Plan a Great Kayak Camping Trip - Here's How!

You'll be able to plan an epic trip with these steps!
In this edit I discuss how to plan a kayak camping trip. Over the years we've experienced great experiences and I wanted to recap best practices, along with lessons learned. I cover topics like, River Mileage, Put In and Take Out Strategy, Parking, Camping Spot Identification, Flow Rate, Expectations, Gear, Food, and a multitude of other subjects.
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[@GatewoodBrown]

Make sure to share with your friends looking to go on a trip! Anything else you all can think of during the planning stage?

[@davidkarr9952]

I bring duct tape and extra paddle on my trips. Best advice on planning kayak camping is take a water purifier and drink river water and dont bring too much food. I always find out I come home with meals I didn't eat that I could have used the extra space for more makers mark

[@GatewoodBrown]

Those are both great items to bring just in case. I'm just like you about the food situation. I always over pack on the snacks lol. Can't bring enough MM though! it's key after a long day on the water.

[@davidkarr9952]

@@GatewoodBrown yes i bring MM and mountain dew. my drinks get stronger as i run out of the MD though

[@murphragous]

All i need now is friends to go with 😥

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@murphragous Haha! You can always rock it solo

[@ToniJabroni42]

Great video. Thank you for sharing this. About 3 weeks ago, I watched your 3 day kayak camping adventures on the Guadalupe. I've been obsessed ever since. Already shared with my friends and reserved a potential date for next spring to go camping. I've become a big fan of your adventures and can't wait for future videos/helpful tips.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you Anthony! These Texas rivers a special place to spend time. You and your buddies will love it!

[@AndyMH182]

I had the same experience. First time out kayak camping and I was in my swimsuit and a sleeveless shirt with no campfire. I woke up around 3AM freezing cold and basically just waited for the sun to start rising before hopping back on the river. Even 70 degree weather is uncomfortably cold without the proper clothing. Now I make sure to bring a pair of socks, and some thin thermal pants/shirt which doesn't take up much room. I also acquired some reusable hand warmers that you can use if you need a little heat boost. Still need to look into underquilts, but I find that bringing some small pocket blankets to layer in the bottom of the hammock as well as to cover yourself is enough to capture the heat to be comfortable on a summer day.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Your story is identical to mine. Rather be warm than cold any day of the week. It’s amazing how we learn something from each trip

[@handymanmlewis9566]

Hey Gatewood! Great video as usual. My man you need to seriously think about writing a book about the rivers and streams you've done adding where you put in and took out, flow rates. Whatever info you can think of. BTW just saw your proposal video. Good stuff man. Stay true too each other and congratulations. I know numerous folks that would buy the book.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey ML! I’m super stoked to have you tuning in. Although I don’t plan on writing a book, I’m thinking one way I can share that information is through videos. My plan is to do a river guide series on various river sections. So hopefully that accomplishes the same thing. We will always stay true, you guys take care!

[@whosml]

@@GatewoodBrown First and before anything else, thanks, your videos are Amazing, Congrats!! I think it will be great to rate your trips like for Rockies, Mediums or Pros, Well a lot of us want to try out some kayak camping, we would really appreciate it, if once in a while you make a video or suggest spots for trips for people that are beginners and have kids too (Like my self, we parents also watch your videos though), (by the way I also live in Texas) Regards!!

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

Awesome topic man! This will definitely help someone make their dream of kayak camping turn into a reality. Its those little things like flow rate, improper dry bags, how to stay warm in a hammock, and proper trip planning that can be a real learning lesson. These how to videos really do help others to learn and have confidence in starting an adventure. Thumbs up!

[@GatewoodBrown]

I appreciate that PCF! The goal is to get someone over the hill and out on the water. These how to videos helped me when I was first starting out so I guess this is just my spin on it. Thanks for tuning in to another one!

[@rickfromvirginia]

Another awesome video! You should be a camping instructor! Lots of great tips and really grateful your sharing them! I definitely feel more confident planning a trip now! As always thanks for taking the time to do this video! Rick from Virginia

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Rick! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and now have some confidence behind planning. They are tricky at first but you'll get the hang of it quickly. Have a good rest of your day!

