Best Places to Kayak Near Bethesda, MD
30 public launch points within 50 miles of Bethesda, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.
Top Picks Near Bethesda
1Georgetown Visitor Center
Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding
2Greenbridge
Standout kayak fishing on Patuxent River - Tridelphia Reservoir
3Scotts Cove
Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms
Fletchers Cove
District of Columbia · 4.3 mi
Georgetown Visitor Center
District of Columbia · 5.7 mi
Anglers Inn - Canal
Maryland · 6.8 mi
Anglers Inn - River
Maryland · 6.9 mi
Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 7.8 mi
Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal
Maryland · 8.0 mi
Aqueduct Lock 20 - River
Maryland · 8.1 mi
Swains Lock - Canal
Maryland · 8.4 mi
Swains Lock - River
Maryland · 8.4 mi
Gravelly Point Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 8.7 mi
Gravelly Point
Virginia · 8.7 mi
Bladensburg
Maryland · 9.3 mi
Rock Creek Regional Park at Lake Needwood
Maryland · 9.5 mi
Anacostia Park Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 9.9 mi
Capital Cove Marina (Bolling Air Force Base)
District of Columbia · 10.9 mi
Pennyfield Lock
Maryland · 11.6 mi
Brown's Bridge Recreation Area
Maryland · 13.6 mi
Violettes Lock / Lock 23
Maryland · 13.6 mi
Seneca Creek State Park - Riffle Ford Road Creek Access
Maryland · 13.8 mi
Seneca Creek State Park - Clopper Lake
Maryland · 13.9 mi
Seneca Creek Landing - boat ramp
Maryland · 14.3 mi
Berryville Road soft access
Maryland · 14.5 mi
Supplee Lane Recreation Area
Maryland · 15.3 mi
Scotts Cove
Maryland · 15.5 mi
Greenbridge
Maryland · 15.8 mi
Seneca Creek State Park - Rt. 28 Parking Lot Creek Access
Maryland · 16.2 mi
Pig Tail Recreation Area at Triadelphia Reservoir Lake
Maryland · 17.2 mi
Tridelphia Lake Recreation Area
Maryland · 17.7 mi
Big Branch Recreation Area at Triadelphia Lake
Maryland · 17.8 mi
Black Hill Regional Park soft access
Maryland · 18.0 mi
Paddling Near Other Cities
Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bethesda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to kayak near Bethesda, MD?
Top picks near Bethesda include Georgetown Visitor Center, Greenbridge, Scotts Cove. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, lakes.
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.