Best Kayaks For Camping And Fishing Trips

Camping and fishing trips are awesome, but they come with a big problem. Stuff. Lots of stuff. Tents, sleeping bags, fishing rods, tackle boxes – it all adds up. And carrying it all? That’s a real pain in the back.

After years of camping and kayaking, we’ve learned a thing or two. We’ve tried the cheap ones, splurged on the fancy ones, and everything in between. We’ve paddled through calm lakes, rushing rivers, and even choppy seas. Along the way, we’ve figured out which kayaks really shine for camping and fishing trips.

In this guide, we’re sharing our top picks. These aren’t just any kayaks – they’re the ones that have proven themselves trip after trip. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, we’ve got you covered. 

Top Kayak Recommendations

Let us give you our top choices:

Best Overall: Old Town NEXT

After extensive testing, we found the Old Town NEXT to be the ideal hybrid between a canoe and kayak, perfect for camping trips. This versatile watercraft offers the best of both worlds, combining the storage capacity of a canoe with the maneuverability of a kayak.

The NEXT’s open hull design provides ample storage space for camping gear, while its low profile allows for easy paddling with both single and double-bladed paddles. The Element seating system ensures comfort on long trips, and the adjustable foot braces offer additional support.

One of the standout features is its lightweight construction, making it ideal for solo trips and easy portaging. The bright color options (orange, blue, purple, and lemongrass) add a fun touch to your outdoor adventures.

The Old Town NEXT combines the storage capacity of a canoe with the maneuverability of a kayak, making it ideal for camping and fishing trips. Its open hull design provides ample space for gear, while the lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and handle on various water conditions.

Best for River Camping: Jackson Kayak Coosa HD

For those seeking a kayak specifically designed for river camping, the Jackson Kayak Coosa HD stands out as a top performer. This kayak excels in navigating river currents while providing ample storage for camping gear.

The Coosa HD’s standout features include its exceptional stability, which is crucial for spotting fish and navigating through rapids. The elevated seating position offers improved visibility and comfort during long paddling sessions. The hull design allows for easy maneuverability in tight spots and rapids.

Storage options are plentiful, with a large tankwell and sealed hatches providing both easy access and dry storage for camping equipment. The kayak also features multiple gear tracks for customizing your setup with fishing accessories or additional storage options.

In our tests, the Coosa HD demonstrated excellent tracking and responsiveness in various river conditions. Its stability allowed for comfortable standing and casting, a significant advantage for anglers. The comfortable seating system proved invaluable during multi-day trips, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall enjoyment.

Best for Fishing and Camping: Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is perfect for anglers who want to combine fishing with camping adventures. Its pedal-driven system allows for hands-free operation, ideal for those who prefer fishing from a kayak while navigating to remote camping spots.

The Sportsman PDL 120’s most notable feature is its PDL drive system, offering instant forward and reverse capabilities. This system allows for precise positioning and effortless navigation, even in windy conditions or currents.

Storage capacity is impressive, with a large bow hatch and a spacious rear tankwell providing ample room for camping gear and fishing equipment. The universal transducer mount makes it easy to install fish finders, enhancing your fishing experience.

During our testing, we were impressed by the kayak’s stability, which allows for comfortable stand-up fishing. The Element seating system provides excellent comfort for long days on the water, with easy adjustability to accommodate different paddler heights.

The Sportsman PDL 120 excels in various water conditions, from calm lakes to coastal waters. Its combination of stability, storage, and hands-free operation makes it an excellent choice for anglers who want to incorporate camping into their fishing trips.

Best for Multi-Day Trips: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125

The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 stands out for multi-day camping trips, offering a perfect blend of storage capacity and comfort. Its efficient hull design allows for good speed and tracking, making it suitable for covering long distances on extended kayaking journeys.

The Tsunami 125’s storage options are impressive, featuring two sealed hatches – one in the bow and one in the stern. These provide ample dry storage for camping gear, clothes, and food. The day hatch, located just in front of the cockpit, offers easy access to essential items without the need to open the main compartments.

Comfort is a key feature for long journeys, and the Tsunami 125 delivers. The Phase 3 AirPro seating system provides exceptional support and adjustability, allowing paddlers to fine-tune their position for all-day comfort. The adjustable thigh and knee braces offer additional support and control.

During our testing, we found the Tsunami 125 to be remarkably stable and easy to paddle, even when fully loaded with camping gear. Its efficient hull design allows for good speed and tracking, making it suitable for covering long distances on multi-day trips.

