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Stay & Paddle: Adirondack Lodging With Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards

By Joe Legault

Adirondack lodging with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards gives travelers a relaxed, hands-on way to experience the region’s lakes and scenic waterways. Many of these properties sit right on the shore, offering direct water access and boat use.

From quiet retreats tucked in the woods to spacious lakefront resorts, each stay pairs comfort with the chance to get out and paddle at your own pace.

Blue Mountain Lake Area – Central Adirondacks

The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake

two kayakers on lake

Tucked among six million acres of forest and lakes, The Hedges blends historic Adirondack style with laid-back comfort. With over 30 lodging options—from 19th-century lodge rooms to mid-century cabins—it’s a place that invites both families and couples to slow down and enjoy the setting.

Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are just the beginning. You’ll also find a sandy beach, tennis courts, porches, and game rooms throughout the property. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon hopping between the dock, the water, and a cozy chair by the fire.

Hemlock Hall

woman in kayak with girl

Hemlock Hall sits on the north shore of Blue Mountain Lake, offering guests a timeless retreat in one of the Adirondack Park’s most iconic locations. The atmosphere is relaxed and rooted in tradition—this is a place where families return year after year.

Paddling is part of the rhythm here. Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are free to use, and there’s a beach with a swimming area and raft for cooling off. After time on the water, many unwind at the firepit, take in the lake views, or relax on the porch.

Prospect Point Cottages

a scenic lake beach with sandy shoreline and dock

With large windows and porches overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, Prospect Point Cottages makes it easy to soak in the scenery. Each cottage offers a bit of rustic charm—some with skylights, cathedral ceilings, or wood-paneled interiors—and plenty of space to settle in.

For those eager to paddle, a fleet of canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats is available at no cost. Staff are quick to recommend scenic routes or quiet corners of the lake where loons and other wildlife are often spotted.

Long Lake Area – Central Adirondacks

Journey’s End Cottages

woman kayaking on a lake

Nestled along the shoreline of Long Lake, Journey’s End offers a low-key lakefront experience with just the right mix of comfort and simplicity. Cottages and a larger lake house include kitchens, full baths, and front-row views of the water.

Early risers often head straight to the dock with a coffee in hand, then grab a kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle. With picnic tables, barbecue grills, and pet-friendly rentals, it’s easy to settle in for a relaxed, outdoorsy stay.

Motel Long Lake and Cottages

view of a sandy motel beach

This family-owned property in the heart of Long Lake has been welcoming visitors for generations. Cottages and motel rooms are steps from the water, and the location offers easy access to the hamlet’s shops and restaurants.

Canoes and kayaks are plentiful and free for guests to use. Many spend hours exploring the lake, then gather back on the private beach or dock to catch the sunset.

North Creek & Chestertown – Southern Central Adirondacks

Garnet Hill Lodge

two kayakers on a scenic lake in the woods

Surrounded by mountains and tucked above Thirteenth Lake, Garnet Hill Lodge offers a peaceful escape in the Adirondacks. Rooms are rustic and inviting, and the lodge itself is a hub for outdoor lovers throughout the year.

The lake is just over a mile from the main lodge, where a fleet of canoes and kayaks is available to reserve. Those looking for more adventure can book a guided trip or paddle across the lake to trailheads that lead to nearby peaks and ponds.

The Fern Lodge

people on a small boat

The Fern Lodge is an intimate, high-end retreat on Friends Lake with beautifully appointed rooms, stone fireplaces, and luxury baths. It's a hideaway that combines rustic elegance with modern comfort.

Along the shoreline, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are ready for use. Some prefer a self-guided paddle while others opt for the lodge’s scenic boat tour, complete with drinks and small bites—perfect for a relaxed afternoon on the water.

Southern Adirondacks – Near Lake George & Northville

Lake George Escape

people heading down river in kayaks and canoe

Just a short drive from the village of Lake George, this 178-acre campground offers a lively stay packed with on-site activities. Guests can choose from cabin rentals, RV sites, or campsites tucked into wooded surroundings.

Kayaks and canoes are available to rent along the Schroon River, giving paddlers a fun and accessible way to explore the calm waters that wind past the property.

Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center

a row of colorful kayaks and canoes

Lapland Lake is a peaceful woodland retreat in Northville with Finnish-inspired lodging and year-round outdoor access. Accommodations range from studios to multi-room cabins, all with kitchens and private entrances.

The 70-acre Woods Lake sits quietly on the property, reserved for non-motorized use. Guests can take out complimentary kayaks, canoes, rowboats, or a paddle boat, all in a serene setting ideal for nature lovers.

Western Adirondacks – Old Forge, Eagle Bay & Hinckley Lake

Old Forge Camping Resort

green canoes on a sandy beach with duck family in the water

Set on 130 acres near Old Forge, this year-round resort includes cabins, cottages, and hundreds of sites for tents and RVs. It’s a favorite with families looking to balance nature with convenience.

Paddleboats and canoes can be rented by the hour and launched from the shores of Lake Serene. With trails, a private beach, and kid-friendly amenities, there's plenty to keep everyone busy before and after time on the water.

Covewood Lodge

path leading down to a lake and dock

Covewood Lodge on Big Moose Lake is a Great Camp–style property filled with Adirondack charm. The historic main lodge and rustic cabins create a welcoming atmosphere where guests often return year after year.

Non-motorized boats—like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards—are complimentary for guests. Motorboat and sailboat rentals are also available, and water skiing is offered for all experience levels.

Kuyahoora Lodge & Resort

colorful kayaks in a rack by a lake

Kuyahoora Lodge & Resort offers a mix of luxury and nature along the shores of Hinckley Lake. With 13,000 square feet of space, multiple floors, game rooms, and a full restaurant, it’s built for gatherings and scenic getaways alike.

Paddleboarding and kayaking are part of the experience here. The resort’s private beach offers lake access, and complimentary equipment is ready for those looking to explore the water without leaving the property.

Northern Adirondacks – Lake Champlain Region

Paradise Retreat

people heading out onto a lake in kayaks

Set along Lake Champlain in Chazy, Paradise Retreat is a comfortable, family-friendly vacation rental that feels like a home away from home. With plenty of space inside and out, it’s ideal for groups or multigenerational stays.

Paddlers will find kayaks and a paddleboat on-site, along with life jackets and a quiet shoreline that’s perfect for launching. It’s a peaceful location for spending time on the water, with local parks and small-town attractions just a short drive away.

Plan Your Adirondack Paddling Getaway

Staying somewhere that includes canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards makes it easy to experience the Adirondacks at water level. These properties invite you to slow down, step outside, and start your day right from the dock.

With so many lakes and quiet corners to explore, it only takes a few paddle strokes to feel like you’re in the heart of something special. Wherever you decide to stay, the adventure starts right outside your door.

Discover more fun on the water in the Adirondacks >>

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man with glasses with forest background
About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.
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