Best Places to Kayak Near Amherst, VA

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

30 nearby22 Rivers7 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Virginia
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Mill Creek

Virginia · 4.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stone House Creek

Virginia · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Thrasher's Creek

Virginia · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Nelson

Virginia · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Joshua Falls

Virginia · 12.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Bent Creek

Virginia · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man surfing on a wave

Reed Creek Landing

Virginia · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Wingina

Virginia · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Snowden

Virginia · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man surfing on a wave

Midway

Virginia · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

VMI Route 60 Bridge

Virginia · 20.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Locker Landing

Virginia · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Glasgow

Virginia · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Howardsville

Virginia · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Slate River Lake

Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Horsepen Lake Water Management Area

Virginia · 27.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Arcadia

Virginia · 32.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Ridgeview Park

Virginia · 32.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Scottsville

Virginia · 33.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Robertson

Virginia · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Basic Park

Virginia · 34.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Buchanan

Virginia · 34.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Hardware River

Virginia · 36.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Long Island

Virginia · 36.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Alta Vista

Virginia · 36.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Horseshoe Bend

Virginia · 37.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Hardware River/Rt. 6

Virginia · 37.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Springwood

Virginia · 38.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Beaver Creek Lake

Virginia · 39.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Brookneal

Virginia · 39.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Amherst include Lake Nelson, Beaver Creek Lake, Stone House Creek. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, 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.