Kayaking and Paddling Around Lavaca Bay and Calhoun County

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Kayaking is one of the best ways to see the Texas coast up close. Around Lavaca Bay and the rest of Calhoun County, you can paddle past marsh grass, oyster reefs and old bridge pilings while pelicans fly overhead. Some days, dolphins show up too.

If you're bringing a kayak or paddleboard on your RV trip, here's a simple guide to where to go and how to stay safe.

Paddling Lavaca Bay Near Port Lavaca

Lavaca Bay is wide and fairly shallow, and on calm days it's friendly for beginners. A common launch is the park area by the State Highway 35 bridge on the west side of the bay, near the Port Lavaca causeway fishing pier. There's a sandy spot to put in and parking nearby.

From there, paddlers often head along the shore and under the old causeway, where leftover pilings stick up out of the water. It's a short, easy trip, and you'll likely see herons, egrets and gulls along the way.

Keep in mind that Lavaca Bay is big open water. Wind can pick up fast, and you'll share the bay with fishing boats. Stay near the shore and avoid the industrial areas on the east side of the bay.

Six Mile Park and the Upper Bay

For a quieter start, try Six Mile Park, about six miles north of Port Lavaca. It's a small park with a lighted pier, boat ramps, a sandy beach and marsh habitat.

The marsh edges are a good place to paddle slowly and look for wading birds like reddish egrets. Early morning is often the calmest time of day, and the light is great for photos.

Marked Paddling Trails in Calhoun County

Texas Parks and Wildlife has mapped several coastal paddling trails in the area. These are great if you want a longer trip with a clear route.

Seadrift Paddling Trail

The Seadrift Paddling Trail covers about 20 miles with several route choices. It follows the last stretch of the Guadalupe River as it flows into Guadalupe Bay. Options include:

• A 3.7-mile beginner stretch on the river
• A 3.6-mile loop around Mission Lake
• A 3.3-mile route from Sanders Park to Seadrift
• An 8.9-mile open bay crossing for expert paddlers only

Seadrift Bayfront Park has a concrete ramp, parking and restrooms. Along the way, look for white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, herons and dolphins.

Port O'Connor Paddling Trail

Port O'Connor, on Matagorda Bay, has a network of six connected loops that add up to around 40 miles. These trails wind through marsh, back bays and shallow flats toward Matagorda Island. Many anglers paddle them to fish for redfish, speckled trout and drum.

The loops are long, and most paddlers move about one to two miles an hour. Pick a short section for your first trip. Matagorda Island is too far for a casual day paddle, so don't plan on reaching it unless you're experienced and well prepared.

Wildlife You Might See

Calhoun County sits on a major bird migration path, so there's always something to watch. On the water, keep an eye out for:

• Brown pelicans and white pelicans
• Great blue herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills
• Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
• Redfish tailing in shallow water

In fall and winter, whooping cranes return to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge area south of Seadrift. You might be lucky enough to spot one from the water. Give all wildlife plenty of space.

Safety Tips for Paddling the Bays

Coastal paddling is fun, but the bays can change quickly. Follow these tips to stay safe:

1. Check the wind first. Wind is the biggest hazard on these open bays. Calm mornings are usually your best bet.
2. Know the tides. Very low tides can leave you stuck on mud flats. Look up the tide chart before you go.
3. Wear a life jacket. Always. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble in choppy water.
4. Watch for oyster reefs. Sharp shells can scrape your hull and cut your feet. Wear water shoes.
5. Stay visible. Some areas have heavy boat traffic. Bright clothing and a flag help boaters see you.
6. Bring the basics. Pack water, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and a phone in a dry bag.
7. Tell someone your plan. Let a friend or neighbor know where you're launching and when you'll be back.

Make Our Resort Your Paddling Base Camp

After a morning on the water, it's nice to come back to a comfortable home base. At Texas Lakeside RV Resort, you can rinse off in our large private showers, soak sore shoulders in the hot tub, and grill dinner at a pavilion. Our sites have full hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, plus cable and Wi-Fi.

We also have a private stocked fishing lake on site for days when the bay is too windy to paddle.

Rates start at $65 a night, $325 a week or $550 a month plus electric. Rates can change, so call to confirm. Check out our nightly, weekly and monthly RV rates, or contact us to reserve your site. You can also call (361) 551-2267.