How to Go Kayak Camping

A kayak camping trip offers exceptional views of places that aren't easily accessible by land. While the weight of supplies isn't as essential for kayak camping as it is with backpacking, the shape of your items plays a huge part in kayak camping. Here are a few things you should know before you go kayak camping.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Kayak
• Basic camping supplies

1. Know how to pack the boat. Your goal with packing items is to get your kayak to be level in the water with you in it. The stern should have more weight. You want to center the weight from side to side as well. Heavy items like food and water should go as low as possible and in the center of the kayak.

2. Take basic camping supplies. Depending on the area where you kayak, the nights may get chilly. You need shelter, food, cooking equipment, clothing, personal care items and a sleeping bag. When you go kayak camping, you should assume that everything might get wet and pack accordingly. Drybags or plastic garbage bags can be used to keep water off your supplies.

3. Plan your trip so you have at least a rough idea of where you plan to kayak. If you're going to kayak alone, let someone know your plans and have a set time to check in with that person. Look at things like tides and weather for the area.

4. Be respectful. Most land is owned by someone and you don't want to get in trouble for trespassing. Don't camp in areas that are clearly marked as private property. Keep your fire under control and dig privy holes for going potty. Take all your garbage with you when you leave your campsite.

5. Go on your trip. Once you double check that you have all your supplies, have the supplies loaded on the boat and have put in a fun day of kayaking, you just need to find a place to crash.

Tips & Warnings

• Take at least three liters or water for each day of trip.

• Check for fire restrictions and weather reports before you go camping.