Best Places to Kayak Near Bismarck, ND

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

30 nearby13 Lakes10 Rivers7 Reservoirs
← All paddling in North Dakota

Top Picks Near Bismarck

a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds1

Nelson Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
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Nelson Lake

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

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds3

Sweet Briar Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 2.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 4.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 5.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

McDowell Dam

North Dakota · 6.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 9.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 12.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Harmon Lake

North Dakota · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Crown Butte Dam

North Dakota · 15.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 22.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Fish Creek Dam

North Dakota · 22.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Sweet Briar Lake

North Dakota · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 23.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Sweet Briar Lake

North Dakota · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Nygren Dam

North Dakota · 26.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Nelson Lake

North Dakota · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Nelson Lake

North Dakota · 28.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 34.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

New Johns Lake

North Dakota · 35.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

New Johns Lake

North Dakota · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

East Arroda Dam

North Dakota · 35.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Braddock Dam

North Dakota · 36.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

East Park Lake

North Dakota · 37.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 39.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Danzig Dam

North Dakota · 39.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 41.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 41.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bismarck.

Mandan, ND6 miBaldwin, ND9 miMenoken, ND12 miSaint Anthony, ND17 miSterling, ND24 miWilton, ND24 miMoffit, ND25 miRegan, ND26 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Bismarck, ND?

Top picks near Bismarck include Nelson Lake, Nelson Lake, Sweet Briar Lake. 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 Bismarck?

Near Bismarck 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 Bismarck?

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