Best Places to Kayak Near Columbus, IN

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

30 nearby14 Lakes12 Rivers2 Estuarys
← All paddling in Indiana
a river with a few birds

Mill Race Park

Indiana · 0.2 mi

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

Columbus

Indiana · 0.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Lowell Bridge Public Access South

Indiana · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area - Bill Newton Public Access Site

Indiana · 6.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Grouse Ridge Public Fishing Area Public Access South

Indiana · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Azalia Bridge Public Access South

Indiana · 9.2 mi

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body of water

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area - Driftwood Public Fishing Area

Indiana · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Eco Park

Indiana · 10.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Irwin Park Public Access Site

Indiana · 10.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a yellow raft in the water near a waterfall

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 11.4 mi

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a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Flat Rock River Public Access South

Indiana · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Public Access South

Indiana · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Golden marsh grasses border a calm blue river.

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 13.9 mi

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area - Stone Arch

Indiana · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water under blue sky during daytime

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 14.3 mi

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green grass field near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 14.8 mi

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Rockford Public Access South

Indiana · 15.2 mi

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

Bell Ford Public Access South

Indiana · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Yellowwood Lake

Indiana · 21.8 mi

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

Shelbyville

Indiana · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Brownstown Public Access South

Indiana · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Brush Creek Public Access South

Indiana · 25.2 mi

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a river with a few birds

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 25.5 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Whip-poor-will Lake

Indiana · 25.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Pine Grove State Recreation Area

Indiana · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Cutright

Indiana · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Medora

Indiana · 29.1 mi

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Columbus, IN?

Top picks near Columbus include Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area, Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area, Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, estuarys.

What types of paddling can I do near Columbus?

Near Columbus 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 Columbus?

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