10 Best Kayak for Camping In 2022 [Reviews And Buying Guide]

According to an old saying “An adventure is your journey, not your destination", and this is even truer when going kayaking, especially for recreational purposes. The relaxing feeling that comes from calmly sailing past beautiful landscapes, exploring rivers and lakes, rhythmically rowing or pedaling, etc. usually ends once you get back to your starting point.

When Kayaking and Camping, this does not have to be so. You get to enjoy the sailing experience till you're tired; land at a great spot; then set up camp. Set up your tent, start a small fire, whip out the marshmallows, tell tall tales, enjoy yourself with the stars as your backdrop, and set out onto the water again tomorrow.

In order to do all this successfully, you need the right equipment. And by equipment, I mean the right Kayak for you. This is going to be your "Adventure Mobile", and you want it to be as perfect as possible. We have carried out extensive research, and we have here, ten options for your best kayak for camping.

For those who wants to jump straight to our final verdict, here are our top picks.

The Benefits of Kayak & Camping

Kayaking itself already brings many benefits and fun. However, when you mix kayaking and camping, it is the ultimate fun combination. Taking a kayak out for a sail is quite liberating and refreshing. Going camping brings you closer to nature, and gives a sense of adventure. Carrying out both of them in one day is a formula for an amazing time.

As fun as it all is, this activity comes with some difficulties. Space is an important issue, comfort is key, also stability and durability are necessary. And so, a great camping kayak will have enough room for you and your camping gear. It will have the capacity to carry considerable weight and also gives you max comfort, with good seats and legroom.

Last but not least, it’s design should allows you to track well and maneuver easily.

Table of Comparison

We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance. 

10 Best Kayak for Camping Reviewed

1.Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Dirigo 106 Recreational Kayak

Produced by the world's largest and oldest manufacturer of canoes and kayaks, Old Town, the Dirigo 106 is without a doubt a specimen of fine sailing. This is one vessel where a lot of thought was paid to enhancing your comfort.

Its abundance of space and it's dry storage feature allows you to store your phone, your gear and even food for a picnic and this makes it an ideal candidate for Kayaking and camping. 

The hull of this kayak, at a little over 10 ft, is quite short, and this gives it a design that is more wide than narrow. This design reduces its speed but makes it possible for this vessel to be very stable, especially in calm waters. Also, it is quite easily paddled and maneuvered. Making it perfect for newbies to the art of kayaking.

2. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak 

With the ability to inflate or deflate, the Sea Eagle 330 is a camper's dreamboat. If not for a few flaws, this would be the best camping kayak. It has great features like its lightweight-ness and the ability to fit into a storage bag. It has a roomy cockpit that allows it to fit two people and can be adjusted to allow one seat and a lot of gear. 

It is made with a polykrylar material that is tough and difficult to tear. A self-bailing valve for draining unwanted water. A pair of skegs that enhance its ability to track and stay true to a course.

However, it has some drawbacks, like its rapid deflation, the tight fit for two adults and their gear, etc. It is quite versatile, but camping is a great way to employ this kayak.

3. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 8-Foot Sit-in Kayak 

It is not easy to find a kayak that is reliable for newbies in the world of kayaking. When you finally manage to find a few, it can be even harder to find one that is affordable, lightweight and have enough room. The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is one of the kayaks that fit all those requirements.

It is light, durable, spacious, easy to paddle, and its sit-in design keeps you covered from splashes. Apart from being a foremost vessel for beginners, it is also really good for camping.

The above-listed features qualify it as a member of the "best camping kayak club”. And although it can be quite unstable in slightly turbulent water and it lacks a few comforts, its great price more than makes up for that flaw. 

4. Oru Kayak Beach LT Foldable Kayak 

The Oru Beach LT kayak is unique. It has a construction style and design that is not commonly found, and this makes it stand out from its peers. Convenience is the watchword of this vessel, with its ability to fold, origami-style, into the size of a large portable suitcase. This is one major reason why it made this list.

Its stability while in the water makes it a favourite with kayakers going camping, and it is roomy enough to handle enough camping equipment and gear. And it lacks skegs, so this means that while tracking is not totally useless, it is not very efficient and is easily blown off course.

The cost of owning one of these is not cheap, but some find that a small price to pay for convenience and stability.

5. Ocean Kayak Zest Two Expedition Tandem Sit-On-Top Touring Kayak  

The Ocean Kayak Zest Two Expedition is a vessel that is designed for a pair of paddlers. Propulsion is best when its two occupants paddle in tandem with each other. And so, this kayak is definitely recommended for you and your partner, child, friend or even your pet.

