Best Places to Kayak Near Carlisle, PA

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

30 nearby15 Lakes12 Rivers2 Creeks
← All paddling in Pennsylvania

Top Picks Near Carlisle

a row of canoes sitting next to a dock1

Children's Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a body of water with trees around it2

Pinchot State Park - Boat Mooring #1

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees3

Opossum Lake BL #1

Just 5 miles from Carlisle — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner5 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

Letort Falls Park

Pennsylvania · 3.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees

Opossum Lake BL #1

Pennsylvania · 4.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white boat on body of water during daytime

Opossum Lake BL #3

Pennsylvania · 4.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Opossum Lake BL #2

Pennsylvania · 4.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Children's Lake

Pennsylvania · 5.5 mi

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

HEISHMANS MILL PORTAGE PROJ

Pennsylvania · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock on a lake

Laurel Lake

Pennsylvania · 11.9 mi

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

SROUJI PK

Pennsylvania · 12.4 mi

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

CONODOGUINET YOUTH PARK BOAT LAUNCH

Pennsylvania · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

West Fairview

Pennsylvania · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Locust Street

Pennsylvania · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
river and green trees

Riverfront Campground and Rent-a-Boat

Pennsylvania · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water between trees

City Island Marina

Pennsylvania · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on sea during daytime

City Island

Pennsylvania · 16.9 mi

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

36 LAKE MEADE DR

Pennsylvania · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Heritage Park Marysville Borough

Pennsylvania · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Marysville Boro Schrauder Park

Pennsylvania · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Access #2

Pennsylvania · 17.4 mi

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

NEW CUMBERLAND BOROUGH PARK BOAT LAUNCH

Pennsylvania · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Pinchot State Park - Boat Mooring #1

Pennsylvania · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fort Hunter

Pennsylvania · 18.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

FISHING CREEK AND SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

Pennsylvania · 18.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Amity Hall

Pennsylvania · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Pinchot State Park Campground

Pennsylvania · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Pinchot State Park - Boat Mooring #2

Pennsylvania · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
river and green trees

New Market

Pennsylvania · 18.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A lone rowboat floats on a dark, still lake.

Pinchot State Park - Boat Mooring #3

Pennsylvania · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Howe Township Park

Pennsylvania · 20.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Clemson Island

Pennsylvania · 22.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock on a lake

Long Pine

Pennsylvania · 22.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carlisle.

Plainfield, PA5 miBoiling Springs, PA6 miMount Holly Springs, PA6 miNew Kingstown, PA7 miShermans Dale, PA9 miMechanicsburg, PA10 miLandisburg, PA11 miGardners, PA11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Carlisle, PA?

Top picks near Carlisle include Children's Lake, Pinchot State Park - Boat Mooring #1, Opossum Lake BL #1. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Carlisle?

Near Carlisle 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 Carlisle?

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