Canoeing & Kayaking

A paddler floats down the Canadian River

NPS Photo

Paddling a kayak is unique and the experience is better when it’s in a place as beautiful as Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Paddling activities can improve upper body strength, reduce stress levels, and aide in weight loss. Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks do not need registration.

Always remember to wear your PFD (life jacket) properly. Please follow safety warnings when you are on any body of water, no matter how shallow or deep. A safe place to kayak or canoe is at Spring Canyon Basin. Watch out for strong winds if paddling on the lake.

Paddling at night:
You must carry one bright white light that can be located in time to prevent a collision. It is recommended you carry a lantern, flashlight, or other attached white light visible from 360 degrees. Regulation state canoes, kayaks, and all other manually driven vessels may exhibit sidelights and a sternlight, and shall exhibit at least one bright light, lantern, or flashlight from sunset to sunrise when not at dock.

Recreate responsibly and check weather conditions often.

 

Blue ocean kayak

NPS Photo

New to kayaking or don't have your own equipment? :

Call Wright-On Bait,Tackle,and Watercraft Rental at 806-865-3131 if you need to rent equipment. This park vendor is located at the Sanford-Yake boat ramp and rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats and other recreational items.

 

Special Notice:

Keep Invasive Non-Native Mussels Out Of Lake Meredith NRA

Zebra and quagga mussels (nuisance invasive species) have not yet invaded Lake Meredith. In order to avoid contaminating the lake, please follow the suggestions below. LIsted below are some effective ways boaters, personal watercraft, canoe, and kayak users. Please check boats, vehicles, trailers, and other equipment so they do not spread mussels to waters.
Procedures:
1. Drain the water from your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the immediate area of the lake.

2. Completely inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels and can be hard to see.

3. Wash the hull, equipment, bilge and any other exposed surface with hot, soapy water or use a 5% solution of household bleach.

4. Clean and wash your trailer, truck or any other equipment that comes in contact with lake water. Mussels can live in small pockets anywhere water collects.

5. Air-dry the boat and other equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway. Do not reuse bait once it has been exposed to infested waters.

Keep Zebra and Quagga mussels out of the lakes we love.