If you are camping near a lake, kayaking out on the water is an absolute must. It is one of the most fun camping activities, and is a great way to bond with family and friends. The kids will love it! But before you get out on the water, it is important to have a safe and dependable kayak. As camping experts and kayaking enthusiasts, we picked out the five best kayaks for camping to help you choose the perfect option for your next outdoor adventure.
Let’s take a look at the five best kayaks for camping.
The 5 Best Kayaks for Camping
5. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is one of the most popular models available on the market. It’s easy to store, and transport, and is sold for less than two hundred dollars. It’s inflatable and sold by Intex, which is a reliable brand many campers/kayakers are familiar with. So, if you’re looking for a reputation, this company has a great one.
Features
The Intex Excursion features tandem seating and a laminate PVC exterior. The polyester core will also help prevent punctures, tears, or rips.
Pros and Cons
4. Sun Dolphin Arubs SS Sit-in Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Arubs SS Kayak is the perfect option for those who are looking for an affordable option that is not inflatable. This boat is perfect for camping trips. It is available in three bright colors, which are easy for help to spot in the event of an emergency.
Features
The Sun Dolphin Arubs SS is suitable for river and lake use. With an adjustable padded back and comfortable seating, it is a great choice for those who plan to be on the water for extended periods of time. There is also a storage compartment behind the seat so you can bring along extra gear if needed.
Pros and Cons
3. Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak
Another fantastic option is the Lifetime Tamarack Angler Kayak. This boat is a little lighter than others on the list. It is made with UV-protected material, so it will not fade in sunlight. It features a polyethylene finish, as well as a stable and flat bottom, so you have optimal control while paddling.
Features
This kayak offers multiple footrest positions to choose from. So, you can adjust your feet accordingly to the most comfortable position on longer trips. There is seat padding and backpacking to keep you comfortable out on the water. With fishing mount holders on the sides and top of the kayak, it is truly designed with fishing in mind — simply grab your fishing pole and hit the water!
Pros and Cons
2. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 Fishing Kayak
The Sea Ghost 110 Fishing Kayak is a great option for campground kayaking. The 11-foot angler has a sit on top design and adjustable comfort seats. It’s designed for kayaking and fishing and includes a rudder port with your purchase. There are rod holders, a transducer port, and optional storage below the seats, so you can bring along a few items during your kayaking or fishing excursions.
Features
The kayak is a single-person kayak, with sit on top seating. This design makes it easier to get into and out of the kayak while balancing your weight evenly when you hit turbulent or uneven waterways. The kayak’s length is 11-feet; it weighs about 62 pounds, so it’s fairly light, making it easy to transport to the fishing and kayaking spots you plan on visiting during your trip.
The Sea Ghost also features a large center console for storage. It is really convenient, and is perfect for storing personal items, fishing tools, and backpacking camera equipment and accessories. Safely store your action camera and mount it before you hit the rough waters.
Pros and Cons
1. Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak is the best option for people looking for a high-quality, dependable camping kayak. This convertible kayak is inflatable, making it easy to carry with you on your camping trip. And, if you plan on tackling multiple kayaking locations during the trip, you’ll find it easy to carry around with you to each lake, river, stream, or waterway.
This is a worthwhile investment for kayakers who plan on going on many camping trips. It’s easy to transport, light, and can hold up to 550 pounds, so it’s great for heavier users or those who plan on going on tandem trips soon.
Features
Your new kayak features aluminum ribs that are built-in for structural stability. This design helps improve stern direction and your ability to steer in the right direction when paddling. It is a two-seat design. It also has three layers of durable material. These layers are puncture-proof. The kayak weighs in at 52 pounds, yet it can hold up to 550 pounds (weight capacity). It also folds down to 35 inches X 21 inches X 12 inches, making it ultra-transportable for your kayaking adventures.
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Camping Kayak
There are some imperative features and design elements you need to look for when shopping for the best kayaks for camping. Here we’ll go through a few.
Weight Capacity
You need to buy something that can hold your weight, and the weight of other kayakers on board. Compare weight capacity to find a model that’s suitable for you/family/friends for your upcoming camping trips.
