Looking to go kayaking or canoeing in New Jersey this summer? Here are some of our favorite spots in and around the state to get out on the water. Most offer kayaks and canoes for rent, and you can also take a guided tour and learn the basics.
New Jersey
Big Bear Gear River Tubing
Cooley Tract of the D&R Canal State Park, Route 29, Kingwod
Approximately 0.9 miles south of the Kingwood boat launch
Spend a cool, relaxing and adventure-filled day floating down the beautiful Delaware River. You can rent the kayaks from the Tubing Center, head down the Delaware and then take their transportation back to the parking lot. You can also rent a kayak from their Lambertville store, but there is no transportation back.
Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Ave, Cranford
908-709-7285
The club is located along the Rahway River and is the place for any family – but they announced that during the 2025 season, they cannot accommodate large groups during working hours. They also offer hot dogs, soft drinks and ice cream, which is always an added bonus.
Delaware River Tubing
778 Frenchtown Rd., Milford
866-Wet-Tube; 908-996-5386
Tubing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking services should reopen this summer, though dates for 2025 have not yet been released. The Famous River Hot Dog Man is open along the river with BBQ food.
Flatwater Paddle Co. – Monksville
1081 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Ringwood
347-878-7304
Monksville Reservoir has a surface area of 505 acres, and Flatwater Paddle Company takes full advantage! While Flatwater is popular for its kayak rentals and lessons, they also offer stand-up paddle boards and dragon boards for big groups. If you’re a yoga aficionado or just adventurous, they have paddle board yoga and welcome beginners.
Hackensack Riverkeeper Locations
Laurel Hill Park Paddling Center, Laurel Hill County Park, 1005 New County Rd., Secaucus
201-920-4746
Overpeck Park Paddling Center, Overpeck County Park / Teaneck-Ridgefield Park Area, 50 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia
201-957-3085
Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center, Van Buskirk Island County Park, 200 Elm St. (at New Milford Avenue), Oradell
551-341-0170
Take an independent or guided cruise along the river, through the Meadowlands and at Overpeck Lake. Every rental goes towards maintenance of the river and the county park. To spice things up, several guided tours are offered: Full Moon Tours, Fireworks Night and Summer Sunset Tours.
New York
Hudson River Recreation
Tarrytown Lakes Park, Old Saw Mill Rd, Tarrytown, NY
914-682-5135
Hudson River Recreation is the business to go for Hudson River exploration and learning how to kayak. They offer different launch sites, but Tarrytown is their lesson site for beginners. For two hours, they go over all kinds of paddling techniques and everything about kayaking. Their other launch points, Sleepy Hollow and Croton River, offer two-hour guided tours down the river for all levels of kayaking. They’ll also give a lesson on standup paddleboarding.
Jersey Paddle Boards
622 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY
845-554-0787
Also known as Greenwood Lake Paddle Boards, the family-owned Jersey Paddle Boards is a popular feature of the Greenwood Village lake, with rentals and lessons for kayaks and paddleboards. Offering all sorts of events every week, the store is a recommendation for everyone. Check their calendar for all of their classes and events, like Ladies Night, SUP Yoga and SUP Kids Summer Program.
Paradise Boats
15 Paradise Ave, Piermont, NY
845-359-0073
Come on down to travel down Hudson River’s 1,000-acre salt marsh and enjoy Piermont’s wonderful water on a kayak, a canoe or a rowboat. Paradise Boats offer all sorts of fun for beginner paddlers, including sailing lessons. Rentals are for 2 hours.Â
Pennsylvania
Bucks County River Country
2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant, PA
215-297-5000
Down from Delaware Water Gap, River Country allows families to do everything from tubing to kayaking. This is the place for any young paddler and any group. You can purchase a season pass to float all summer long. The Red Mushroom Cafe is being revamped into the new River Cafe, and should reopen this season.
Chamberlain Canoes
Minisink Acres Mall
River Rd., Minisink Hills
800-422-6631 or 570-421-0180
You can rent tubes, canoes, kayaks and rafts, and experience the majestic Delaware River in Pennsylvania. The tube trip is 4 miles long, going from the Kittatinny Access to the Portland Access. It is mostly calm water with two sets of Level 1 rapids, not whitewater. The average float time is 3.5 to 4.5 hours. You must be at least 6 years old and know how to swim.Â
Delaware Water Gap National Park
1978 River Rd., Bushkill, PA
With over 100 miles of hiking trails following a beautiful river, the Delaware Water Gap is a perfect place to go with the flow. The park does not offer equipment rentals, but has many different livery services that do. All of them operate on the Pennsylvania side of the park. Kayaks East offers guided tours of the park for families to learn and enjoy everything about the water gap! This summer, Dingmans Falls Trail, the Visitor Center and some access roads will be closed during the bridge replacement.
- Olivia Savino contributed to this story.
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