This kayak might be large and heavy on land, but do not let that fool you. It is quite light and fast in the water. It has a narrow and long design that enhances its speed so much you even feel like you are flying. 

6. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T   

With the Skipjack 120T, you can make your plans for a great kayaking and camping trip a reality. Its most appealing feature is the inclusion of space for an extra seat in the center of the cockpit. T

his space is too small for a third adult, but it is just perfect for children or even your pet dog. Because of this feature, this vessel is great for taking a family of three kayaking and then camping.

Its spaciousness and storage room allows you to pack all necessary camping equipment for a fun trip. And its multiple mounting points allow you to easily store your paddles and fishing rods. It is not a very fast kayak, but it will get you and all your gear to your destination in good time and one piece.

7. Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak  

This kayak has a very attractive and functional build. Its streamlined hull, slim deck and slender hull give it an elegance that is only matched by its speed, and it tracks quite well. It is also quite versatile as it can work as a recreational vessel, a racing vessel, and even a fishing vessel.

It would serve you really well for camping too. This is because its storage space is capable of containing all the gear for camping that you might need. This is tempered by its heavyweight and the difficulty you might face in transporting it from storage to car to launch site. But for a boat of its price, you would not get better features.

8. Old Town Predator MX Angler Fishing Kayak  

With its more rounded hull, the Predator MX is certainly not a kayak you would want to race with. But it more than makes up for this lack of speed with a lot of other features. This includes its extra spacious and open deck, its anti-slip deck flooring, a hull design that is very stable and allows you to stand while aboard the boat.

This kayak would be even more perfect if you could sit another person. This would let you bring along a friend or a partner. That notwithstanding, this vessel is so comfortable you might even decide to camp on it. It is also cost-friendly, and so you should definitely make it an option for purchase.

9. Wilderness Systems Tsunami 165 Ruddered Kayak  

Tsunami 165 is a remarkable kayak. It is stable on water, even in rough water, is very impressive. This is because its hull is rounded rather than narrowed. This stability is great if you want to go fishing or take nice pictures of you/others sailing.

The hull shape also has the advantage of giving you and your gear a lot of room to play. And while it is quite comfortable and easy to paddle, it is not fast. It will not win you any races, neither is it particularly nimble. It is also really heavy to lift and portage. In spite of these drawbacks, it is great for kayaking and camping because it will take you and all your gear to your destination smoothly and easily.

10. Perception Pescador Pro Sit On Top Kayak for Fishing 

This vessel was designed for anglers and fishing. And this design has paid a lot of attention to stability and storage. When you use the Pescador Pro 12.0, you are assured of a safe and comfortable kayak camping trip. It is versatile because its use does not have to be restricted to fishing alone. Its features also make it a good choice for camping.

Its storage room allows you to store all your gear and personal effects securely. You can even prepare a picnic and bring it along. It is not a speed machine. But what it lacks in speed, it makes up for it with the comfort you enjoy. So even if you do not get to your camping ground in record time, you get there still feeling fresh and ready for more fun.

Buying Guide

Kayaking and camping with each one of the vessels outlined will be a wonderful experience, but you can not buy all of them. In spite of their aesthetic appeal, functionality, space, speed, etc. You do not want all of them; you need just one.

To help you make that choice, here are a few factors pointing out features that are really necessary for kayaks for camping.

Balance & Stability

When going kayaking and camping, packing gear is a norm. And so, you need a vessel that can carry your weight, the weight of your equipment and still allow you to stand without tipping.

This balance is also very important if there is another passenger, like a child, on the kayak. The vessel needs to be able to withstand both your movements without rocking unnecessarily. However, you should know that as the stability of a kayak increase, its speed reduces. To find out more on how to increase the stability of your kayak, check out our reviews on the best kayak outrigger and stabilizer.

Storage

Comfort

Kayak camping expeditions can last for a good number of days because this exercise is a great way to explore and enjoy nature. For your kayak camping trip, you need comfort. This is to keep you fresh and ready for more kayaking adventures.

Also, to keep you free from muscular or physical injuries. In order to achieve comfort, your kayak must have a seat that is adjustable, foot plates and braces, sufficient legroom and even knee and thigh pads, for reduced friction.

Solo Or With Company

Are you going to go kayak camping alone or with another friend? Or are you planning to go kayaking with your pet dog? You may have to consider either getting a solo or tandem kayak, depending on your purpose.