Best Places to Kayak Near Big Sky, MT

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

30 nearby19 Rivers10 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Montana

Top Picks Near Big Sky

the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background1

Yellowstone

Standout kayak fishing on Madison River - Hebgen Lake

LakeBeginner34 mi away
person in white boat2

Dailey Lake

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

LakeBeginner27 mi away
blue and white kayak on lake during daytime3

Lonesomehurst

A top-rated lake launch on Madison River - Hebgen Lake

LakeBeginner39 mi away
A turquoise river flows through a lush canyon.

Valley Garden

Montana · 17.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ennis

Montana · 17.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Burnt Tree Hole

Montana · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green hillside

Eight Mile Ford

Montana · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Rushing turquoise river flowing past rocks.

Varney Bridge

Montana · 19.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green hillside

McAtee Bridge

Montana · 19.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Crystal Cross

Montana · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A turquoise river flows through a lush canyon.

Point of Rocks

Montana · 24.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Damselfly

Montana · 25.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Black's Ford

Montana · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Slip & Slide

Montana · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in white boat

Dailey Lake

Montana · 27.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Lyons Bridge

Montana · 28.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Greycliff

Montana · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background

Kirkwood Marina

Montana · 30.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Brogan's Landing

Montana · 31.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Emigrant

Montana · 31.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Emigrant West

Montana · 31.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Turbulent water rapids churn with white froth.

Raynolds' Pass

Montana · 32.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background

Harrison Lake

Montana · 33.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with cliffs and trees on the side

Grey Owl

Montana · 33.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Erwin Bridge

Montana · 34.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background

Yellowstone

Montana · 34.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Ruby Island

Montana · 36.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Loch Leven

Montana · 38.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue and white kayak on lake during daytime

Lonesomehurst

Montana · 38.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
frozen river

Mallard's Rest

Montana · 38.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Madison Arm Resort

Montana · 39.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with cliffs and trees on the side

Williams' Bridge

Montana · 39.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Rushing turquoise river flowing past rocks.

Sappington Bridge

Montana · 40.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Ennis, MT16 miCameron, MT17 miMc Allister, MT21 miNorris, MT23 miGallatin Gateway, MT24 miWest Yellowstone, MT27 miEmigrant, MT30 miBozeman, MT31 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Big Sky, MT?

Top picks near Big Sky include Yellowstone, Dailey Lake, Lonesomehurst. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Big Sky?

Near Big Sky 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 Sky?

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