yak, and there are some good fishing holes along the way.Will be that way in May for fishing trip with the guys.

srds :cool:
Have Fun

JohnK

So, just out of curiosity, why do you prefer Inks Lake?

I only recently discovered Canyon of the Eagles and I doubt I will ever go back to Inks Lake, unless it's during the week in the off season.

My wife and I haven't taken our yaks up to Colorado Bend SP yet, but I think that's next on the agenda.

The weather looks good this weekend for paddling. With all of the holiday preparations, though, we'll probably just hit something nearby. There's a nice Lake Travis inlet accessible from Cypress Creek Park that is all "no wake", so the motor boats and jet skis tend to stay away. We'll probably go there and save Colorado Bend for after the holidays; hopefully before the eagles head north for the summer.

John

srds

Well I have going to Inks since the age of 5 and love the place.It is getting a lot more traffic then it used too,but I have always had a great time there,crowded or not.The mini cabins make it nice for friends that don't camp as much as we do ,and the park staff is always friendly.The lake, even in high winds, still lets you get out on the water.You would be very surprised to find that alot of the winter campers don't use the lake at all .I guess I'm just comfy there.Now getting to take my kids there and seeing how much they enjoy it also helps.There are alot of parks that we have been to and I always find myself comparing them to Inks.

srds :cool:
Have Fun