Best Places to Kayak Near Chesapeake, VA

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

30 nearby10 Creeks7 Rivers5 Lakes
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Chesapeake

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway1

Tulls Creek Boat Ramp

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

BayBeginner18 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway2

Brumley Road

Open-water sea kayaking access on Knotts Island Bay

BayBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway3

Princess Anne Water Management Area

Standout kayak fishing on Back Bay

BayBeginner17 mi away
a river with rocks and trees

Elizabeth River Park

Virginia · 5.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water between trees

City Park

Virginia · 10.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Fishing Pier at the Lake

Virginia · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Shingle Landing

North Carolina · 14.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black and white photo of a body of water

Back Bay

Virginia · 15.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a couple of people riding kayaks on top of a river

Owls Creek Municipal

Virginia · 15.5 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Princess Anne Water Management Area

Virginia · 16.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Tulls Creek Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 18.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Peterson Yatch Basin

Virginia · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
plants near body of water

Sunset Creek

Virginia · 20.3 mi

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

Poyners Road

North Carolina · 20.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Crane Lake

Virginia · 20.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Butler Tract Lake

Virginia · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Western Branch

Virginia · 21.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Burnt Mills

Virginia · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Brumley Road

North Carolina · 24.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Jones Creek

Virginia · 24.4 mi

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

Fox Hill

Virginia · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Rescue Road

Virginia · 25.3 mi

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

Messick

Virginia · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Sawyers Creek

North Carolina · 28.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Whitehouse Cove Marina

Virginia · 29.1 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

York Haven Marina

Virginia · 29.4 mi

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

Rodgers A. Smith Landing

Virginia · 29.5 mi

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

Waterfront Park

North Carolina · 30.3 mi

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

Coinjock

North Carolina · 30.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Mills Marina

Virginia · 33.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Milltown Public Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 34.1 mi

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

Back Creek Park

Virginia · 34.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

County Line Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 34.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Chesapeake.

Norfolk, VA8 miPortsmouth, VA9 miVirginia Beach, VA17 miMoyock, NC18 miSouth Mills, NC20 miSuffolk, VA20 miFort Monroe, VA21 miKnotts Island, NC21 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Chesapeake include Tulls Creek Boat Ramp, Brumley Road, Princess Anne Water Management Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on creeks, rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Chesapeake?

Near Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake?

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