[@calebhumphreys7872]

You have a TON of awesome archive footage. Love that intro.

[@GatewoodBrown]

I appreciate you always supporting and tuning in to the vids! You’ve been here since day one and I always enjoy your comments. Thank you!

[@MichaelMiddletonTBH]

Nice job, GB! Perfect video for somebody looking to get started with kayak camping. We have finally received some decent rain here in Texas and we're going to make our first outing this weekend, so a few reminders were helpful! The main thing for anybody wanting to make such a trip is to DO IT! You'll learn a lot each trip and start to figure things out quickly.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Michael great to see ya! Yeah this video should give a beginner quite the leg up. I relied on guides just like this back when I started so surely it’ll help a few folks out. I bet it’ll be busy this weekend! We will be at a friends house on the guad down in gruene. No kayaking in the forecast but I can’t wait to see your trip video from this weekend!

[@dougphi]

Can't wait to show my girl this upload. Great work, again!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey right on Doug! Hopefully it gets her stoked to plan a trip with you. I know y’all will have fun

[@bspcyclist]

Shared!!!! Another great video GW. I'm still trying to get the planets to align so I can go on that Llano river trip you've been advising me on. really great content here my friend.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you bsp! The llano continues to flow well but I’m not sure how much longer it’ll hang in there once summer temps sky rocket. Let me know how it goes!

[@bspcyclist]

@@GatewoodBrown We are scheduled for the weekend of the 29th. Got our fingers crossed that it all works out.

[@beckyfisher9867]

Went kayaking years ago. Had no ideal what I was doing however it was fun. Video is excellent!!! Thanks

[@GatewoodBrown]

Haha that sounds like all of our first times out on the water. Not a clue as to what is going on!

[@zakmininger3385]

Been through all of these first time struggles plus citations hahaha. Another great high quality video, keep it up man!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Haha the struggles are real! Never good to get a citation but ya learn something every time. Thanks for the kind words my man!

[@shillingfamily]

we are about 2 hours south of you in Victoria. We are currently looking to purchase Kayaks for me and my two teenage boys. We are going to start local on the Guadalupe Paddle Trail, but we are already talking about planning our first overnighter. Thanks for the information and passion. You have sparked a fire in us three and I am looking to build some memories with the boys.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That is so cool to hear! Thank you for sharing, you have a wonderful family activity in the making. Your teenagers should love it, maybe even catch some fish along the way too. The Guadalupe should be a great start. Then you can work your way up to the Hill Country Guad for some fun rapids.

[@oneandonlyrohto]

Gatewood Brown! WHAT IS UP MAN!!!! DFW LOVES THE ACTION IN YOUR VIDEOS!! IM TAKING NOTES! Thank you for all your knowledge and experience you share through your videos!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey DFW thank you so much for the kind words!! I’m hoping to bring some more action by bringing along a fishing pole, which based on your name you know a thing or two about!

[@oneandonlyrohto]

@@GatewoodBrown yessir! Just a little bit lol

[@paulgibbs9674]

Brilliant video - really hoped you would put something like this up! Thank you!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey thanks paul! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This has resonated with a lot of folks so I'm thinking a part 2 and beyond is warranted. We could dive a bit more into the weeds on several portions of this video.

[@paulgibbs9674]

Gatewood Brown yes that would be really great. That first bit was especially helpful - how you find the right route and water flow - really appreciate it - I just need to find someone to go with me now :-)

[@calebhumphreys7872]

GB keep adding to that adventure series!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Caleb! I’m editing one of my biggest projects yet. It’s a 3 day down one of our favorite rivers. I’m pushing to have it ready by the end of May. It’ll be a killer video based on what I’ve seen of the footage so far

[@ZCOOKZ]

The part where you talked about dropping in and figuring out how to get the cars where they need to be reminded me of my situation. If I get in a river and swim it downstream it makes for a long walk back, especially with scuba gear haha Great video man! We are leaving today for almost a week in Hill Country! Im pumped!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Haha no joke! As a scuba diver you know all about having to fight current. Long walks are sometimes a part of it but when you have multiple people it sure helps to have cars. Scuba gear and kayak gear are sooo heavy and annoying to carry around. Headed back to the Comal?

