Like most families, we’re constantly on the go. Whether it’s running from one school function to another, in between practices, or daily errands like groceries and gas, there doesn’t seem to be enough time with the family. Like, actually spending time together rather than coexisting in the same room. So when I came across an opportunity to go kayaking this summer, I jumped at the chance. Here’s why you should book a kayaking experience with Lynn Camp Launch (or your local kayaking operator), what you need to bring, where to stay, and other family-friendly activities nearby.
Big thanks to Hart County Tourism for sponsoring our visit and introducing us to Lynn Camp Launch.
What is Lynn Camp Launch?
Lynn Camp Launch is a privately-owned kayaking operator and local tour guide. They have 17 kayaks and four canoes to fit families, friends, and other groups of almost any size.
Fees vary depending on whether you’re renting a kayak or a canoe. And there’s a small fee if you bring your own kayak, canoe, or boat. Children 15 and under are free with a paid adult.
When you’re ready to book your trip, contact Lynn Camp Launch at 270-537-4727.
Where did we kayak in Kentucky?
While floating down the Green River, you’ll depart from Lynn Camp Launch. The kayak experience tends to last 4 to 6 hours, depending on how fast you paddle, how many breaks you take, and how long each break is. We finished in about 4.5 hours because we didn’t come prepared with a picnic basket. I would have loved to relax more on one of the many naturally occurring sandbar islands along the way, but I didn’t prepare as much in advance as I should have.
About 1/3 of the way into kayaking with Lynn Camp Launch, we stopped to explore the 300 Springs Waterfall. It was really pretty, even though it hadn’t rained too much lately.
Other floats may be available during the season, so inquire with Lynn Camp Launch if you’re looking for a unique experience or something in particular.
9 essential items to bring when kayaking
We had so much fun kayaking with Lynn Camp Launch, but it was our first time on the river together. As you can imagine, we learned some valuable lessons about what we should have brought with us to make the experience more enjoyable. Please use our Amazon links to support the site.
- Lightweight Waterproof Dry Bag 5L with Roll Top – $9.99. Keep all of your personal items (like car keys, wallets, and phones) clean and dry.
- Quick-Dry Aqua Socks / Water Shoes for Men or Women – $9.99. Protect your feet in and out of the kayak, especially when stopping at mid-stream islands and when entering and exiting the river.
- Waterproof iPhone Case with Built-in Screen Protector – $39.99. Keep your phone covered, while still being able to use it to take pictures of the scenery and your family during the float.
- Titan by Artic Zone Zipperless Hardbody Cooler – $46.99. Bring drinks and food with you for a picnic during the day and replenish your energy. This cooler keeps your snacks cold with a large, leakproof interior and insulated front compartment. Comes in multiple sizes (9, 16, 30, and 48 cans) and eight colors.
- Waterproof, Gel Anti-Slip Kayak Seat Cushion – $19.99. After a few hours on the river, your booty starts to get sore sitting in the kayak. We stopped at various points to stretch our legs, but I would have been much happier with one of these seat cushions.
- Lightweight, Foldable, Cooling Bucket Hat – $29.99. Protects your face and neck from the sun, and you can dip it in the water to cool off in the afternoon heat.
- Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray and Face Stick – $13.99 / $13.49. Although there is a lot of shade from the overhanging trees, you can get sunburned very easily when kayaking on the river for 4 to 6 hours.
- Ultra-Portable, Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker – $39.95. Listen to your favorite tunes while paddling down the river with this JBL Go 4 waterproof speaker.
- Oversized, Quick-Dry Travel & Beach Towels – $44.99 for a six-pack. Perfect for drying off when the kayaking is over and to cover your seats when driving home. With the XL size, can also be used to cover your body while changing clothes at your car.
Where to stay when kayaking with Lynn Camp Launch
Hart County, Kentucky, has a mix of name-brand hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals to choose from. While I typically prefer redeeming points and miles while traveling, I also love to book unique experiences while traveling. And there are plenty of both available in Horse Cave, Kentucky, and the local area to fit your travel needs and style.
- Horse Cave KOA. They have traditional camping hookups for RVs that you’d expect at any KOA location. But they also feature small cabins, Conestoga Wagons, and treehouses when you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.
- Holiday Inn Express. Cash rates are under $200 a night during summer weekends. Rooms are available for under 40,000 points, making this property a good redemption for your IHG credit card’s annual free night certificate.
- Quality Inn & Suites. Rooms are often available for under $100 a night, or you can redeem Choice Privileges points for 15,000 points per night.
- Dog Creek Campground. Sleep under the stars on the banks of Nolin Lake for around $20 a night. There’s a boat launching ramp, a shower house, wildlife area, and more to enjoy during your stay.
- Southern Comfort Tiny Home & RV Park. We don’t have an RV, but staying in a tiny home sounds like a lot of fun while on vacation.
There are plenty of homes, condos, and ranches available on Airbnb and VRBO. Before booking a vacation rental, check out our 11 pros and cons of booking with Airbnb.
Other family-friendly local activities in Hart County, Kentucky
While this part of Kentucky is pretty rural and has a small-town feel, there are still plenty of fun activities that your kids (and you) will love. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Hart County, Kentucky.
- Feed a capybara and pet a kangaroo at Kentucky Down Under (learn how to get free admission)
- Grab a fresh pastry at Farmwald’s Restaurant Bakery and Gift Shop
- Sample farm-fresh, homemade meals at Green River Hill Grocery
- Go exploring at Hidden River Cave (and American Cave Museum) or take the off-trail tour
- Take a tractor ride through Dutch Country Safari Park
- Pick fresh produce and preserves at Dennison’s Roadside Market
- Visit Mammoth Cave National Park for above-ground hiking or dozens of underground tours
The Bald Thoughts about kayaking with Lynn Camp Launch
Kayaking with Lynn Camp Launch was an excellent way to spend the day with family. Scarlett and I have been kayaking before, but Anna and Timothy have not. It was a fun experience for all of us to kayak down the Green River on a warm summer day. Hart County, Kentucky, is less than 90 minutes from where we live in Nashville. It’s an easy place to go for a day trip or a weekend getaway. And whether you’re floating down the river, exploring a cave, petting exotic wildlife, or enjoying the local cuisine, it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville and our daily responsibilities.
