Best Places to Kayak Near Amherst, NE

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

30 nearby25 Lakes5 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Nebraska

Top Picks Near Amherst

A body of water with a rural scene.1

Ravenna Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
woman in black and red dress sitting on black boat on sea during daytime2

Holdrege City Lake

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

LakeBeginner28 mi away
A body of water with a rural scene.3

Cottonmill

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner12 mi away
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Coot Shallows Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Cottonmill

Nebraska · 11.6 mi

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

Union Pacific State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 11.8 mi

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

Blue Hole West WMA

Nebraska · 12.9 mi

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

Sandy Channel State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 13.6 mi

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

Kea West WMA

Nebraska · 14.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Kea Lake

Nebraska · 15.5 mi

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

Archway Lake #1

Nebraska · 17.1 mi

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

Bufflehead WMA

Nebraska · 17.7 mi

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

Fort Kearny SRA #7

Nebraska · 19.7 mi

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

Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Dogwood East

Nebraska · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Ravenna Lake

Nebraska · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in black and red dress sitting on black boat on sea during daytime

Holdrege City Lake

Nebraska · 28.2 mi

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

War Axe SRA

Nebraska · 28.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Phillips Canyon Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 29.3 mi

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

Darr

Nebraska · 31.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Ansley Park

Nebraska · 31.3 mi

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

Pressey WMA

Nebraska · 32.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Inlet

Nebraska · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Elwood Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 34.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

West Wood River Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 34.6 mi

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

Cheyenne State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 35.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Plum Creek Canyon Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 35.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near body of water during sunset

Thunder Bay

Nebraska · 36.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near body of water during sunset

Marina Bay

Nebraska · 37.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Tradewinds Marina

Nebraska · 37.6 mi

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

Cozad

Nebraska · 37.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area

Nebraska · 38.1 mi

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

Mallard Road

Nebraska · 38.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Amherst.

Miller, NE9 miRiverdale, NE9 miOdessa, NE10 miElm Creek, NE10 miPleasanton, NE11 miKearney, NE12 miSumner, NE15 miOverton, NE16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Amherst include Ravenna Lake, Holdrege City Lake, Cottonmill. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Amherst?

Near Amherst 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 Amherst?

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