Best Places to Kayak Near Columbus, KS

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

30 nearby21 Lakes7 Creeks1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Kansas

Top Picks Near Columbus

A flock of ducks floating on top of a lake1

Bernice Area at Grand Lake State park

Standout kayak fishing on Neosho River - Grand Lake

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset2

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

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

LakeBeginner22 mi away
A person in a kayak paddling down a river3

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
silhouette of trees near body of water during sunset

Riverton Dam

Kansas · 11.2 mi

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

Carl Junction Access

Missouri · 14.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 6

Kansas · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Stones Corner Access

Missouri · 18.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over mossy rocks in a forest.

Wildcat Access

Missouri · 20.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

Kansas · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Shawnee Trail Conservation Area

Missouri · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 4

Kansas · 22.4 mi

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

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

Kansas · 22.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

Kansas · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

Kansas · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1

Kansas · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Shawnee Trail Conservation Area

Missouri · 24.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Shawnee Trail Conservation Area

Missouri · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Neosho State Fishing Lake

Kansas · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Tipton Ford Access

Missouri · 25.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Pool 3

Kansas · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Pool 3

Kansas · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Wildlife Area Pool 1

Kansas · 28.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Kellogg Lake (Carthage)

Missouri · 30.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Crawford State Fishing Lake-2

Kansas · 31.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Lake Parson

Kansas · 32.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Lime Kiln Access

Missouri · 32.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest

Lime Kiln Access

Missouri · 32.6 mi

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

Allen Bridge Access

Missouri · 32.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Crawford State Fishing Lake-1

Kansas · 32.9 mi

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

Cherry Corner Access

Missouri · 34.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Timber Hill

Kansas · 34.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime

Mound Valley

Kansas · 34.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A flock of ducks floating on top of a lake

Bernice Area at Grand Lake State park

Oklahoma · 37.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbus.

Scammon, KS7 miWest Mineral, KS9 miTreece, KS9 miCrestline, KS9 miRiverton, KS11 miWeir, KS11 miBaxter Springs, KS11 miGalena, KS13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Columbus include Bernice Area at Grand Lake State park, Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1, Mined Land Wildlife Area-Unit 1. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, creeks, reservoirs.

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.