Best Places to Kayak Near Ararat, VA

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

30 nearby19 Rivers9 Lakes2 Creeks
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Ararat

green and brown trees beside lake during daytime1

Lovill's Creek

Standout kayak fishing on Lovills Creek Lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes2

Harry DeHaven Park

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

LakeBeginner32 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Salthouse Branch Park

A top-rated lake launch on Smith River - Lake Philpott

LakeBeginner29 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lovill's Creek

Virginia · 7.8 mi

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

JESSUP MILL

North Carolina · 9.8 mi

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

LUCK STONE

North Carolina · 12.5 mi

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

HART'S

North Carolina · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Allisonia

Virginia · 26.0 mi

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

Byllesby Pool

Virginia · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Oldtown

Virginia · 26.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Donnaha Park

North Carolina · 27.8 mi

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

Loafers Rest

Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Austinville

Virginia · 28.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Ivanhoe

Virginia · 28.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Beech Point

Virginia · 28.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Roland Branch

Virginia · 28.6 mi

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

Riverside

Virginia · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Philpott Marina

Virginia · 28.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Salthouse Branch Park

Virginia · 29.4 mi

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

Baywood

Virginia · 29.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Harry DeHaven Park

Virginia · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Dublin

Virginia · 31.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Crater Park

North Carolina · 31.9 mi

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

Claytor Dam

Virginia · 33.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Pine Hall

North Carolina · 33.4 mi

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

Riverview Park

Virginia · 34.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Yadkin Memorial Park

North Carolina · 35.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Piney Bluff

North Carolina · 35.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Independence

Virginia · 35.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

New River Canoe and Campground

Virginia · 35.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Huntsville Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 36.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ronda Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 36.4 mi

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

Peppers Ferry

Virginia · 37.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ararat.

Claudville, VA4 miLaurel Fork, VA6 miCana, VA9 miWhite Plains, NC10 miMount Airy, NC10 miMeadows Of Dan, VA10 miToast, NC10 miFancy Gap, VA11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ararat include Lovill's Creek, Harry DeHaven Park, Salthouse Branch Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Ararat?

Near Ararat 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 Ararat?

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