Kayaking in NJ

Kayaking in NJ | Places to Take Your Own Kayak to Unknown Bodies of Water and The Best Places Where You Can Get Kayak Rentals

Kayaking is the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Use a sit-in, sit-on, single, or double kayak to paddle through the water. You can choose a full day adventure or simply an hour. It's great for families and group of friends looking to soak up some sun in a refreshing environment. You'll also love taking in the nature around you. Here's where to rent kayaks in NJ.

Where to Go Kayaking in NJ | The All-Inclusive Guide

Kayaking in North Jersey

Cranberry Lake

Located in Sussex County, New Jersey, Cranberry Lake is among the some of the perfect spots in NJ for kayaking that you will find.

The southern end is bordered by the Allamuchy State Park. This spot provides you with the opportunity of enjoying the beautiful sights of a pristine location wherein the mountains rise from the lake sharply.

Many areas of the lake are shallow. The average depth of the lake is 8 feet.

Bring your own kayak and make full use of the three-mile water trail on the Musconetcong River available. The trail lies between the Saxton Falls Dam and the Waterloo Road at Route 80.

Spring and Fall are the best times to explore Cranberry Lake

Cranberry Lake has a community club that you can join to share more amenities of the lake.

Lake Hopatcong

Located in Jefferson Township, this is the largest lake in New Jersey. Thus, it is filled with a large area where kayakers can explore and paddle to their heart's content. Kayak rentals are offered, and a boat ramp is available for launching kayaks as well. You can acquire more information by contacting them at 973-663-2935. 

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

This one is located in Columbia, New Jersey, with the park running along 40 miles of the Delaware River. It also cuts through a ridge in the Appalachian Mountains, thereby forming the famous gap. Kayaking lovers highly prefer this spot. More information can be availed via their contact number 800-543-0271.

Delaware River

If you are looking for more excitement, this would be the perfect kayaking spot for you. Located along Kittatinny to Belvidere, it has bigger waves, which make the experience a lot more fun.

The Kittatinny ramp is situated near the visitor center and around 100b yards upstream from the ramp; you can walk down the kayaks down to the river from the parking area.

On the front street in Belvidere, NJ50 yards south of Delaware River bridge, the Belvidere New Jersey Ramp is located open from 5 am to 9 pm.

You can kayak on your own with your own gear or you can rent a kayak through one of the two companies below.

Kittatinny River Trips

Kayak East Tours

Kayak East Tours offers fun Kayaking lessons in NJ. You can also take advantage of the tours that they offer for beginners to experts along the Delaware River moving onto the Statue of Liberty, Graveyard of Ships, Split Rock Reservoir, and the Meadowlands among other places. The boat, paddle, and lifejackets are all supplied by Kayak East Tours. Book your tour or lesson now by calling 1-866-529-2532.

Hackensack River Water Trail

You can have a gala time launching your kayak at either Laurel Hill Park Paddling Center launch or the Overpeck Park Kayak (and Canoe) Center launch area. Access to the river is entirely free of cost, and boaters having craft up to 24 feet in length can use it with ease. Fifty-two canoes and kayaks are also available for rental. For more information please call 201-968-0808.

Kayak on the Hudson River in Hoboken

The Hoboken Cover boathouse is another one of those kayaking hotspots that you need to check out.

It is located at the intersection of Frank Sinatra Drive and Maxwell place in Hoboken, NJ. 

All activities offered at this place are free of charge and accessible by the public.

The kayaking season commences in late May and goes on till September depending on the weather.

Free kayaking programs are conducted throughout the season. Padding is also allowed for kids under 16 provided they are accompanied by a parent or adult over 18 years of age. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are supplied.

They can be contacted at [email protected].

Ken Lockwood Gorge

Located along river road alongside Lebanon Township New Jersey, the Ken Lockwood Gorge offers you beautiful scenery as you paddle across the water. The huge boulders and the river cutting through them is a breathtaking sight. You can acquire more information via their website or contact number 973-383-0918.

Meadowlands Commission's River Barge Park and Marina

Located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, this 5.5-acre tract on the Hackensack River is a must-visit for kayaking enthusiasts.

The launching ramp is the first place that provides the public with the opportunity to boat across the river's western shore in Bergen County.

Boat ramp, paddling and rowing launch points and docks all form part of the park.

The paths lined by native plants look beautiful, and you can also enjoy the fantastic sights at picnic tables.

A launching point for kayaks, sculls, and canoes is available as well. To find out more information, please call 201-460-1700. 

Merrill Creek Reservoir


Located at 34 Merrill Creek Road in Washington, NJ, this is the perfect spot for wildlife lovers.

