Best Places to Kayak Near Columbia, SC

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

30 nearby20 Lakes8 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in South Carolina

Top Picks Near Columbia

Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss1

Cedar Creek Put-in (South Cedar Creek Rd)

A top-rated river launch on Cedar Creek

RiverBeginner28 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Bates Landing (Highway 601)

A top-rated river launch on Cedar Creek

RiverBeginner29 mi away
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime3

Village Lane

Standout kayak fishing on Saluda River - Lake Murray

LakeBeginner3 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

River Shoals Park

South Carolina · 1.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river with rocks in it surrounded by trees

James R. Metts (Hope Ferry)

South Carolina · 2.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Saluda Shoals (Lower)

South Carolina · 2.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Lake Murray Dam

South Carolina · 2.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Cove Court

South Carolina · 3.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Village Lane

South Carolina · 3.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Jakes Landing

South Carolina · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Lighthouse Marina

South Carolina · 6.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Hilton

South Carolina · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Larry Koon

South Carolina · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Lake Murray-Public

South Carolina · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Water reflects lush green trees and blue sky.

Barney Jordan

South Carolina · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Rocky Point

South Carolina · 11.8 mi

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

Thomas H. Newman

South Carolina · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Tournament Ramp (Billy Dreher Island)

South Carolina · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Sunset Recreation Area

South Carolina · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Murray Shores

South Carolina · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a body of water

Cannons Creek

South Carolina · 18.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Lake Monticello East

South Carolina · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

River Bend

South Carolina · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees on the side

Hellers Creek

South Carolina · 20.4 mi

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

Lake Monticello West

South Carolina · 22.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Lake Monticello Subimpoundment

South Carolina · 22.5 mi

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

Lake Murray Estates

South Carolina · 23.4 mi

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

Kempsons Bridge

South Carolina · 26.2 mi

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

Cedar Creek Put-in (South Cedar Creek Rd)

South Carolina · 28.5 mi

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

Bates Landing (Highway 601)

South Carolina · 29.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

June Creek

South Carolina · 29.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Colonel Creek

South Carolina · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Taylor Creek

South Carolina · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbia.

Irmo, SC3 miBallentine, SC5 miLexington, SC7 miWhite Rock, SC7 miWest Columbia, SC7 miChapin, SC10 miCayce, SC10 miState Park, SC12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Columbia include Cedar Creek Put-in (South Cedar Creek Rd), Bates Landing (Highway 601), Village Lane. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

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.