Storage
Do you need to bring snacks for a long kayak adventure? Some kayaks feature under-seat storage. If you want to bring extra clothes, gear, a raincoat, or other accessories, make sure the kayak can house these items.
Weight & Portability
The kayak should be easy to transport. Remember, you’re taking it camping so you want to get it to the lake or stream easily. Look for something that has
- Hooks or carry clips.
- Is easy to transport.
- Ergonomic grips, and other features that make it easy to lug around with you.
You don’t want a kayak that weighs 400 pounds that you can’t carry. Make sure you know the weight of the kayak and look for something you can easily carry around.
Material
Kayaks are available in a few varieties. There’s the inflatable kayak that you inflate/deflate after use. If you’re looking for an affordable option, this is a great buy. Other materials include
- Kevlar is durable and sturdy. It is also stronger and lighter than fiberglass. Kevlar kayaks are usually the most expensive.
- Fiberglass is usually bonded with polyester resin. They’re affordable and durable.
- Royalex kayaks use foam-based materials, vinyl, and ABS plastics. They’re usually the cheapest (price and quality).
Consider all materials and budget, so you can choose the right option for your camping trip.
Safety
Your safety should be a top priority when buying a camping kayak; especially if you are new to kayaking, or are going out on your own for the first time. Choose a kayak/manufacturer that’s highly rated for safety. One that has a sturdy drum and base and can withstand bumpy waterways you might encounter. The safer it is, the better it is for you and your crew.
Optional Accessories
Some manufacturers throw in a few perks or add-ons to get you to buy their product. Life vests, additional paddles, safety gear, storage caddies, and more! If these items are important to you, make sure you consider them as you’re deciding on the right kayak. But, don’t let a spare kayaking paddle be what pushes you over the top, instead of focusing on safety and precision when you’re kayaking.
Camping Kayak FAQ
How much do camping kayaks weigh?
The material, size, and additional paddles (accessories) usually dictate the weight. Inflatable kayaks are much lighter than those made of other materials. Most camping kayaks range between 35 pounds up to more than 100 pounds. The weight capacity will also vary greatly from one kayak to another. So, check the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Should I choose to purchase a sit on top or sit in varieties?
This is up to each kayaker individually. Sit on top kayaks are easier to get on/off. They are easy to navigate, and feature scooper holes (self-draining). They usually don’t have as much storage/cargo space as sit in varieties.
A sit-in kayak requires more precision in paddling and control to get in/out. They typically can’t hold as much weight either. However, they do have storage below the seat.
If possible, test out both, do a test run, and see how comfortable you feel in the different sitting canisters to pick the right kayak for you.
Can the kayak be used in all waterways?
Most kayak manufacturers will indicate where you can use the kayak. Some materials might not be safe in the sea if they aren’t buoyant in the salt. Others might not have enough strength or aren’t durable enough for rapid moving water. Make sure you confirm with the manufacturer or contact their customer service team if the kayak packaging doesn’t indicate the types of waters you can use it in.
Are inflatable kayaks safe?
Generally, inflatable kayaks are safe to use. To minimize any risk, we recommend that you choose an inflatable kayak that meets the following criteria:
- Capable of holding the weight (capacity/limit) you plan on placing in the kayak.
- Made with puncture-proof materials.
- Safe for the waters you’ll be kayaking in (lake, river, stream, etc.).
Made by a reliable manufacturer. Quality matters. So, make sure you compare several kayaks before you choose the best inflatable variety.
Final Thoughts
Kayaking is one of our favorite past-times and is a great activity to enjoy while camping. There are plenty of great kayaks on the market, it is important to balance quality, durability, features, and price. Overall, as the best kayak for camping, we recommend the Advanced Elements Kayak. It is high-quality, supports up to 550 pounds, and is packed with great features like padded seats, a puncture-proof finish, and folding for compact storage. Best of all, it is sold at an affordable price point.
Happy Camping!
Is there a great camping kayak that we missed but should have included in our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
