First-Time Kayak Camping - Any Advice?

Lissssa

I’m planning my first-ever kayak camping trip next weekend, and I could really use some advice from those of you who’ve done this before! I’ve done a lot of regular camping and a good bit of kayaking, but this will be my first time combining the two.

Here’s what I’m planning:

We’ll be kayaking about 10 miles down a slow-moving river to a primitive campsite, spending a night there, and paddling back the next day.
I’m using a sit-on-top kayak, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to pack gear and stay balanced on the water.
It’s forecasted to be mild weather, but I’m always cautious about preparing for unexpected rain or cooler nights.

Questions I’ve got:

How do you pack your gear so that it’s balanced in the kayak? Any tips for keeping things dry?
What kind of meals do you usually prep for trips like this? I’m aiming to keep it lightweight and easy to cook at the campsite.
Is there any gear you wish you had brought on your first kayak camping trip but didn’t?

I’d love to hear your stories, any lessons you’ve learned, and any must-have items for a successful trip. I’m super excited for this new adventure and want to make sure I’m as prepared as possible!

Trey

Lissssa I have never been myself, but it does sound like a lot of fun! Hope it is amazing!

CuervoCat

This is something I’ll be doing myself in short order… as there are many “paddle-in camping spots” on Elephant Butte Lake. I’m really known more for my island voyages aboard a 14′ Laser sailboat, those were primo overnight expeditions to Islas Coronados, wildlife sanctuaries off the northern end of Baja. More on those later in a different thread! But the sit-on-top plastic (HDPE) kayak I recently bought has room aboard for camping gear & supplies… I reckon I’ll load it in similar fashion to the sailboat. Fresh water in gallon jugs (and plastic jerry jugs of water for bathing on island voyages, won’t need those on the lake), food & drinks in soft coolers, extra clothing & sleeping gear in waterproof bags. Small items useful during the voyage will either be worn or stashed in a handy place aboard the craft, possibly with a “dummy cord” to secure it, lol. 😎

I also bought a small cartoppable sailboat off C/L (Albuquerque) for $100, I have to buy a replacement sail for the plastic ‘Topper’ boat made in England. Roughly 11′ LOA, beam around 4′, the plastic (HDPE) hull is lighter than any (fiber)glass boat hull I ever owned, and it goes atop the car without much trouble. On breezy days when I have visiting guests, I’ll tow the kayak astern of the sailing dinghy, that’ll allow more people to enjoy the voyage, lol. Some friends I met here in Silver City have kids, so we can probably put 2 or even 3 kids aboard that kayak, provided they all have PFDs or life vests… don’t wanna run afoul of Johnny Law on the lake! Those State Park Rangers can & will cite morons who don’t provide safety gear for their kids… it’s all about marine safety on the water, and I say that as a lifelong small craft sailor. ⛵