My boys and I are wanting to do some "primitive" camping this year. I was thinking about the Brazos below PK. I plan to buy a canoe here soon. I wanted to get your opinion on how it would be to paddle about 3-5 miles down, set up camp for 2 days and paddle back up?

I really don't want to try the full 19 mile trip as I know some of the areas of slack water can get tough paddling in to the wind. My boys are 12 and may not be helpful, LOL. I know we can't hike away from the river, but prolly hike along the river some too.

I'd do the full trip way before I would try to paddle upstream! Take a trolling motor with a small lithium battery. It's been a long time since I went but we always camped on the island near the Boy Scout camp.

I've done it in a kayak, but it was one of those kyak's with the kick pedals. And it was hell. Like bronco said do the trolling motor thing with the lithium battery and get you one of those squared off end canoes that are made for mounting a small motor. Note, when you launch go upstream to the dam first, there's some good fishing up there, then go downstream to fish.

If doing the canoe thing. I’d vote the whole trip also -
And take at least an extra prop, shallow rocks can sneak up on you quickly-

Those boys will remember that trip forever-

you can paddle back up pretty easily
as long as they are not releasing water
it is a blast

I've done two trips this year. The first one I went downstream about 3.5-4 miles and went back upstream the next day when they were releasing ~160cfs. The other trip was the full 19.5 mile trip at 50 cfs. Both trips were in an old town sportsman 120 pdl. Didn't have much problems going back upstream against 160 cfs and I also didn't really have much trouble "dragging" at 50cfs. Most of the "dragging" involved just standing up next to the kayak and letting it float over the 20-50 foot shallow riffle I encountered. Highly recommend the trip!!

Thanks Y'all!

Bring polarized glasses. The water is pretty clear and you can see carp everywhere. I'd even bring some stuff to catch a few of them. They are a blast to catch

If you do use a trolling motor. Be sure to get your sticker. I've seen many people ticketed for trolling motors without stickers. I've done the full trip several times. It has been years but I took my oldest with me on one trip. We had a blast even with the paddling against the wind. A kayak would be better than a canoe if you are paddling.