Best Tandem: Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 15 Tandem

For those who prefer to share their camping adventures, the Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 15 Tandem offers an excellent platform for group trips. Its versatility allows for solo or tandem paddling, making it a great choice for family outings or fishing with a partner.

The Ultimate FX 15 Tandem’s primary advantage for group trips is its versatility. It can be paddled solo or tandem, and the seats can be easily adjusted or removed to accommodate different paddling configurations or to create more space for gear.

Storage is plentiful, with a large open deck area that can be customized with various accessories. The boat features multiple gear tracks for attaching rod holders, fish finders, and other equipment, making it an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts.

In our tests, we were impressed by the Ultimate FX 15 Tandem’s stability. It allows for comfortable standing and casting, which is a significant advantage for anglers. The tunnel hull design provides excellent tracking and maneuverability, even in windy conditions.

Best Inflatable: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite is an outstanding option for campers who prioritize portability. As an inflatable kayak, it offers the perfect balance between performance and ease of transport, ideal for campers with limited storage space.

The primary benefit of the Expedition Elite is its portability. When deflated, it can be packed into a carrying bag, making it ideal for campers who have limited storage space or need to travel with their kayak. Despite its inflatable nature, it offers impressive durability for camping trips.

The kayak features a drop-stitch floor, which provides rigidity comparable to hard-shell kayaks. This design enhances performance and stability, making it suitable for various water conditions. The aluminum rib frame in the bow and stern improves tracking and speed.

During our testing, we found the Expedition Elite to be surprisingly rugged. It handled well on rivers and lakes, and the multiple air chambers provided peace of mind in terms of safety. The kayak also offers decent storage options, with a large rear hatch and bungee deck lacing for securing gear.

The comfort level is high, with an adjustable padded seat and plenty of legroom. The inflatable coaming allows for the attachment of a spray skirt, which is useful for keeping gear dry in choppy conditions.

Best Budget Option: Pelican Kayaks Catch Classic 120

The Pelican Catch Classic 120 stands out as an excellent budget-friendly option for anglers and campers. It offers impressive value for money, packing in features typically found on more expensive models.

The Catch Classic 120 offers impressive value for money, packing in features typically found on more expensive models. Its thermoformed construction results in a lightweight yet durable kayak, making it easy to transport and maneuver on the water.

During our testing, we found the stability to be excellent for a budget kayak. The wide, flat deck allows for comfortable standing and casting, which is a significant advantage for anglers. The ERGOCAST seating system, while basic, provides adequate comfort for day-long fishing trips.

Storage options are plentiful for a kayak in this price range. The front quick-lock hatch and rear tankwell with bungee cords offer ample space for camping gear and fishing equipment. The inclusion of four flush-mount rod holders is a nice touch, allowing anglers to set up multiple rods without additional accessories.

One of the standout features at this price point is the 4-inch gear tracks, which allow for easy customization with various fishing accessories. This adaptability makes the Catch Classic 120 suitable for a wide range of fishing styles and environments.

Specialized Kayaks for Different Environments

If you are looking for kayaks to deal with a specific situation then you need to keep these in mind:

Best Ocean Kayaks for Camping

When it comes to ocean kayaking and camping, safety and seaworthiness are paramount. The best ocean kayaks for camping typically feature longer hulls and narrower profiles to cut through waves efficiently.

Key features to look for in ocean kayaks for camping include:

• Rudder systems for improved tracking in windy conditions
• Multiple sealed bulkheads for safety and dry storage
• Deck lines and bungees for securing gear
• Comfortable seating for long-distance paddling

During our tests, we found that kayaks with a length of 14 to 16 feet generally perform well in ocean conditions. The extra length provides better tracking and speed, which is crucial when covering long distances or dealing with currents.

Safety features like perimeter lines, reflective deck rigging, and built-in compass mounts are essential for offshore use. Look for models with high-volume bows to ride over waves and keep you dry in choppy conditions.

River and Whitewater Kayaks for Camping

River and whitewater kayaks for camping need to balance maneuverability in currents with storage capacity for gear. These kayaks typically feature:

• Shorter length (9 to 11 feet) for quick turns in rapids
• Rounded hulls for better edging and control
• Higher rocker (curved profile from bow to stern) for navigating over obstacles

In our tests, we found that kayaks with a moderate rocker profile perform well in various river conditions. They offer enough maneuverability for rapids while still tracking decently in calmer sections.

