Jill Goodwin explores some camping locations for fishing that are really out of the ordinary.
Sometimes, you need to get out into nature and experience it to the fullest. The best way to do that is to grab your kayak and a tent and set off somewhere stunning!
Kayaking, fishing, and camping combine relaxation with a side of adrenaline, as there’s nothing like paddling out, fighting a fish, reeling it in and then spending the evening relaxing under the stars.
Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
If you’re looking for the most breathtaking locations for a women’s weekend, a getaway with friends or family, or even a solo break, we’ve got them all here.
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1. Lake Jocassee, South Carolina, USA
Tucked away in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Lake Jocassee offers a tranquil kayaking, camping, and bass fishing experience.
The lake’s sparkling waters are the perfect habitat for spotted, small-mouthed, red-eyed bass and rainbow and brown trout. This makes the lake an ideal destination for anglers seeking quiet yet rewarding fishing adventures.
Waking up to the misty morning views of the Appalachians and then paddling out onto the lake promises a rejuvenating experience. You can explore Lake Jocassee’s hidden coves, where bass tends to congregate beneath submerged structures and try your luck in landing a sizable bass or trout. The views and campsite alone make this spot worth visiting. Add a good catch, and it’s a sure win.
2. Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
If you’re after an adventure, the Everglades National Park in Florida is the place to be. This unique ecosystem boasts diverse fish species because a third of the water in the park is saline, while the rest is freshwater. You’ll find bass, snook, tarpon, and redfish here. However, if you’re fishing for your dinner, be warned. Don’t eat the bass, as they have high levels of mercury.
Given the intricate waterways, mangroves, and wildlife diversity, kayaking through these Everglades is a breathtaking experience. Additionally, the quieter nooks of the waters are ideal for fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. You may even have the pleasure of seeing seahorses, starfish, and tropical fish.
Camping in the Everglades is just as exciting, as it’s easy enough to find a secluded spot if you’re after some privacy and shade in the lush vegetation.
3. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands) is a gloriously remote archipelago off British Columbia’s coast. This secluded paradise is a dream destination for salmon and halibut anglers who enjoy rustic camping in the heart of nature. You can navigate the rugged coastline, explore hidden fjords, and float in the sheltered bays where prized catches abound.
While on the waters, you’ll also get to appreciate puffins, and you might even see humpback whales or spot a bear ambling along on a sandy beach. After a day of kayaking and fishing, you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and hear the waves lapping gently against the shore while camping under the starlit sky.
4. Gulf of California, Mexico
The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) is a renowned fishing destination that beckons kayaking and camping enthusiasts who love fishing. Its rich biodiversity and warm, still waters create a magical haven for diverse fish species, including snapper, grouper, dorado, marlin, and yellowtail. In fact, while paddling along the Baja California Peninsula, you may feel you’ve discovered one of the best kayak fishing spots in the world!
After a day of fishing, you can enjoy freshly caught fish at your campsite on a sandy beach. The contrast of the turquoise waters and the surrounding desert landscape offers a fantastic panorama of contrasts and simplicity. It’s definitely worth visiting the Gulf of California for this breathtaking experience.
5. San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
The San Juan Islands in the picturesque Pacific Northwest are a haven for kayakers and campers looking to enjoy saltwater fishing. As you paddle through the pristine waters of the Salish Sea and nearby Puget Sound, you’ll have the opportunity to catch salmon, albacore tuna, rockfish, and lingcod.
A few kayak camping tour operators on the islands offer day trips and longer kayaking and camping tours. So, if you’re new to sea kayaking or don’t have your own gear, this is a great option. Kayak Guru also has a great sea kayaking guide that you should read before you set off on your adventure.
During summer, you can enjoy sports fishing and admire orcas and migratory whales. In the evenings, you can sit back and relax, watching breathtaking sunsets while preparing your freshly caught fish over a campfire. The San Juan Islands offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exceptional fishing experiences.
6. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is a camping, kayaking, and fishing paradise. The park comprises more than 1,500 lakes and almost 750 miles of streams and offers many camping options suitable for solo women adventurers or groups. You can camp in one of their developed or backcountry sites and even a yurt if you want a unique experience. Additionally, some of their sites offer paddle-in convenience.
While the lakes host 54 different fish species, the Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its abundant brook and lake trout populations and for bass and pike fishing, too. Fishing regulations differ between the backcountry and the more frequented lakes, with the latter enforcing an off-season during winter for the trout to repopulate, so be sure to take note!
7. Lake Taupō, New Zealand
If you want to venture further afield, consider visiting Lake Taupō in the central North Island of New Zealand. Lake Taupo is the country’s largest lake. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, gorgeous forests, exciting rapids, waterfalls, and thermals. It’s a mecca for trout fishing enthusiasts all year round, as there is no off-season for fishing on this giant lake.
The crystal-clear waters are a paradise for anglers seeking prized rainbow and brown trout catches. You can explore the lake’s scenic bays and the inlets where trout frequently congregate. The best places for kayak fishing are in the sheltered bays on the western side of Taupō and Tūrangi, but be sure to check the weather first, especially if you’re a beginner paddler.
