Boat Launches, Marinas & Rentals
With water everywhere, some of the best views in Greene County can be seen from aboard a boat.
Canoeing, Kayaking and SUP Guide to the Best Paddling in New York
Dip your paddle into the waters of the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County! Whether you’re embarking on a spring paddle where the trees are budding around you, a summer kayak under the sun, or a fall canoe filled with vibrant foliage, get ready for an incredible day on the water. From leisurely paddles to more adventurous camping or whitewater trips, experience one of the best places to kayak in the northeast.
See our categorized recommendations for SUP, camping, rentals, and beginner-to-advanced options for kayaking and canoeing in Greene County below.
Best Places for Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Greens Lake – Located in Athens, 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 in Athens, Catskill, and Coxsackie. Depending on boat traffic, the water could be choppy from boat wakes so it’s best to stick to 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 make for calm water. Average depth: 5 feet.
- North-South Lake Campground – The largest state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. This lake features calm water, as motorized boats are not permitted. Average depth: 6 feet.
- Whip-O-Will Campsite – Home to full-hookup sites and lakeside camping in Purling. Paddle a seven-acre lake, and rent rowboats, kayaks, and paddleboats right there at the campground.
- Earlton Hill Campground & RV Park – Features more than 300 campsites with a lake for paddling, located in Earlton, NY.
Best Place to Kayak or Canoe for Beginner Paddlers
- Four Mile Point Preserve – Paddle on the Hudson River along the shores of the park's nature trail. Near Coxsackie, NY. This is our top recommendation if you are just getting started paddling.
Best Water for Moderate to Advanced Paddlers
Note: Be sure to use the proper gear when paddling in rapids — check out REI’s gear recommendations.
- 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 Batavia Kill River Google Maps put in location for canoes and Kayaks is near Windham.
- Schoharie Creek – Features Class I-III rapids from Lexington to Prattsville. The Schoharie Creek Google Maps put in location is near Lexington, NY.
Where to Rent Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards
- North-South Lake Campground – Located in Haines Falls, offers kayak, canoe, rowboat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
- Screaming Eagle Outdoor Adventures – Located in Athens, offers seasonal single and tandem kayak rentals.
- Riverview Marine Services – Located in Catskill, offers seasonal kayak and canoe rentals.
