Best Places to Kayak Near Carolina Beach, NC

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

30 nearby11 Lakes11 Rivers4 Bays
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Carolina Beach

man surfing on sea waves during daytime1

Surf City

Standout kayak fishing on Topsail Sound

BayBeginner34 mi away
A person standing on a paddle board in the water2

Hampstead

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

BayBeginner30 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water3

Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island

Open-water sea kayaking access on Middle Sound

BayBeginner18 mi away
a couple of birds that are in some water

Snows Cut

North Carolina · 1.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Carolina Beach State Park

North Carolina · 1.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Federal Point

North Carolina · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Trails End

North Carolina · 8.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Oak Island

North Carolina · 12.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rices Creek

North Carolina · 12.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Village Creek Access

North Carolina · 12.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Wrightsville Beach

North Carolina · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Castle Street

North Carolina · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

NE 55th St Municipal Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island

North Carolina · 17.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Sutton Lake

North Carolina · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Unnamed Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Sunset Harbor

North Carolina · 19.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Porters Neck Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 20.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Castle Hayne

North Carolina · 22.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Holden Beach

North Carolina · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Bricklanding Road

North Carolina · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Hampstead

North Carolina · 30.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ocean Isle Beach

North Carolina · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man surfing on sea waves during daytime

Surf City

North Carolina · 33.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Hunts Bluff

North Carolina · 33.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lock And Dam #1

North Carolina · 34.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Holly Shelter

North Carolina · 35.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Sunset Beach

North Carolina · 36.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Morris Landing

North Carolina · 37.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Sawpit Landing

North Carolina · 38.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of rocks

Turkey Creek

North Carolina · 40.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carolina Beach.

Kure Beach, NC3 miSouthport, NC9 miWilmington, NC13 miWrightsville Beach, NC13 miWinnabow, NC15 miOak Island, NC16 miBolivia, NC16 miLeland, NC18 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Carolina Beach, NC?

Top picks near Carolina Beach include Surf City, Hampstead, Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Carolina Beach?

Near Carolina Beach 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 Carolina Beach?

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