Best Places to Kayak Near Charleston, WV

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

30 nearby19 Rivers8 Lakes3 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Charleston

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Ridenoor Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
A river running through a lush green forest2

C&P Telephone

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, fishing pier

RiverBeginner1 mi away
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background3

Dunbar

Just 6 miles from Charleston — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner6 mi away
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 0.7 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 2.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Coonskin Park Boat Slide

West Virginia · 3.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Coonskin Park Pond

West Virginia · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 4.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kanawha State Forest Pond

West Virginia · 4.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #12

West Virginia · 5.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #13

West Virginia · 5.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Dunbar

West Virginia · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Anderson Lake

West Virginia · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Big Chimney

West Virginia · 6.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #14

West Virginia · 6.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

USACE Marmet Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Shawnee State Park

West Virginia · 7.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Alum Creek Lions Club Park

West Virginia · 10.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sproul (Brier Crk)

West Virginia · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

The Forks of Coal

West Virginia · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

St. Albans Roadside Park

West Virginia · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pettigrew Lake

West Virginia · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Meadowood Park

West Virginia · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

River Bend

West Virginia · 11.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

St. Albans Coal River Group

West Virginia · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Blue Creek

West Virginia · 11.8 mi

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

Ridenoor Lake

West Virginia · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dartmont Park

West Virginia · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pocatalico PAS

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lower Falls

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Nitro

West Virginia · 12.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Poca

West Virginia · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Charleston.

Dunbar, WV6 miTad, WV7 miInstitute, WV8 miPinch, WV9 miAlum Creek, WV10 miElkview, WV10 miHernshaw, WV11 miBelle, WV11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Charleston, WV?

Top picks near Charleston include Ridenoor Lake, C&P Telephone, Dunbar. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Charleston?

Near Charleston 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 Charleston?

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