Best Places to Kayak Near Brainerd, MN

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

30 nearby25 Lakes5 Rivers
← All paddling in Minnesota

Top Picks Near Brainerd

calm body of water1

Clark Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner10 mi away
yellow canoe on body of water2

Rowe Road

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a group of people in a small boat on a lake3

Lake Hubert

Just 10 miles from Brainerd — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Evergreen

Minnesota · 1.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water

Lum Park

Minnesota · 1.9 mi

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

Gilbert Lake

Minnesota · 2.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
selective focus photography of boat tip

French Rapids

Minnesota · 3.8 mi

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

Perch Lake

Minnesota · 3.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of 2 people riding on boat during sunset

White Sand Lake

Minnesota · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Red Sand Lake

Minnesota · 4.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Whipple Lake

Minnesota · 4.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in a small boat on a lake

North Long Lake (South)

Minnesota · 6.3 mi

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

Round Lake

Minnesota · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in a small boat on a lake

South Long Lake

Minnesota · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a person in a kayak

North Long Lake (Northwest)

Minnesota · 7.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two people in a canoe on a lake

North Long Lake, Merrifield

Minnesota · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water

Upper South Long Lake

Minnesota · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake during daytime

Dade Lake

Minnesota · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow canoe on body of water

Sylvan Lake

Minnesota · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in a small boat on a lake

Crow Wing

Minnesota · 8.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow canoe on body of water

Government Point

Minnesota · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Gladstone Lake

Minnesota · 8.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in a small boat on a lake

Gull Lake (East)

Minnesota · 9.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Fisherman's Bank #4

Minnesota · 9.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in a small boat on a lake

Lake Hubert

Minnesota · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a person in a kayak

Sagamore Pit (Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area)

Minnesota · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a person in a kayak

Fawn Lake

Minnesota · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two people in a canoe on a lake

Edwards Lake

Minnesota · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water

Little Rabbit Lake #1

Minnesota · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow canoe on body of water

Wilder Landing #2

Minnesota · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water

Clark Lake

Minnesota · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow canoe on body of water

Rowe Road

Minnesota · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake during daytime

Hay Lake

Minnesota · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Brainerd.

Baxter, MN4 miMerrifield, MN9 miPillager, MN10 miNisswa, MN10 miLake Hubert, MN10 miFort Ripley, MN10 miIronton, MN11 miGarrison, MN14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Brainerd, MN?

Top picks near Brainerd include Clark Lake, Rowe Road, Lake Hubert. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Brainerd?

Near Brainerd 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 Brainerd?

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