Best Places to Kayak Near Chatham, MI

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

30 nearby25 Lakes3 Rivers2 Creeks
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Chatham

white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime1

Munising Municipal

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Superior

LakeBeginner10 mi away
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime2

Au Train Lake

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

LakeBeginner8 mi away
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime3

Boot Lake

Just 15 miles from Chatham — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Forest Lake Campground

Michigan · 5.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Fish Lake

Michigan · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Au Train Lake

Michigan · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Irwin Lake

Michigan · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Pete's Lake

Michigan · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under white sky during daytime

Lake Superior

Michigan · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Munising Municipal

Michigan · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Corner Lake Recreation Park

Michigan · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Dana Lake

Michigan · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Boot Lake

Michigan · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Triangle Lake

Michigan · 15.3 mi

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

Deer Lake

Michigan · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Bass Lake

Michigan · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Colwell Lake

Michigan · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white bride surrounded by snow and trees

West Branch Whitefish River

Michigan · 16.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Jackpine Lake

Michigan · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Clear Lake

Michigan · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Minerva Lake

Michigan · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Steuben Lake

Michigan · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Gooseneck Lake

Michigan · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Lyman Lake

Michigan · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Chicago Lake

Michigan · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Camp Seven Lake

Michigan · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Laughing Whitefish River John H. Hammer

Michigan · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Sand River Flooding

Michigan · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Ashford Lake

Michigan · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
black car on gray bridge

LeVasseur Creek

Michigan · 25.2 mi

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

South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 25.5 mi

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

Cusino Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Chatham.

Wetmore, MI7 miRumely, MI9 miAu Train, MI9 miMunising, MI10 miTrenary, MI11 miEben Junction, MI14 miShingleton, MI14 miDeerton, MI19 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Chatham, MI?

Top picks near Chatham include Munising Municipal, Au Train Lake, Boot Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Chatham?

Near Chatham 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 Chatham?

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