Best Places to Kayak Near Ames, NE

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Ames, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby28 Lakes2 Rivers
← All paddling in Nebraska

Top Picks Near Ames

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Memphis Lake State Recreation Area

Standout kayak fishing on Memphis Lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
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Graske Crossing Boat Ramp

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner24 mi away
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Main boat ramp

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fremont SRA 4

Nebraska · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fremont SRA 5

Nebraska · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fremont SRA 3

Nebraska · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Fremont State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 4.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fremont SRA 9

Nebraska · 4.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Fremont State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 4.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Fremont lake 20

Nebraska · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Fremont State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 5.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Lake 15 West State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 5.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Fremont State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 5.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Fremont State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Platte River- Hormel Park

Nebraska · 7.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Johnson Park Lake

Nebraska · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Czechland Lake Recreation

Nebraska · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Elkhorn Crossing Recreation

Nebraska · 19.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Homestead Lake Recreation

Nebraska · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Waterloo River Access

Nebraska · 22.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Red Cedar

Nebraska · 23.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Prairie View Recreation Area

Nebraska · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Graske Crossing Boat Ramp

Nebraska · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Newport Landing Circle

Nebraska · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Main boat ramp

Nebraska · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Flanagan Lake and Recreation Area

Nebraska · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Timber Point

Nebraska · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Memphis Lake State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Summit Lake

Nebraska · 27.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Main boat ramp

Nebraska · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A tranquil river winds through lush green trees.

Blair City

Nebraska · 29.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

rand access

Iowa · 29.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ames.

Cedar Bluffs, NE7 miNorth Bend, NE7 miMorse Bluff, NE8 miFremont, NE8 miNickerson, NE9 miColon, NE12 miMalmo, NE12 miWinslow, NE13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Ames, NE?

Top picks near Ames include Memphis Lake State Recreation Area, Graske Crossing Boat Ramp, Main boat ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Ames?

Near Ames you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Ames?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Ames are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.