Best Places to Kayak Near Bethesda, MD

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

30 nearby11 Rivers7 Canals5 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Maryland

Top Picks Near Bethesda

blue sky over lake during daytime1

Georgetown Visitor Center

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

CanalBeginner6 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime2

Lake Burke

Standout kayak fishing on Burke Lake

LakeBeginner19 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset3

Greenbridge

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

ReservoirBeginner16 mi away
a person rowing a boat

Fletchers Cove

District of Columbia · 4.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sky over lake during daytime

Georgetown Visitor Center

District of Columbia · 5.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Anglers Inn - Canal

Maryland · 6.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Anglers Inn - River

Maryland · 6.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow red and blue kayak lot

Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 7.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal

Maryland · 8.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Aqueduct Lock 20 - River

Maryland · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Swains Lock - Canal

Maryland · 8.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swains Lock - River

Maryland · 8.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person rowing a boat

Gravelly Point Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Gravelly Point

Virginia · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Bladensburg

Maryland · 9.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Anacostia Park Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 9.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Capital Cove Marina (Bolling Air Force Base)

District of Columbia · 10.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Pennyfield Lock

Maryland · 11.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Brown's Bridge Recreation Area

Maryland · 13.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Violettes Lock / Lock 23

Maryland · 13.6 mi

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

Seneca Creek State Park - Clopper Lake

Maryland · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Seneca Creek Landing - boat ramp

Maryland · 14.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Supplee Lane Recreation Area

Maryland · 15.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by tall grass and trees

Scotts Cove

Maryland · 15.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Greenbridge

Maryland · 15.8 mi

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

Pig Tail Recreation Area at Triadelphia Reservoir Lake

Maryland · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Tridelphia Lake Recreation Area

Maryland · 17.7 mi

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

Big Branch Recreation Area at Triadelphia Lake

Maryland · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Sycamore Landing

Maryland · 18.3 mi

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

Black Hill Regional Park boat ramp

Maryland · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lake Burke

Virginia · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Ft. Washington Marina

Maryland · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Piscataway Park

Maryland · 20.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bethesda.

Chevy Chase, MD1 miGlen Echo, MD2 miCabin John, MD3 miKensington, MD3 miGarrett Park, MD4 miMc Lean, VA5 miTakoma Park, MD5 miSilver Spring, MD6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Bethesda, MD?

Top picks near Bethesda include Georgetown Visitor Center, Lake Burke, Greenbridge. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Bethesda?

Near Bethesda 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 Bethesda?

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