Looking for fun things to do in Bastrop Texas? Grab a paddle and hit the El Camino Real Paddling Trail! This 6-mile trip is perfect for anyone – whether you’re new to paddling or a total pro. You’ll start right from Fisherman’s Park and spend two to three hours kayaking down the Colorado River, cruising through peaceful waters and soaking up the stunning scenery. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like deer, horses, and birds, with plenty of chances to swim, swing off a rope, or just kick back and relax.
We make it super easy! Check-in is quick, and when you paddle into the Colorado River Refuge at the end, just give us a call. Our shuttle will pick you up and bring you back to town. It’s fun, hassle-free, and the best way to enjoy kayaking in Bastrop!
Check our availability calendar for departure time options.
Bastrop River Co. at Fisherman’s Park.
2 to 3 hours
No minimum or maximum. You can select the number of canoes and/or kayaks according to your group’s needs.
Dry box for electronic devices.
If you want to bring your phones* to take photos, you can rent a dry box from us at an additional cost.
*One person from your group is required to bring a phone, so you can call to notify us when you need pick up at the end of your paddle.
The latest start time for this short-day trip is 2 PM. The trip typically takes 2-3 hours.
You must be off the water by 5 PM. If you choose a later start time, please plan on paddling straight through with no stops. If you want to have more leisure time on the river, plan to arrive in the morning and let us know you will be taking your time.
The average recreational paddler covers about two to two and a half miles an hour at a casual pace. Variations in flow rate and wind conditions may affect that.
Depending on which activity you are doing, the takeout point is different. Takeout locations may change due to river conditions from time to time. Our outfitters explain how your trip works in detail upon arrival when issuing equipment.
Our outfitters address this during check-in and equipment issue. You’re given the necessary instructions to avoid this situation.
No, the entire river is navigable.
No, the Colorado River is a Class I river.
Reservation times are available online. Walk-ins are welcome and will be outfitted as soon as possible on a first come first served basis. Earliest and latest departure times change throughout the year. We always recommend you to check our booking page to see what’s available.
For this trip we primarily use Perception Tribe sit-on-top kayaks.
For the Camping Trips we provide overnight rental options and use Wilderness System Tarpon sit-on-top kayaks or something similar.
Our canoes are a mix of Mad River Journey and Buffalo Canoes. Both are 15 & 1/2 ft with 2 seats, but we will allow for a third passenger in some circumstances.
Dogs are permitted as long as they have experience being in a boat and will not be a distraction to the paddler. Rivers are not the place to train a dog to sit in a kayak or canoe. We recommend taking your pet out on a lake several times first where you can stay close to a water exit.
A fishing license is required to fish on the Colorado River. River fishing is much different than lake or pond fishing. Casual casting will not be successful, but a seasoned fisherman can bring home a nice catch.
There are snakes in all rivers and lakes in Texas. Snakes are more active in the springtime. If you see a snake, avoid it. Generally, if you leave it alone it will leave you alone.
No, we don’t.
Another wonderful trip on the Colorado
Another fabulous trip on the Colorado River with Bastrop River Company. The guys who work there, Lee and Emmett, are easy to work with, helpful etc. They pick you up at the end of your paddle trip and there was no delay waiting for them to arrive. It all went so smoothly. The trip itself is fabulous, peaceful and quiet on the river. We love it!
Great Tandem Kayak Trip
Loved this kayaking trip! We took the six mile trip in a tandem kayak, which took about 2-3 hours. Waters of the Lower Colorado River are slow moving and fun …
Great day on the Colorado river
We had beautiful weather and the river was a gorgeous display of greens. We were 4 x 60yo women and the trip was totally doable for us. There are a few faster running passages of water that made for laughs. We had the river to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff was fabulous, picked us up promptly, gave us water and a dry box and were very cordial.
Service with a smile!
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Clean kayaks on a nice stretch of river. Great views! Go after some hard rains….
What a amazing way to spend a day on the river.
We had a wonderful time kayaking on the Colorado river with Bastrop River Co. great service and would highly recommend them to anyone. Great way to spend the day!
