Kayaking in New Jersey

Kayaking in NJ offers a wide variety of scenic and wildlife experiences, with a range water from easy flat water to the more intermediate, challenging rivers and beach areas.

Many of the Kayaking locations identified below have companies that provide rentals and group tours.

Kayaks come in several shapes, including single and double, and sit-ins and sit-on's. Sit-on kayaks have a slightly wider hull where paddlers sit higher up from the bottom. Most sit-on-tops are built for recreational paddling, beginning paddlers, novice canoeists, and for people who have flexibility problems with the traditional kayaks.

Many public Kayak launch sites require permits to launch a kayak. Please contact the launch site in advance of your trip to find out about their launch policy.

Kayaking In Northern NJ

Cranberry Lake, Sussex County, NJ - Allamuchy State park borders the southern end and offers a remote and pristine exploration of coves and inlets, where mountains rise sharply from the lake.

Lake Hopatcong, Jefferson Township - Being on New Jersey's largest lake means that there are plenty of places for kayakers to paddle and explore.

Merrill Creek Reservoir, Warren County - Paddle past the red pine and cedar-lined shore forests and fields amongst wildlife and water fowl, where you will find mergansers, king fishers, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, muskrat, hawks and herons.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Located in the northwest corner of New Jersey, the park runs along 40 miles of the Delaware River, including where it cuts through a ridge in the Appalachian Mountains to form the famed “gap.” The park is a magnet for kayak enthusiasts. Delaware River Family Campground (100 Rte. 46) runs, kayak trips right at the Water Gap.

Delaware River Kittatinny to Belvidere - Comparable to the upper sections of the Delaware, you will paddle through a few more, and bigger, waves to add to the excitement. Count at least 7 sets of class II rapids throughout this trip.

Hackensack River Water Trail - Launch and retrieve kayaks at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus. River access is free and available to boaters with craft up to 24 feet in length.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge -Experience the great diversity of habitats that makes the refuge unique. Paddle through beautiful floodplain forests, wet meadows which are maintained by seasonal flooding, and under tall rock cliffs. Access points are where Rt. 642 crosses the Wallkill River in Wantage, Rt. 565 (Glenwood Road) in Vernon, New Jersey, about one-half mile north of the Rt. 23/Rt. 565 intersection.

Monksville Reservoir, Passaic County - Near Ringwood State Park. the undeveloped shores of this lake create a peaceful location for paddlers looking to get away from it all. In the northwest corner of the reservoir you can float through flooded standing timber, and experience in the now-weathered trunks.

Meadowlands Commission's River Barge Park and Marina, Carlstadt -
A 5.5-acre trtact on the Hackensack River. The marina's launching ramp provides the first public boating access to the river's western shore in Bergen County in decades. There is also a launch point for canoes, kayaks, and sculls.

Passaic River, Morris County - Bordered on both sides by The Great Piece Meadows, this section of the river is isolated where you will see plenty of wildlife such as hawks, herons, fox and deer. Do it in the fall with a great backdrop of all the fall colors.

Passaic River, Somerset County - Bordering the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, this section of the Passaic river boasts some beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife. Along with numerous bird species found here it is also home to the endangered Bog Turtle as well as beaver, deer, fox and many more animals.

Pompton River, Wayne - Formed by the convergence of the Ramapo and Pequannock Rivers, the Pompton is the largest tributary feeding into the Passaic River.

Swartswood Lake, Sussex County - Paddle the perimeter of this glacially-formed lake for 5-6 miles and get to see two small islands, an old grist mill, a few homes and perhaps a Bald Eagle

Wawayanda Lake, Vernon Township - Paddle this lake in the fall and experience this glacially formed lake in an Atlantic white cedar swamp and mixed oak-hardwood forest at it's best with scenic fall foliage. It is also home to many animals including deer, beaver, black bear and river otter.

Kayaking In Central NJ

The D&R Canal, Griggstown - Enjoy the beauty of this once busy waterway. With only a slight current, its great for beginners and families. The more adventurous can try the Millstone River D&R Canal Loops. Rent at Griggstown Canoe & Kayak Rental, 1076 Canal Rd, Griggstown, - 908 359-5970

D&R Canal, Princeton - Begin your journey at Princeton Turning Basin Park, paddle directly to the D&R Canal. A short portage brings you to the Stoney Brook and Lake Carnegie. Rent at Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental, 483 Alexander, St, Princeton, NJ - 609 452-2403

Washington Crossing - Delaware River and D&R Canal - Paddle where George Washington crossed the river here with his troops, preparing a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers in Trenton. Paddle up the canal and cross over to the river for a leisurely paddle back with the currents.