[@ZCOOKZ]

Gatewood Brown yes sir! We are in Austin tonight, then San Antonio for the next few days (thinking about visiting the Frio River), and then New Braunfels for a few days! Also thinking about hitting up the Guadeloupe River!

[@TakesbyJake]

Great video, thanks. If you ever come north to the Ozarks, I'll tag along on the Buffalo.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thank you chuck! The ozarks are on my short list for sure

[@basecampcarolina4352]

Thanks for the video! Risk management planning is very important. If you are going beyond cell phone coverage make sure you have a plan for emergencies. I would highly recommend someone in your group being certified in basic wilderness first aid and carry a SPOT or other emergency communication device. Give your float plan or travel plan to someone at home so if they need to come look for you they will know where to start looking.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great video on intro to planning a kayak camping trip! I might just add some medical contingency planning. You dont need to get crazy, but it is good to consider how to approach achieving first world medical care from each phase of the trip. If you go worst case in planning, everything else is easy. And as always, as you become more and more skilled and tripping and planning you can get more and more detailed in the planning process. Looking forward to the next!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Pete! That is excellent advice regarding safety. I'll be sure to include that on the next planning video and mention your edits that are dedicated to safety. After all, there's no better channel teaching intro to kayaking than the River Kings!

[@Davidh510]

Just discovered your channel tonight, youve inspired me to go buy a kayak and start kayak camping.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey David! That is the ultimate compliment, seriously. You have chosen an incredible hobby and it can lead to some incredible exploration. Just like anything, the start can be tough but you’ll figure it out quickly and from there skies the limit. Check out Crescent kayaks, they’re the best bang for your buck on the market.

[@Davidh510]

Thanks for the recommendation on kayaks. Im currently an overlander (4x4 exploration and camping) and looking for ways to expand my adventures. Being from Texas, hopefully Ill meet you on the river one day!

[@GatewoodBrown]

That would be awesome!

[@sierrarosena]

Yes! This is so great. So stoked to have found your videos. I'm born and raised Austinite and a total river rat but never done much kayaking or kayak camping. Which Central TX river would you recommend for first time multi-day trip?? Also, y'all seem to go in the Fall/Winter a lot. I'm assuming the flow rates are better during that time of year...

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Sierra great to have you a part of the channel! Austin is perfectly located to take advantage of all sorts of rivers. Right now flows are low since we are in the dog days of summer but I’d bet the San Marcos or Guadalupe are flowing well. The Colorado River below Austin isn’t exactly hill country but it’s a popular route for paddlers looking to camp.

[@MonkeyNAround]

Great video with lots of good info.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks, Shane! I'm hoping there was plenty of value to be had. We've all had a disastrous trip so might as well learn from it.

[@MonkeyNAround]

@@GatewoodBrown I have been down that road and learned my lesson.

[@TylerNoble22]

I've spent many, many nights in an ENO hammock. Works fine for camping.

[@GatewoodBrown]

To each their own! Just know there’s better options out there, but only if you prefer it. I’m 6’2” so the ENO isn’t long enough to lay flat

[@TylerNoble22]

@@GatewoodBrown I'm 6'4

[@davidkarr9952]

We used shuttle service on Brazos and I always use it on buffalo river. Nice convenience and makes getting on river faster and less stressful

[@davidkarr9952]

I recommend checking out this review on camping hammock.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKjZh36lptGYj6s

[@davidkarr9952]

Lol

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey David! I've heard the Buffalo is key for a shuttle service. As long as it is close to the river then you're golden. For some reason we've just never gone that route. I suppose it's because we are usually coming from different cities and have plenty of cars to utilize.

