Howell’s Riverfront is a family-owned rental and shuttle facility on the banks of the Colorado River in Columbus, Texas, located adjacent to the historic site where Robson’s Castle once stood. Formerly known as Howell Canoe Livery from 1996-2019, the Howell family no longer rents canoes or kayaks directly but continues providing shuttle service for boat owners paddling the TPWD Columbus Paddling Trail — a scenic 6.1-mile section of the Colorado River beginning at Howell’s Riverfront and ending at nearby Beason’s Park, featuring islands, light rapids, and a creek joining the river about halfway through the trip.
The rental facility itself doubles as an ideal location for family reunions, birthday parties, and meetings, right on the riverbank. For guests wanting to bring their own kayak or canoe, Howell’s arranges the shuttle for a nominal fee (call for pricing on longer trips). River tubing enthusiasts are directed to nearby Waldo’s Camp for float trip arrangements from Howell’s Riverfront.
The Colorado River here is considered a light Class I river, mostly flat with two short sections of light rapids, though a strong south wind can make conditions choppy. Standard river safety practices apply: know your swimming ability, wear a properly fastened life jacket at all times, avoid overloading or standing in the watercraft, wear river shoes, and pack food, drinks, and dry clothing in watertight, securely tied containers.
Guest reviews are extraordinarily warm, describing the Howell family as friendly, hospitable, and knowledgeable, with several longtime customers noting more than 10 years of repeat visits for both kayak launches and shuttle service. Reviewers consistently describe a peaceful, scenic drift past sandy banks, wildlife (birds, ducks, deer, and cattle), and fun light rapids along the way.
Hours run Monday and Thursday-Sunday, 8am-5pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
For paddlers, families, and event groups near Columbus, Texas looking for a genuinely warm, long-established shuttle service and riverside gathering spot on the Colorado River, Howell’s Riverfront offers a beloved local operation with deep roots in the community.
