7 Places to Go Kayaking in New Jersey
Ready to test your family’s teamwork, arm strength, and ability to not tip over? Then kayaking in New Jersey is calling your name! Trade screen time for splash time as you paddle through scenic lakes, historic spots like Batsto Village, or even past the Manhattan skyline (yes, that’s allowed and yes, you’ll feel very outdoorsy). With water below, sun above, and someone probably paddling the wrong direction—it's the perfect summer bonding adventure. Just don’t forget the snacks… and maybe dry clothes.
Batsto River – Burlington County, NJ
Planning a Pine Barrens paddle? The Mullica and Batsto Rivers are your go-to kayak routes, winding through Wharton State Forest from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake. Trips are offered in 2, 4, 5 & 8 hour increments filled with twisty turns, calm scenery, and wildlife cameos—think turtles, deer, and maybe a surprise green snake or two (don’t worry, they’re just saying hi). Great for seasoned paddlers or beginners looking for a mellow ride upstream. Bonus points if you pack a picnic and eat it like forest royalty. Overnight trips are available as well.
Hackensack River Water Trail - Bergen County, NJ
With 45 miles of river to explore, the Hackensack River Water Trail is basically Bergen County’s watery playground. You’ll find launch spots all over, perfect for kayaking, bird watching, and catch-and-release fishing (sorry, no dinner here). Since it’s a tidal waterway, seasoned paddlers will love the challenge—especially if you’re feeling adventurous enough for a moonlight tour through the Meadowlands (yes, spooky and cool). Newbies and kids? Stick to the chill vibes of Overpeck Park, where the waters are calm and the ducks mind their business. The Overpeck Park location is my favorite. There is a huge playground, athletic fields, tennis and pickleball courts, concession stands, lots of walking/bike paths, a World Trade Center Memorial, and a beautiful view of NYC.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area – Sussex County and Warren County, NJ
Straddling the NJ-PA border, the Delaware Water Gap is basically the VIP lounge of kayaking spots. Whether you're chasing thrills or just want to drift lazily while pretending you're in a nature documentary, this East Coast giant has something for everyone. Paddle through the National Recreation Area for a smooth, wildlife-filled ride—with bonus points if you turn it into a camping trip. Feel free to stop off at any of the river’s charming “islands” like Minisink, Dingmans, or Bucks Bar (spoiler: no actual bar, bring your own snacks). The link above provides you with a bunch of different places you can use to rent equipment and follow tours. I’ve personally used Kittatinny and Shawnee Tours.
Hudson River – Hudson County, NJ
North Jersey folks, get ready to paddle with a view! The Hudson River serves up epic skyline scenery and is a weekend favorite for kayakers and paddleboarders. Launch from Alpine, Hoboken, or Jersey City, and if you don’t have your own gear, no worries—rentals and tours are available from Hoboken Cove Boathouse, Hudson Kayak, and Urban Paddle. Just be brave... it’s the Hudson, after all (don’t worry, it only sounds radioactive). What’s super cool too is that depending where you are, you can get super close to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, yachts of the rich, cruise ships, and I’ve even seen the occasional whale.
Lake Hopatcong – Sussex County, NJ
Lake Hopatcong may be New Jersey’s biggest freshwater lake, but don’t let that scare you—it’s got kayak-friendly vibes for both thrill seekers and chill paddlers. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet for smooth sailing (or paddling), though waves can hit up to three feet if you’re feeling spicy. Paddle past historic lakefront homes like you're starring in a cozy lakeside drama, or explore hidden gems like Liffy Island and the canals under Route 15. Just keep your eyes peeled in summer—those motorboats don’t exactly yield to kayaks. This lake offers soooo much to do. Besides kayaking, this offers a wide variety of of water sports, boating, and swimming. The restaurants along the lake are also amazing.
Navesink River – Monmouth County, NJ
Kayaking the Navesink River in Rumson is basically a Jersey Shore dream—think marine animals, waterfront mansions, and the occasional dolphin cameo (seriously—I’ve seen dolphins numerous times in this river!). It’s a peaceful eight-mile paddle with shallow waters and breezy views. Want to explore more? Detour into Blackberry Bay Park or cruise over to the Shrewsbury River. It’s like a mini vacation, minus the traffic and sand in your shoes. Not gonna lie, in college my friends and I took a boat out onto the Navesink to look for Jon Bon Jovi’s house LoL. Couldn’t figure out which one it was, but we had an idea. This was 20+ years ago, I’m pretty sure he still has his house in Rumson though.
Passaic River – Multiple NJ Counties
The Passaic River is the overachiever of NJ waterways—spanning 90 miles and seven counties, it gives you major options. Want urban vibes? Paddle through Newark. Prefer nature? Head upstream. You can even float past the iconic Paterson Great Falls like a history-loving adventurer. With a nice slow current, it’s perfect for beginners, intermediates, or anyone just trying to kayak without breaking a sweat. I have only launched during special activities from Dundee Island in Passaic. I live near here though, so I see the local crew teams practicing daily during the season. I hear it’s exquisite on the upper part of the river.