[@davidkarr9952]

@@GatewoodBrown it all depends on set up time to set up cars and how many days you plan on being on river. Shuttle service is nice because most places take your vehicle to their lot and keep it secured from theifs and rising water levels. Buffalo river is definitely fun when they have it open

[@iowamatt2519]

U need to start using shuttles, nothing better than getting off the river, getting in your car, and driving home. I use shuttles for almost every day trip as well as the overnighter. Good stuff Mr. Brown!

[@GatewoodBrown]

We just might have to! There’s a few rivers where shuttles are a necessity. But your experience with them does sound nice. Show up, get driven to the launch, and then you’re ready to drive on home. The only issue is that all the rivers we’ve paddled, there isn’t an outfitter right on the water so there’s the component of having to eat on the driver. But that’s not too bad I suppose!

[@iowamatt2519]

@@GatewoodBrown the shuttle guys usually cost me 40 bucks with tip, so by the time u take second car it pays off. And a few will go to any river for the right price.

[@timlockwood2443]

You have me HYPED!! How did you find good places to camp?? Is there a website or something that shows public land you can stay on??

[@GatewoodBrown]

Let’s goooo! We just keep an eye out for islands or riverbed when it’s about that time to set up for the night. No website as the definition of navigability changes for every state. Target islands, that’s the safest call

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

This is really smart! I do not see nearly as many planning videos as I should. Its VITAL and not expressed enough. Thank you....3:56 🤣😂👍

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks OVO! I was looking at that this morning and was actually surprised about that too. I noticed Trip Smith has a couple but other than that, nothing. Hopefully this is an efficient take on the whole trip planning. I think there are some nuggets in there.

[@curdit9]

Figuring out the put-in and take-out spots is one of the hardest things when you live a few hours away and can't get eyes on it. Google Earth and street view definitely have their limitations. Not knowing if there will be camping spots can be unnerving, too. I've only done two multi-day trips, so still learning.

[@GatewoodBrown]

You’re spot on. Google earth and street view can be deceiving because often that imagery is years away from being current. At some point you have to assume that people have continued to visit the river at that location. It’s worked for us so far! Regarding camping spots, yes, that’s always an adventure. There have been two multi day trips where we had to make camp within eye shot of the take out. It’s not ideal but it works. We’ve also found that the best camp is always around the next corner after you’ve already set up...I learn something new each trip!

[@pappycamper7327]

Absolutely! GE is wonderful, but those limitations of perspective and timing.... Just this week I did three days on the Llano, which had imagery from 2016. There was a huge flood on that river in 2019. Islands were gone, bars had become islands and vice versa. It was probably 85% accurate, but prepare to be flexible on "perfect" campsites.

[@iatjc]

Hey Gatewood! Big fan of your videos. I was wondering if you can provide the route information on some of your trips? Looking to do a kayak camping trip in Texas and would be good to do a route you already planned or use them as templates to make my own

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Joseph thanks! I’m always looking to add routes so stay tuned. I’ve got a good day trip option out in the hull country that is easy to execute

[@mprz81]

Hey Gatewood, I love your kayak camping videos. I am starting to plan one myself for the frio river this year. Do you think you could post a video on how to read the flow rate website ? There are so many dots and colors I have no idea what to look for.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Great idea! I’ve been meaning to put together an intense ‘how to kayak camp’ edit that would include that. Have fun out on the Frio!

[@brysonbroussard3941]

@@GatewoodBrown can you please do that video? I can't find out how to find the flow rate

[@ferris-nk4rv]

when I went on my first kayak camping trip I had the same exact experience

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes! Definitely room To learn with every trip

[@jonathanwilliams1342]

Do you think you’d be able to make a review of your ascend hybrid kayak? As in where you place your gear, how much you can carry in it? I am thinking about getting one.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Jonathan! That’s on the short list of videos to do. Thanks for the idea! The ascend is incredible for kayak camping those. Probably my favorite kayak to date

[@popo_53]

Some friends and I are heading to the Llano right now. Should be interesting with all this rain. Ate you gonna upload the footage from the Llano a few weeks ago?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Have fun! I see the llano for a nice boost in flow rate so it should be back to where it was when we all paddled it. Still need a couple weeks to finish that edit up.

