3. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
If you're seeking an immersive getaway in the wilderness, look no further. In Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve all you have to do is look around for otherworldly views of snowcapped mountains, towering glaciers, and a diverse selection of wildlife including bears, moose, humpback whales and bald eagles.
There are multiple kayak trips you can take through the park, the most common of which starts at Bartlett Cove. From here you can go it alone or take a guided trip. Guided tours are recommended for novice paddlers.
This bay can get rainy, so bring rain gear, like wool or synthetic clothes and a waterproof jacket.
Camp in the Area: Camping here is backcountry, with a permit and camper orientation required. Learn more at NPS.gov.
More: Backpacking 101
4. Everglades National Park, Florida
At the tip of Florida is one of the slowest moving rivers on the planet: the Everglades. This river creates thousands of islands, forests and mangroves in an environment that's home to creatures like alligators, snakes, and birds. All of this makes kayaking in this area so memorable.
Within the park are several kayak trips that range from a half-day tour to a multi-day excursion. Some of these trails include Flamingo's Canoe Trail, Nine Mile Pond, and Hell's Bay. All of these vary in difficulty and terrain, so be sure you choose the best one for your experience and skill level.
Camp in the Area: Burns Lake Campground
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri and Arkansas
Photo By Kbh3rd (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
The Ozarks stretch from the southern half of Missouri to northern Arkansas and offer a variety of water terrain, from exciting, whitewater adventures to relaxing, slow-moving stream tours. You can take a number of kayak trips here and each one will be different.
Camp in the Area: Allie Spring
More: 10 Perfect Campgrounds for Summer
Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
