Best Places to Kayak Near Columbia, MD

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

30 nearby8 Rivers7 Lakes7 Creeks
← All paddling in Maryland

Top Picks Near Columbia

blue sky over lake during daytime1

Georgetown Visitor Center

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

CanalBeginner24 mi away
a couple of boats on a lake2

Piney Run Park

Standout kayak fishing on Piney Run - Piney Run Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a body of water surrounded by a forest3

Boat Dock Road

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Centennial Lake

Maryland · 2.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by tall grass and trees

Scotts Cove

Maryland · 5.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Supplee Lane Recreation Area

Maryland · 6.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Brown's Bridge Recreation Area

Maryland · 6.6 mi

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

Pig Tail Recreation Area at Triadelphia Reservoir Lake

Maryland · 6.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Greenbridge

Maryland · 7.3 mi

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

Big Branch Recreation Area at Triadelphia Lake

Maryland · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Tridelphia Lake Recreation Area

Maryland · 8.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Boat Dock Road

Maryland · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Southwest Area Park

Maryland · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of boats on a lake

Piney Run Park

Maryland · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Middle Branch Park - soft access (west)

Maryland · 14.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Broening Park

Maryland · 14.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Canton Waterfront Park

Maryland · 16.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fort Armistead

Maryland · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Bladensburg

Maryland · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Turner Station Park

Maryland · 20.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Merritt Park

Maryland · 20.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Chesterwood Park

Maryland · 20.5 mi

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

Seneca Creek State Park - Clopper Lake

Maryland · 20.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Watersedge Park

Maryland · 20.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Inverness Park

Maryland · 20.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fort Smallwood Park - soft access

Maryland · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Davidsonville Park soft access

Maryland · 22.2 mi

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

Black Hill Regional Park boat ramp

Maryland · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Cox Point Park

Maryland · 22.8 mi

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

Swains Lock - Canal

Maryland · 23.3 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swains Lock - River

Maryland · 23.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sky over lake during daytime

Georgetown Visitor Center

District of Columbia · 23.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Anacostia Park Boat Ramp

District of Columbia · 23.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbia.

Simpsonville, MD2 miClarksville, MD4 miFulton, MD5 miHighland, MD5 miEllicott City, MD6 miSavage, MD6 miDayton, MD6 miJessup, MD6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Columbia, MD?

Top picks near Columbia include Georgetown Visitor Center, Piney Run Park, Boat Dock Road. 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 Columbia?

Near Columbia 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 Columbia?

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