Best Places to Kayak Near Charlottesville, VA

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

30 nearby19 Rivers11 Lakes
← All paddling in Virginia
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lake Albemarle

Virginia · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Beaver Creek Lake

Virginia · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Ruritan Lake

Virginia · 13.0 mi

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

Crofton

Virginia · 14.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lake Monticello Marina

Virginia · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Scottsville

Virginia · 17.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Palmyra

Virginia · 18.3 mi

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

Hardware River/Rt. 6

Virginia · 19.1 mi

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

Basic Park

Virginia · 21.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Hardware River

Virginia · 22.2 mi

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

Ridgeview Park

Virginia · 22.6 mi

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

Island Ford

Virginia · 23.5 mi

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

Howardsville

Virginia · 23.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Port Republic

Virginia · 24.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Grottoes Landing

Virginia · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Elkton

Virginia · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

New Canton

Virginia · 26.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Columbia

Virginia · 27.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Orange

Virginia · 28.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man surfing on a wave

Midway

Virginia · 29.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Lake Shenandoah

Virginia · 29.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Shenandoah Riverside

Virginia · 30.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Wingina

Virginia · 31.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Christopher Run Campground

Virginia · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Nelson

Virginia · 32.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Grove Hill

Virginia · 33.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

The Cove at Lake Anna

Virginia · 34.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Cartersville

Virginia · 34.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Lake Anna Office

Virginia · 35.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Lakewood Circle

Virginia · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Charlottesville, VA?

Top picks near Charlottesville include Lake Orange, Lake Nelson, Lake Shenandoah. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Charlottesville?

Near Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

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