Bastrop River Company

Bastrop is known for amazing restaurants, boutique shops with one-of-a-kind gifts, and local charm, but that’s really just the tip of the iceberg of what this Texas town has to offer. What makes a community like The Colony so appealing is its proximity to outdoor activities that make the most of the area’s natural beauty and deliver a lot of fun in the process.

Bastrop River Company is a local paddling outfitter that shows residents of Bastrop and visitors alike just how much fun can be found on the area’s local waterways. From solo kayak and canoe rentals to guide-led overnight river camping trips, hitting the water with Bastrop River Co. is all about a good time in the great outdoors.

For the first seven years of business, the company literally ran out of “an old shack” with a fleet of kayaks and canoes and some “rickety vans.” What the river company may have lacked in a fancy building, however, it more than made up for in showing customers a lot of fun on the water. Owner Lee Harle moved the business to a new location in 2020 inside Fisherman’s Park (1200 Willow St, Bastrop, TX 78602) and has a fleet of 200 watercraft ready to be taken out for the next adventure. 

What you need to know

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or you’ve never so much as dipped a paddle in the water, Bastrop River Co. is all about showing people of all ages and skill levels how much fun can be had with a day on the river. Children must be at least 5 years of age to paddle and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult in canoes. In case you were wondering, yes, your water-loving pup is welcome aboard too.

All trips happen on the Colorado River, which is a Class I river, so you won’t be hitting any whitewater. Weather conditions can affect the river’s current, but for the most part, we’re talking lazy river speed. 

A variety of trips are offered, giving folks the option of spending just a few hours on the river or the entire day. The company’s most popular trip, for example, is The El Camino Real Paddle Trail. You’ll launch right from Fisherman’s Park and spend two to three hours paddling on the water before exiting the river at the Colorado River Refuge. Shuttle vans will then pick you up and bring you back to your vehicle. 

What makes this trip so appealing is that there are plenty of spots along the six-mile stretch of river to swim, picnic, or simply soak up some sun and appreciate the natural beauty. Prices for this trip start at $50 for a kayak rental and include your lifejacket and a dry box for your cell phone. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but as any Texan knows, the river is a pretty popular place in the summer, so reservations are recommended. 

A relaxing day on the river is one of the best ways to spend the day in Bastrop. If you’re looking for a new home here with close proximity to an array of family-friendly activities, dining, shopping, employment opportunities, and more, contact us today.