Best Places to Kayak Near Big Bend, CA

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

30 nearby26 Lakes3 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Big Bend

a person swimming in a lake1

Whiskey Creek

Standout kayak fishing on Whiskeytown Lake

LakeBeginner42 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach2

Shasta Lake (Bailey Cove)

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

LakeBeginner26 mi away
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime3

Shasta Lake (Packers Bay)

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lake McCloud

California · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park

California · 13.2 mi

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A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Britton

California · 14.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Shasta Lake (Hirz Bay)

California · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Siilverthorn Resort Associates

California · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Shasta Lake (Jones Valley)

California · 25.2 mi

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a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Jones Valley

California · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Jones Valley Resort

California · 25.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Antlers Resort & Marina

California · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Holiday Harbor Resort & Marina (O'Brien)

California · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Shasta Lake (Bailey Cove)

California · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Shasta Lake (Antlers)

California · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

California · 26.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Sugarloaf Resort

California · 27.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Shasta Lake (Packers Bay)

California · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Sisiyou Camp-Resort, Inc.

California · 29.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Digger Bay Marina

California · 32.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Shasta Lake (Centimundi)

California · 33.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

McCumber Reservoir

California · 34.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Caldwell Park (Lake Redding )

California · 39.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat

Keswick Boat

California · 39.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Wyntoon Resort (Trinity Lake KOA)

California · 40.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

South Bonnyview Fishing Access

California · 40.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees during daytime

Trintiy Center Marina

California · 40.9 mi

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a person swimming in a lake

Trinity Lake National Recreation Area (Trinity Center )

California · 40.9 mi

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A couple of people on water skis in the water

Medicine Lake

California · 42.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Whiskey Creek

California · 42.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Shastina Fishing Access/Boat)

California · 42.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Oak Bottom Marina

California · 43.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Brandy Creek Marina

California · 44.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Big Bend.

Montgomery Creek, CA8 miRound Mountain, CA16 miBurney, CA16 miMccloud, CA20 miBella Vista, CA21 miCassel, CA22 miCastella, CA23 miDunsmuir, CA23 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Big Bend, CA?

Top picks near Big Bend include Whiskey Creek, Shasta Lake (Bailey Cove), Shasta Lake (Packers Bay). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Big Bend?

Near Big Bend 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 Big Bend?

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