Best Places to Kayak Near Bristow, VA

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

30 nearby13 Rivers6 Canals5 Creeks
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Bristow

green and brown trees beside lake during daytime1

Lake Burke

Standout kayak fishing on Burke Lake

LakeBeginner13 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Lake Curtis

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Lake Mooney Park

A top-rated lake launch on Lake Mooney Reservoir

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Lake Brittle

Virginia · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lake Burke

Virginia · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Curtis

Virginia · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Kelly's Ford

Virginia · 21.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Sweden Point Marina

Maryland · 21.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Mattingly Park / Slavin's Dock boat ramp

Maryland · 22.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Mallows Bay

Maryland · 22.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Marshall Hall

Maryland · 23.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Anglers Inn - River

Maryland · 24.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Anglers Inn - Canal

Maryland · 24.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal

Maryland · 24.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Aqueduct Lock 20 - River

Maryland · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Sycamore Landing

Maryland · 25.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Nanjemoy Wildlife Mgmt. Area (Formerly Purse State Park)

Maryland · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Hunting Run

Virginia · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Seneca Creek Landing - boat ramp

Maryland · 26.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Violettes Lock / Lock 23

Maryland · 26.3 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Elys Ford

Virginia · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swains Lock - River

Maryland · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Edwards Ferry

Maryland · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Swains Lock - Canal

Maryland · 26.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Pennyfield Lock

Maryland · 26.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Mooney Park

Virginia · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person rowing a boat

Fletchers Cove

District of Columbia · 27.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a tree that is next to a body of water

Hunting Run Reservoir

Virginia · 27.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Ft. Washington Marina

Maryland · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Friendship Farm Landing

Maryland · 27.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Motts Run Recreation Area

Virginia · 28.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Piscataway Park

Maryland · 28.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
yellow red and blue kayak lot

Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 28.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bristow.

Nokesville, VA3 miManassas, VA4 miGainesville, VA7 miCatlett, VA7 miHaymarket, VA8 miClifton, VA9 miCatharpin, VA9 miCalverton, VA10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Bristow, VA?

Top picks near Bristow include Lake Burke, Lake Curtis, Lake Mooney Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Bristow?

Near Bristow 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 Bristow?

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