Best Places to Kayak Near Ann Arbor, MI

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

30 nearby26 Lakes4 Rivers
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Ann Arbor

green trees and body of water during daytime1

Lake Whitmore

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
person in middle of body of water during daytime2

Independence Park

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime3

Bruin Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner16 mi away
body of water near green trees during daytime

Gallup Park

Michigan · 4.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Independence Park

Michigan · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Fourmile Lake

Michigan · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Lake Whitmore

Michigan · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Portage Lake

Michigan · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Ford Lake Park

Michigan · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Belleville West

Michigan · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

North Lake

Michigan · 13.5 mi

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

Pickerel Lake

Michigan · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Crooked Lake

Michigan · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Halfmoon Lake

Michigan · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Hi-Land Lake

Michigan · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Michigan · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Walsh Lake

Michigan · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Gosling Lake

Michigan · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Bishop Lake

Michigan · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Green Lake

Michigan · 15.7 mi

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

Doyle Lake

Michigan · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Appleton Lake

Michigan · 16.0 mi

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

Sullivan Lake

Michigan · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Mill Lake

Michigan · 16.2 mi

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

Chilson Pond

Michigan · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Bruin Lake

Michigan · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

South Lake

Michigan · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Huron River Fishing Site

Michigan · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green-leafed trees

Belleville East

Michigan · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Chenango Lake

Michigan · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Crooked Lake

Michigan · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Joslin Lake

Michigan · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Lake Winnewana

Michigan · 17.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ann Arbor.

Saline, MI8 miDexter, MI8 miYpsilanti, MI8 miBridgewater, MI10 miWhitmore Lake, MI10 miHamburg, MI12 miChelsea, MI13 miLakeland, MI13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Ann Arbor, MI?

Top picks near Ann Arbor include Lake Whitmore, Independence Park, Bruin Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Ann Arbor?

Near Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor?

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