You get to paddle across the cedar-lined shore forests and enjoy the sight of wildlife and waterfowl.

You will come across kingfishers, mergansers, bald eagles, muskrat, hawks, pileated woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, and a lot more along the tract.

The kayaks are launched from the boat ramp present on the east side of the reservoir, which is open from sunset to sunrise.

Unless it is made inaccessible owing to ice, the ramp remains open throughout the year.

Contact them at (908) 454-1213 for more information. 

Monksville Reservoir

Located at Ringwood, NJ near the Ringwood State Park, this is quite a peaceful kayaking spot for paddlers looking for a getaway.

The undeveloped shores of the lake have managed to create a sense of calm.

You can flat through the flooded standing timber in the northwest corner of the reservoir and enjoy the weathered trunks.

The reservoir is horseshoe-shaped, and the steep forested banks ensure that you are disconnected from the rest of the world while paddling.

Thus, you can enjoy nature to its full potential.

The beauty is breathtaking in autumn, wherein the great walls of color add value to the scenery.

You can find out more at (973) 962-7031). Kayak tours are offered at Kayak East. 

Overpeck Park Kayak Center


If you want to learn kayaking, this spot in Leonia, New Jersey, will be perfect for you.

The park is straddling the Overpeck Creek, leading to the formation of a lake.

Since the area is protected and the water remains calm, you can concentrate on your kayaking lessons with ease.

Canoe and kayak rentals are also offered. Get more information at 201-957-3085. 

Passaic River

Present at two Bridges Road at Lincoln Park, this river section is bordered on both its side by the Great Piece Meadows.

Therefore, you get an isolated spot for kayaking wherein plenty of wildlife can be seen as well, including herons, deer, fox, and hawks, among other things.

The sight will leave you mesmerized if you visit it in the fall due to the backdrop created by the fall colors.

You will be entering the Pompton River and proceeding for a few yards before turning right to get to the Passaic River.

Once you are on the Passaic River, ensure that you refrain from going beyond the first bridge at the junction of two rivers.

The waterfall there can be quite dangerous.

Another section of the Passaic River, great for kayaking borders the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

It has breathtaking scenery, and you get to see lots of wildlife. Numerous bird species are found here along with endangered Bog Turtle, fox, deer, and beaver, among other animals.

Kayak trips are offered for everyone from beginners to intermediates. 

Split Rock Reservoir

Located in Boonton, NJ, this reservoir offers a beautiful scenic sight.

The water body is ringed by rock cliffs and hills along with multiple islands.

A dam or bridge is present on the south side while there is a large island halfway in.

The state of New Jersey owns the reservoir along with the surrounding land. The water body can be accessed by the public for kayaking via the public access parking area situated near the dam.

While driving on Split Rock Road to reach the reservoir, you need to be very careful since the road is unpaved and has many potholes. 

Swartswood Lake

This spot, located in Newton, New Jersey, is one of the most peaceful kayaking spots you will come across.

Two small islands can be seen as you paddle the parameter of the lake along with an old grist mill and a few wildlife.

You can find out more at (973) 383-5230.

There is also a kayak rental company inside the state park.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

The access points for kayaking are in the region where the Wallkill River in Wantage, Rt. 565 is crossed by Rt. 642 in Vernon, New Jersey.

It is located around half a mile north of the Rt. 23/Rt. 565 intersection.

You will enjoy a different kind of experience at this spot as the diverse habitat will leave you marveled.

The beautiful floodplain forests, along with the wet meadows and under tall rock cliffs, make the whole scene breathtaking.

You can contact (973) 702-7266 for more information.

Wawayanda Lake

Located in Hewitt at 885 Warwick Turnpike, this lake offers a breathtaking sight.

You can paddle in the lake during the fall and experience the full beauty of it. The mixed oak hardwood forest, along with the Atlantic white cedar swamp, makes for a majestic sight.

A lot of animals, including the likes of the river otter, black bear, and beaver live here, and thus you can enjoy the wildlife as you kayak with ease.

You can find out more about their kayaking opportunities at 973-853-4462.

Everything You Need to Know About Kayaking in NJ

Kayaking in NJ is a different kind of experience.

The scenic and wildlife sights that you get to see will leave you enthralled.

The best thing about kayaking in the Garden State is that it has something to offer for everyone.

The range of waters in our state range from smooth flat, to intermediate, up to challenging rivers, all of which options ensure that you can get the type of experience that suits your kayaking skills the best.

Kayaks are available in various shapes like single and double, sit-on, and sit-ins. Sit-on kayaks are provided with a wider hull wherein the paddlers sit a bit higher up from the bottom.