[@popo_53]

@@GatewoodBrown had a hell of a time. We took out where you all did last time instead of going to the 87 bridge. Way better than trying to rush along plus its a lot more dragging bottom going all the way to 87. We thought the water would be cloudy because of the storm but it was actually cleaner than the time before. We did notice something kind of weird while hanging out on a tame rapid enjoying some adult beverages. It was like someone upstream had their hand on the water valve and was turning it off and on. Very noticeable and kinda eerie because you almost wonder if a sudden surge is going to some and wreck shop. I guess its just the ground moving at different rates causing fluctuation but we definitely werent expecting it. Anyhow, lookin forward to the video!

[@Randy2747]

Great vidoe! Beginner tips.... if you go with the normal people each trip make a list of everything you will need and let each person buy a item. For example jetboil, stove, suntan lotion, bug spray Etc. It will be a whole lot cheaper at the beginning and everybody will have a lighter load to carry on The Kayaks. I go with my son and his roommate neither one have a high-paying job so I provide most of the items. Which in return I carry a whole lot more weight oh my kayak. Last year was our first kayak trip we decided to go 35 miles 3 days 2 nights. We had a blast some parts of the river was challenging because we did not have current to push us so we had to paddle some ways. The second trip we decided to do 65 Miles! Bad Idea! We hardly had any current at all and paddled, paddle, and paddled it was very challenging and fun but we will not do that again! LOL He gave great advice in this video with planning on cold weather at night. We did the exact same thing on her first trip. We had a hammock and a fan sleeping bag. No underquilt! We was cold and and slept very little. The second trip we had under quilts and slept really well. Also do not forget to take a hiking chair along with you. The first trip we set on the ground and trees and was very uncomfortable Be warned for the new people doing this for the first time this is very addicting lol

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes it is definitely addicting! And you learn something new with every passing trip!! But, with those lessons learned come some of the best memories you’ll ever make

[@Randy2747]

@@GatewoodBrown well said! And making memories is what it's all about. I purchased a huge map of the Potomac River and marked each start and finish of all of our trips with Push pins and string that my son and I did last year. That way we can show where all we have been and where we want to go in the future.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s a cool way to do it!! I use google earth pro and basically do the exact thing you described.

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

My first trip was probably my most memorable and definitely my favorite. Do you do any solo trips Gatewood?

[@GatewoodBrown]

The first trip is always so memorable because of the things we learn. Some do better than others and I hope yours went better than mine! Lol. No solo trips to date but I would eventually like to do that. Your videos have shown how peaceful a good solo trip can be.

[@AllThingsOutdoors]

Not that I don't like the company of other people but there is just such a Zen feeling you get from going on your own. Looking forward to a big season from you mate.

[@TheZdriven85]

Awesome video! Any reason why you guys haven't done the Guadalupe yet?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Thanks Steven! It’s on our short list but it’s a heavily trafficked river so camping spots are far and few between below canyon lake. However, we are absolutely going to do several trips out there since the rainfall has been great recently

[@12345spyguy]

For hammacks you need under quilts and a blanket or over quilt and with these two you will sleep in a warm hammock even in 40and freezing 30 s

[@GatewoodBrown]

You're spot on about the underquilt advice. I have one now. Learned my lesson the hard way!

[@SD_702]

I thought I was on Bay Area Buggs at first with the intro music.

[@deniszubarev7047]

How do you select a camping site? Do you have to make sure that you stop on state land or there are laws that allow you to stop on private land as long as you are certain distance from water?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Just stay on public lands and you’ll be good to go! Familiarize yourself with state laws and go from there

[@cathywampler7566]

What website or program did you use for planning the mileage? Also do you have a how to video for the USGS website?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Cathy! I use Google Earth Pro which is a free download. You can map sections and save your routes for an easy way to keep track of it. I don't have a USGS video but it is rather straightforward. Google search 'YOUR RIVER' Flow Rate, and then find a crossing that is close to where you want to paddle. That will have the best localized data for you.