Camp, Paddle & Fish In The Best Spots
These seven breathtaking kayak camping locations for fishing lovers offer exceptional angling opportunities and the chance to enjoy all the healing benefits of nature.
As you’ve seen, each destination provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and the thrill of reeling in an exciting catch.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your gear and have your breath taken away!
Do you know some wonderful camping locations for fishing?
There are some lovely places abundant with natural beauty, some with great fishing options. Do let us know your thoughts on the above 7 locations above and if you would add to it.
Jill Goodwin, a seasoned wordsmith and avid outdoor enthusiast, skillfully weaves her passion for adventure into the fabric of her captivating storytelling. Accompanied by her loyal Australian Shepherd, Finn, Jill's content springs to life, immersing readers in the untamed beauty of landscapes and the spirit of exploration.
Lovely compilation! We love to visit places closer to nature. Though not much into fishing, these locations look excellent for camping.
I in general, love kayaking -whether in the sea or the river or lake. The latter two are a little placid comparatively which makes it easier to enjoy the landscape. Among the ones you recommended, Jocassee lake appealed to me owing to the hidden coves. That will add such a thrill to the activity. I like the idea of Haida Gawaii too – definitely would love to spot the whales if I could!
I’m not a fisherwoman, but I would like to explore some of your recommendations here. The Haida Gwaii sounds best for me as I like salmon. It’s even better with the possibility of seeing humpbacks and bears while fishing. Fishing and camping at the Gulf of Mexico and San Juan Islands sound great because you can enjoy your fresh catch on the beach.
Ah! I’ve heard so much about the San Juan Islands. I’d love to head there to kayak. I’m not that far from South Carolina, so maybe I’ll check out Lake Jocassee. The Appalachians are so pretty!
You sure put some ideas in my head with this post. I am not into fishing but these places are for sure great camping and hiking places. One of them I did not think about is the Everglades National Park: in my mind’s eye I always think about the gators as I have seen them there. Being able to spot a seahorse would be very nice indeed. I would also love to catch migratory whales in San Juan in summer too!
Love this adventure – kayaking, fishing and camping. Fantastic locations. I have been to Everglades and Lake Taupo. It is interesting you get diverse fish,crabs and shrimps due to the saline and fresh water. I can understand how exciting it would be to kayak through this place with mangroves and intricate waterways. Kayak fishing in Taupo and Turangi must have been awesome with the scenic location.
These all sound like great locations for camping if you are going on a fishing trip. I have never been on one, but I have stumbled upon some fantastic locations during my hiking trips. The one I think would be incredible is in Nova Scotia, in the Keji National Park. I hiked there and the forest borders the lake. There are a few camping spots just on the lake, where people were preparing camp when I left. I can imagine that sleeping there over night is magical, especially with a lot of wildlife around and the undisturbed sounds of the forest.
Loving all, of these locations and will for sure check out the first one in South Carolina when I go down to visit my mom 😉 It looks and sounds wonderful!
I haven’t been to any of these locations, but they look like fun. I am working on a bucket list, so perhaps I’ll add a location or two from here to it.
I love the idea of heading out on a kayak to explore the waterways. Although I must admit that packing a tent to camp along the way might be a challenge. But you sure found some lovely spots to camp while kayaking. And what amazing views you got in the early mornings and late days. I think a tour operator would be a good option for fishing around the San Juan Islands. I might not be too sure I would want to kayak in whale season – despite the amazing sights you might get. Awesome options around the world!
These all look like such amazing spots! Wow! I would love to visit some of them! Thanks for this!
WOW, you have listed some really nice places to camp. It’s been so long since we went camping, I think next summer I’m going to visit the Everglades National Park, when I go to Florida!
You can’t go kayaking but I highly recommend going fishing along the Frying Pan river in Colorado. It is a beautiful area and several campgrounds too.
My sister is the kayak expert in our family. She loves to go and sometimes goes by herself (which makes me a little nervous!) but she just loves it.
I’d love to take a couples trip to any of these locations with my husband. He loves to fish, and we both love the water.
Hhhhmmm…Lake Taupo has caught my mind a lot. I believe I will catch some fresh water fish in there. Thanks for the review on it.
Each of these camping locations sound ideal. I can just imagine the family enjoying the natural beauty while kayaking and fishing.
I wish we had something similar in the Philippines where we can catch large fish in the lakes, providing an opportunity to relax and connect with nature.
I’m so excited to plan a camping trip for my boys. This sounds so good to have a relaxing vacation as well
oh my.. all of these spots look like great destinations to vacation and relax in.
I have never been to those places but I am pretty sure that those are pretty places to visit. I just hope to visit them someday!
wow! These are wonderful places! I would like to visit them all!
Such wonderful places! My bestie loves kayaking and fishing! I need to share these places info with her asap.
We used to camp at Algonquin Park every summer. Such a beautiful area!
I can almost feel the excitement of fishing in the Gulf of California’s warm waters and the serenity of camping under the starlit sky in Haida Gwaii.
All of these locations sound amazing. I would even try fishing and normally it doesn’t appeal to me.