Best Places to Kayak Near Centerville, IA

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

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Rivers
← All paddling in Iowa

Top Picks Near Centerville

a body of water with land in the distance1

New City Lake (Lancaster)

Standout kayak fishing on New City Lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
brown wooden dock over body of water2

Lake Mahoney (Unionville)

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Sundown Lake

Just 10 miles from Centerville — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner10 mi away
A river running through a lush green forest

Sharon Bluffs State Park

Iowa · 4.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Outlet Park

Iowa · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 6.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 7.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 7.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 9.9 mi

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

Sundown Lake

Iowa · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 14.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Rebel's Cove Conservation Area

Missouri · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lake Wapello State Park - West

Iowa · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Rebel's Cove Conservation Area

Missouri · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lake Wapello State Park - East

Iowa · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Lake Mahoney (Unionville)

Missouri · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Archangel Access

Missouri · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Paul Bloch Memorial Pond (Lancaster)

Missouri · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Colyn Wildlife Area

Iowa · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

New City Lake (Lancaster)

Missouri · 22.6 mi

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

Miami Lake Wildlife Area

Iowa · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Centerville.

Mystic, IA5 miExline, IA7 miCincinnati, IA7 miUdell, IA9 miPlano, IA9 miMoravia, IA10 miMoulton, IA10 miUnionville, IA12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Centerville, IA?

Top picks near Centerville include New City Lake (Lancaster), Lake Mahoney (Unionville), Sundown Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Centerville?

Near Centerville 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 Centerville?

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