The Shark River, Belmar - The Shark River Basin/Estuary has long been a favorite destination for bird watchers and nature lovers who travel great distances to observe over 90 varieties of birds who make their home in the backwaters of the Shark River. Go where only kayaks can go. Paddle stealthily and observe nature up close and personal. This is a great tour for the photographer. Rentals and tours available at Shark River Kayak Company, Belmar Marina, Rt 35, Belmar, 732- 749-0490

Navesink River - This shallow tidal river is best known for the picturesque homes of the rich and famous that dot its shores.

Sandy Hook Bay - Explore some of the islands, coves and estuaries that are seldom visited by others. You'll also see some of the old military ruins from the time when Sandy Hook played an important role in protecting NY Harbor.

Shrewsbury River - This river is one of Sandy Hook Bay's most important estuaries. Its marshes and coves provide perfect cover for many juvenile marine species.

Bradley Beach - between Third and Forth Ave

Belmar - 20th Street

Spring Lake - Monmouth and Remsen Avenues

Manasquan River, Monmouth County - Begin at the pristine upper section of this coastal river with marsh grass and cedar trees, and paddle down towards the ocean through a serene and larger river lined with marinas and picturesque homes.

Matawan Creek, Keyport - Paddle though tidal wetlands, freshwater wetlands and forest make up the Hudson-Raritan estuary bordered by Staten Island, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, NJ. This relatively shallow estuarine habitat is significant for shellfish, marine life and migratory waterfowl. Look for Peregrine falcon, piping plover, hawks and many more shore birds.

Bay Head - Osborn St

Sedge Island, Island Beach State Park - Kayaking is restricted in the ocean but allowed on the Barnegat Bay side.You can rent and have your kayaks delivered into the state park at Yakkity Yaks Kayak Rental, Island Beach State Marina- 24th Ave, 732-830-1835

Ken Lockwood Gorge, Califon - From Califon down to High Bridge, the Raritan River cuts through a beautiful scenic gorge straddled with huge boulders. You can rent at Clinton Canoe & Kayak Rental – 908-735-6767

Point Pleasant Beach - The north end is a kayak zone with nice 3- to 6-foot curlers at high tide when winds are from the east. During the off season, on the north side of the Manasquan Inlet, Manasquan Beach has an off-shore break that's great after the crowds leave for the season.

Kayaking In Southern NJ

Atlantic City - Jackson Ave. beach - Kayaking and Windsurfing are permitted.

Wharton State Forest, Pine Barrens - Paddle past remnants of colonial settlers, towering pitch pines and beaver dams. You can rent at Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental 3107 Route 563 Chatsworth. 800-281-1380

Maurice River - The Maurice resembles the Toms River and the Great Egg Harbor River because it runs a difficult route through mostly deciduous forest and it could have many blow downs. But there are differences: It is shorter; there is a charming run upstream, into Willow Grove Lake; several sandy beaches are in the middle section; and the lower end has most of the debris- Rent at Al & Sam's Canoe & Boat Rentals, 4775 N.Delsea Dr. Newfield, NJ 856-267-9284

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Instruction, rental, and guided tours available at New Jersey Kayak, 409 East Bay Ave., Barnegat (609) 698- 4440. You can launch your own kayak at this facility for $10.

Batsto River - Hampton Furnace to Quaker Bridge - The lower Batsto River from Quaker Bridge to the lake at Batsto Village is a good paddle for all levels. Rentals available at Adams Canoe Rental 1005 Atsion Road, Atsion 609- 268 - 0189

Ocean City - 55th street - north end of Corson's Inlet State park

Corson's Inlet - at the south end of Ocean City

Brigantine - Far north & south ends - 4 wheel drive and $100 annual beach permit required

Strathmere - south end of Corson's Inlet

Stone Harbor - 122nd Street

Ventnor - Kayaking and Windsurfing is permitted at Portland & Suffolk Avenues.

Sterling Harbor, Wildwood - This area takes you away from rivers and woodlands and places you in an area of open water. This location is particularly popular among those who like to joy ride in their kayak and watch boats. Ocean Kayak and Hobie Mirage Drive Kayak rentals from Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle, Richardson Channel, Wildwood 609- 729-1425