Boat Launches, Marinas & Rentals
Take in some of the most breathtaking views of the Great Northern Catskills while gliding across its shimmering waters.
Our Favorite Canoeing, Kayaking & SUP Spots in the Catskills
Discover where to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in the Great Northern Catskills. Glide across calm lakes, explore scenic creeks, or challenge thrilling whitewater runs — with easy access to rentals and launch points throughout the region.
From spring blooms to fall foliage, every season offers a new way to explore the Catskills by water.
Find It Here
Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Green Lake – Located in Athens, this 38.5-acre lake features calm water paddling and great fishing. Average depth: 19 feet.
- Hudson River – Paddle along New York’s most famous river. You can access the water at public launches in Athens, Catskill, and Coxsackie. The water can be choppy from motorboat wakes; so it’s best to stay near the shoreline on your SUP.
Best Areas for Canoe & Kayak Camping
- Colgate Lake Wild Forest – A popular paddling, fishing, and camping spot located in East Jewett, NY. No motorized boats means nothing but calm, peaceful waters. Average depth: 5 feet.
- North-South Lake Campground – The largest New York State campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. No motors allowed means calm, safe waters ideal for a relaxing day on the lake. Average depth: 6 feet.
- Whip-O-Will Campsite – Home to full-hookup sites, lakeside tent camping and family-friendly fun. Paddle and swim in a seven-acre lake. Rowboats, kayaks, and pedalboats available for rent at this private campground, located Purling, NY.
- Earlton Hill Campground & RV Park – Features more than 300 camper and tent sites plus cabin rentals with a lake for swimming, paddling, and fishing, located in Earlton, NY.
Best Place to Kayak or Canoe for Beginner Paddlers
- Four-Mile Point Preserve – This is our top recommendation if you are just getting started paddling. Paddle the Hudson River along the shores of the park's nature trail in Coxsackie. There is a 1/4-mile trail between the parking lot and boat launch.
Best Water for Moderate to Advanced Paddlers
Note: Be sure to use the proper gear when paddling in rapids.
- Batavia Kill River – Features 5.7 miles of Class II-V+ rapids, starting from Swinging Bridge and paddling to Route 23A in Prattsville, NY. The put-in location for canoes and kayaks is near Windham.
- Schoharie Creek – Features Class I-III rapids from Lexington to Prattsville. The put-in location is near Lexington, NY.
Where to Rent Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards
- North-South Lake Campground — Rowboat, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board and paddle boat rentals are available at this popular location for camping, paddling and scenic hikes.
- Screaming Eagle Outdoor Adventures — In-season rentals of single and tandem kayak rentals and paddle boards plus guided kayak tours out of Catskill and Athens.
- CD Lane Park — Kayak rentals available at this town park in Maplecrest, a hamlet of Windham.
- Boathouse BBQ | Great Northern Catskills of Greene County — Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, and mountain bike rentals available in the summer by the hour on Rip Van Winkle Lake in Tannersville.