Sit-on tops are usually designed for recreational paddling and beginners. Those with flexibility problems can also use these kayaks.

If you plan on kayaking in New Jersey, there are a few things that you need to know. Depending on where you are deciding on going kayaking, you first need to decide if you are going to rent or buy a kayak.

If you are new to kayaking, you should realize that a lot of places offer rental kayaks. You should try renting first, then once you understand the sport kayaking better and perhaps come to love it, you can then go out and get your own gear. 

Buying a Kayak

There is a great flexibility that comes with owning a kayak and having all of the best gear. If you can transport your kayak, owning will be less expensive while also offering years of convenient use.

Whether to get single or double kayak?

The main difference between a single and double kayak is the double has two seats and is heavier. If you are going to have two people most of the time, the double is a better choice.

Also, consider that a double (tandem) is more stable than a single when being paddled by one person in rougher conditions.

The benefit of single kayaks is that they offer you better freedom and control as you steer across the water. Longer kayaks glide straighter and also paddle a little easier well.

Kayaks are no means cheap. To get a good quality kayak, expect to spend between $1,000 - $2,000.

If money is an issue, you can wait for clearance sales held at the end of the season and around holidays. You can also try Craigslist if you have no qualms in purchasing used gear. 

It is common for people to upgrade and unload kayaks and, therefore, often sell their used ones, some of which have not been used for many years that are still in good condition.

If you would like to get a reasonably priced brand new kayak, Crystal Kayak has many offers throughout the year.

Visit Crystal Kayak and check out all of their amazing kayak offers

Paddles

 
You will also of course need paddles before you head out to go kayaking. The length of the paddle is determined by your height and the width of the kayak. You will find several types of paddles available.

There is a drastic weight difference between composite, aluminum, and fiberglass paddles. Make sure that you purchase a paddle that you will be able to handle.

Life Jackets

Life Jackets must item for your kayaking trip.

Also referred to as personal flotation devices, life jackets are mandatory for your safety.

You might be a bit surprised to see the price tags on these. The starting price of a good quality life jacket is somewhere around $50, but they tend to be a tad bit uncomfortable.

For your kayaking trip, it is best to get one of those life jackets with wide armholes with mesh lower back.

Stohlquist Trekker life jackets for guys (which range from $60 to $120 per jacket) and Stohlquist Women's Cruiser Life Jackets are excellent choices.

With most models of life jackets, one tends to feel as though he is being squeezed from all sides. This is not something you will face with the aforementioned models.

They are comfortable and, therefore, worth every penny.

Some of these items below are non-essential and are considered more luxuries than anything else.

Roof Rack Carriers

Which rack model will work for you depends on your vehicle. The Thule kayak car rack is a good sturdy choice, and they start at $199. They are easy to get off and on, and therefore you would not have to leave them on top of the car all the time.

Kayak storage rack

Most people keep their kayaks in the shed. You would want to make sure that the kayak is kept off the ground and is accessible at all times.

Getting a storage rack will make things easy. Ensure that you get something sturdy that would be able to hold the weight of the kayak.

Cockpit covers

This would reduce the wind drag when traveling and ensure that your kayak is not affected by rough weather and little critters. To provide maximum protection, they have to be a snug fit for the kayak, which might make it a bit challenging to get them on and off. However, it would be worth the struggle as they keep your kayak squeaky clean.

Skwoosh Seat Cushions

Kayaking can get a tad bit uncomfortable for your bottom line. These cushions will provide you with much-needed comfort. The mesh over gel cushioning is breathable with no skid anti-slip bottom providing waterproof comfort. Some cushions come with a detachable storage bag. Most cushions fold in half, to make storage easy.

Long-sleeve paddle shirts

If you do not want to worry about sunburns, you can get yourself long-sleeve UV protection paddle shirts. These shirts will ensure that you do not have to apply abundant sun lotion on yourself.

Sombriolet Sun Hat

If you are worried about sunlight affecting your skin, you can get a wide brim lightweight sun hat. These hats are long-lasting; making it a smart long term one-time investment.

Waterproof bag

It would be worth the money to carry a waterproof bag with you on your kayaking trip to keep your keys, cash, wallet, and other small valuables safe.

Cup holders

You will need a place to hold your water bottle. A cup holder will make things easier for you. If your kayak does not have a built-in cup holder in place, find yourself one which would be cheap and convenient.

Places to Go Camping

Kayaking is the perfect activity during a camping weekend away from home. See the best campgrounds and choose a campground that is conveniently close to your kayaking spot!.