Best Places to Kayak Near Charles Town, WV

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

30 nearby25 Rivers3 Canals2 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Charles Town

a boat is floating in the water at sunset1

Point of Rocks

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

RiverBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Shaperds Town

Just 11 miles from Charles Town — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner11 mi away
a boat is floating in the water at sunset3

Brunswick Riverside Park

A top-rated river launch on Potomac River

RiverBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Bloomery

West Virginia · 2.7 mi

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

Moulton Park

West Virginia · 2.9 mi

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

Millville Dam (above dam)

West Virginia · 3.6 mi

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

Millville (below dam)

West Virginia · 3.7 mi

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

Millville Dam

West Virginia · 3.9 mi

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

Shannondale Springs Water Management Area Access

West Virginia · 4.1 mi

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

Millville

West Virginia · 4.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

Meyerstown

West Virginia · 5.0 mi

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

Lock 34

Maryland · 7.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lock 33 (East)

Maryland · 7.6 mi

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

Priest Springs

West Virginia · 8.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Dargan Bend

Maryland · 8.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lime Kiln

Maryland · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Castleman's Ferry

Virginia · 10.7 mi

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

Shaperds Town

West Virginia · 11.3 mi

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

Antietam Creek Campground

Maryland · 11.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lock 38

Maryland · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Brunswick Boat Ramp

Maryland · 12.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Brunswick Riverside Park

Maryland · 13.1 mi

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

Lockes

Virginia · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Snyders Landing

Maryland · 13.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Taylors Landing - East

Maryland · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Taylors Landing - West

Maryland · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

McKimmey (Point of Rocks)

Virginia · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Point of Rocks

Maryland · 16.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Berry's

Virginia · 18.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Jones Springs

West Virginia · 18.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Whites Ferry

Maryland · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Noland's Ferry

Maryland · 20.2 mi

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

Dickerson Conservation Park

Maryland · 21.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Charles Town.

Ranson, WV2 miMillville, WV4 miHalltown, WV4 miRippon, WV5 miHarpers Ferry, WV5 miSummit Point, WV6 miKearneysville, WV6 miShenandoah Junction, WV7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Charles Town, WV?

Top picks near Charles Town include Point of Rocks, Shaperds Town, Brunswick Riverside 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 Charles Town?

Near Charles Town 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 Charles Town?

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