Best Places to Kayak Near Charlestown, IN

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

30 nearby21 Rivers8 Lakes1 Creek
← All paddling in Indiana

Top Picks Near Charlestown

body of water1

Elk Creek Public Fishing Area

Standout kayak fishing on Elk Creek Lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a group of boats are in the water2

City of Shelbyville

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

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a river running through a forest filled with trees3

Jaycees

Just 15 miles from Charlestown — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner15 mi away
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Charlestown Landing

Indiana · 4.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Westport

Kentucky · 9.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Duffy's Landing

Indiana · 11.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Cox's Park

Kentucky · 11.8 mi

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

Boat Sales

Kentucky · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

George Rogers Clark Homesite

Indiana · 13.3 mi

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

Cherokee Park

Kentucky · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Jaycees

Indiana · 14.9 mi

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

Chickasaw Park

Kentucky · 17.6 mi

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

Long Run Park

Kentucky · 18.5 mi

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

North Beckley Canoe Access

Kentucky · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Middle Creek

Kentucky · 19.3 mi

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

Creekside Canoe Access

Kentucky · 19.4 mi

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

Chenoweth Park

Kentucky · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Elk Creek Public Fishing Area

Indiana · 20.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime

Lake Jericho Recreation Area

Kentucky · 20.6 mi

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

Fisherville Canoe Access

Kentucky · 21.0 mi

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

Cane Run Canoe Access

Kentucky · 22.7 mi

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

Seaton Valley Paddling Access

Kentucky · 23.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

McNeely

Kentucky · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Madison City

Indiana · 24.4 mi

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

Milton

Kentucky · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Greenwood

Kentucky · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Sages Ferry Public Access South

Indiana · 25.4 mi

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

Johnson Park

Indiana · 25.6 mi

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

Cliffside Paddling Access

Kentucky · 26.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

City of Shelbyville

Kentucky · 28.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Sandy Beach Marina

Indiana · 29.2 mi

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

Clear Creek Access

Kentucky · 29.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Low Water Bridge

Indiana · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Charlestown.

Goshen, KY6 miOtisco, IN6 miMemphis, IN6 miMarysville, IN7 miSellersburg, IN7 miProspect, KY8 miHenryville, IN8 miHarrods Creek, KY9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Charlestown, IN?

Top picks near Charlestown include Elk Creek Public Fishing Area, City of Shelbyville, Jaycees. 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 Charlestown?

Near Charlestown 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 Charlestown?

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