[@cathywampler7566]

@@GatewoodBrown thank you for the info

[@pappycamper7327]

@@cathywampler7566 Cathy, my method (not the only way) is to look at the target area in Google Earth Pro for easily identifiable way points- unique river features, power lines, crossings, buildings visible, etc. Using the top menu bar, I will Add/Placemarks at those points; then, using Tools/Ruler/Path, I place LOTS of dots to get an accurate measure of mileage from the beginning to each way point, including the take-out. HTH

[@cathywampler7566]

@@pappycamper7327 thanks for the added info. I'm just getting into exploring our local rivers. Been using mapometer website. It works, but you have to pay for the detail of sat view. I'm all about the free stuff. Lol

[@JosephMullin]

Balance weight front to back side to side. In the kayaks you used I know the front to back will be hard.

[@GatewoodBrown]

That’s a good call’

[@oilheating214]

The program where u put the green tent is that google earth

[@GatewoodBrown]

Yes! Google earth is the best for olanning

[@MLKYWY503]

What if you have and under quilt or just a sleeping bag for that eno? Did you mean by themselves it sucks or eno sucks?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Good question! The ENO just sucks for sleeping in. It’s too short by several feet. Check out my hammock video for an 11’ camping hammock that’s only $49. I do add underquilt a for colder nights in a hammock

[@GatewoodBrown]

Good question! The ENO just sucks for sleeping in. It’s too short by several feet. Check out my hammock video for an 11’ camping hammock that’s only $49. I do add underquilt a for colder nights in a hammock

[@MLKYWY503]

Thanks, bud! I love watching your adventures.

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@MLKYWY503 right on! Thanks for watching the adventures. Always fun to interact in the comment section

[@deniszubarev7047]

Are hammocks better than regular tents? I see you guys use it often, but I am not 100% clear why

[@GatewoodBrown]

Good question. Hammocks are easy on the body and generally more comfortable. Down down here in Texas a lot of our rivers don’t have adequate trees to hammock camp. It all comes down to personal preference!

[@dustinwilliams5399]

Great video and info! Give a shout if you want to do a trip sometime!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Hey Dustin thanks so much! I’m glad you were able to take something away from the vid. Where are you based out of?

[@brysonbroussard3941]

hey what would be considered too high for the flow rate?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Great question and unfortunately I don’t have solid info on that. If you send me a river I could better answer!

[@brysonbroussard3941]

@@GatewoodBrown I am going on a trip second week of april and I am looking at llano or medina like you went on. Medina is at like 8.5 right now and llano is at like 55 cubic feet per second. I know you said 70-100 is what you want so would I just find another river?

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@brysonbroussard3941 both of those are extremely low right now. I wouldn’t do the Medina unless it was 50 or above. Even that’ll be bony. Llano has higher flows so I’d like to see 75+ on the llano. Too high would be above 350 unless your group is comfortable in a kayak. Above 200 and you’ll be hauling on the Medina

[@brysonbroussard3941]

@@GatewoodBrown Gotcha. Yea I am in Louisiana so obviously we don’t have anything nice for kayak camping. You got any recommendations for a good River that’s in Texas or Arkansas. We were also looking at the Buffalo River. It’s currently at 450 🤣. We’d be flying through the river at 100 mph huh? Might have to just go to lake ouachita. Your video of that place is gorgeous.

[@mlhamil3]

I don’t see the list linked anywhere?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Oh shoot maybe I need to add one! Check my most recent video with a very in depth gear list

[@dusbus2384]

At 80-100 CFM about how many Mph does that translate to? It probably depends on the river but about how many miles can you reasonably plan on in a day?

[@GatewoodBrown]

Depends on how wide and deep a river is. In the hill country we limit it to 8 miles a day so we can enjoy the other aspects of paddling. In touring kayaks on a casually flowing river you can do twice that easy

[@SeanSharrow]

I can’t take anyone in a Sundolphin serious.

[@GatewoodBrown]

We don’t want to be taken seriously