Storage solutions for rapids require creativity. Look for kayaks with sealed bulkheads and deck rigging to keep gear secure and dry. Some models offer innovative storage options like removable dry bags that integrate seamlessly with the kayak’s design.

Lake and Flatwater Kayaks

Lake and flatwater kayaks prioritize stability, tracking, and comfort for leisurely fishing and extended trips. Key features include:

• Wider beams (28 to 34 inches) for increased stability
• Flatter hull designs for better initial stability
• Longer waterlines (12 to 14 feet) for improved tracking

During our testing on various lakes, we found that kayaks with a moderate length-to-width ratio offer the best balance of speed and stability. Look for models with adjustable foot braces and padded seats for all-day comfort.

For fishing, consider kayaks with built-in rod holders, gear tracks for accessory mounting, and ample deck space for standing casts. Some models offer innovative features like pedal-drive systems, allowing hands-free operation for a more effective fishing experience.

Storage capacity is crucial for lake camping trips. Look for kayaks with large bow and stern hatches, as well as deck bungees for securing additional gear. Some models offer modular storage systems, allowing you to customize the layout based on your specific needs.

Choosing the Right Kayak for Your Needs

There are so many options and so many criterias but ultimately everything depends upon your needs and budget:

Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks

Sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks each have their own advantages for camping and fishing trips. Sit-on-top kayaks are generally more stable and easier to get in and out of, making them ideal for fishing and warm-water conditions. They’re also self-draining, which is convenient if you expect to get wet. Sit-inside kayaks, on the other hand, offer better protection from the elements and are typically faster and more efficient to paddle.

After extensive testing, we found that sit-on-top kayaks are preferred by many anglers for their ease of use and versatility. However, for longer camping trips or cooler conditions, sit-inside kayaks can provide more comfort and storage options.

Kayak Length and Width Considerations

The length and width of a kayak significantly impact its stability and speed. Longer kayaks (12-16 feet) generally track better and move faster through the water, making them ideal for covering long distances on camping trips. Shorter kayaks (9-12 feet) are more maneuverable, which can be advantageous in tight spaces or rivers.

Width affects stability, with wider kayaks (30-36 inches) offering more primary stability, ideal for fishing and beginners. Narrower kayaks (26-30 inches) provide better speed and secondary stability, suitable for more experienced paddlers and rougher water conditions.

For calm lakes and slow-moving rivers, a wider, shorter kayak may be preferable for its stability. For open water or long-distance trips, a longer, narrower kayak would be more efficient.

Storage Capacity for Camping Gear

Adequate storage is crucial for camping trips. Look for kayaks with sealed hatches for dry storage of sensitive gear. Many fishing kayaks offer ample storage options, including tankwells and bungee-corded deck areas.

To maximize storage efficiency, use dry bags and organize gear by frequency of use. Keep frequently needed items easily accessible in deck bags or cockpit storage areas. For longer trips, consider using compression sacks to minimize the volume of soft goods like sleeping bags and clothing.

Essential Features for Camping and Fishing Kayaks

For camping there are some must have things that you look for in every kayak.

Comfortable Seating

Comfortable seating is paramount for long trips. Look for kayaks with adjustable, padded seats that provide good back support. Many high-end fishing kayaks now feature stadium-style seating, which allows for better visibility and comfort during long hours on the water.

The best seats offer multiple adjustment points, allowing you to fine-tune your position throughout the day. Some popular options include the Wilderness Systems AirPro MAX seat and the Old Town Element seating system, both known for their comfort on extended trips.

Rod Holders and Fishing Accessories

For anglers, built-in rod holders are a must-have accessory. Look for kayaks with at least two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat and one or more adjustable rod holders within reach.

Many kayaks now come with accessory tracks that allow for easy installation of additional rod holders, fish finders, and other accessories without drilling into the kayak. Some popular DIY modifications include adding PVC rod holders, creating custom tackle storage solutions, and installing anchor trolley systems for better positioning while fishing.

Stability for Standing and Casting

Stand-up fishing has become increasingly popular, and many kayaks are now designed with this in mind. Look for kayaks with wide, stable hulls and flat standing platforms.

During our tests, we found that kayaks with pontoon-style hulls or catamaran designs offer excellent stability for stand-up fishing. Models like the Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 and the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 are known for their exceptional stability, allowing anglers to stand and cast with confidence even in choppy conditions.

When choosing a kayak for stand-up fishing, consider the width of the kayak and the design of the deck. A wider kayak (32-36 inches) with a flat, uncluttered deck will provide the best platform for standing and casting.