Best Places to Kayak Near Bear Lake, MI

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

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Rivers
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Bear Lake

woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime1

Penfold Park

Standout kayak fishing on Betsie Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime2

Onekama Village Park

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

LakeBeginner6 mi away
green trees and body of water during daytime3

Frankfort Municipal Marina

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a body of water with trees around it

Bear Lake

Michigan · 1.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Glovers Lake

Michigan · 5.0 mi

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

Onekama Village Park

Michigan · 5.7 mi

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

Arcadia Veterans Memorial Marina

Michigan · 6.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Portage Lake North Pierhead Lighthouse

Michigan · 6.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Healy Lake

Michigan · 7.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Healy Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 7.1 mi

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

Kurick Road

Michigan · 9.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of road between trees

Manistee River

Michigan · 9.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Bear Creek

Michigan · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Upper Herring Lake

Michigan · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Lower Herring Lake

Michigan · 10.2 mi

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

Homestead Dam

Michigan · 11.8 mi

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

US-31

Michigan · 11.9 mi

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

Grace Road

Michigan · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under white sky during daytime

Blacksmith Bayou

Michigan · 12.8 mi

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

River Road

Michigan · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

High Bridge

Michigan · 13.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Penfold Park

Michigan · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Insta Launch Campground and Marina

Michigan · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Crystal Lake (South)

Michigan · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Frankfort Municipal Marina

Michigan · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Penny Park

Michigan · 14.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Arthur Street

Michigan · 14.8 mi

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

Sengs Marina

Michigan · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Crystal Lake Marina

Michigan · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

Tippy Dam Tailwaters

Michigan · 15.4 mi

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

Tippy Dam

Michigan · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Douglas Park

Michigan · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

2nd Avenue

Michigan · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bear Lake.

Onekama, MI6 miKaleva, MI6 miArcadia, MI7 miThompsonville, MI11 miBenzonia, MI12 miBrethren, MI12 miCopemish, MI13 miElberta, MI14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Bear Lake, MI?

Top picks near Bear Lake include Penfold Park, Onekama Village Park, Frankfort Municipal Marina. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Bear Lake?

Near Bear Lake 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 Bear Lake?

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