Best Places to Kayak Near Columbus, MT

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

23 nearby13 Rivers5 Lakes5 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Montana

Top Picks Near Columbus

the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background1

Broadview Pond

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds2

Cooney Reservoir State Park - Lakeshore

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

ReservoirBeginner13 mi away
blue and white kayak on lake during daytime3

Cooney Reservoir State Park - Red Lodge Creek

Just 13 miles from Columbus — the closest quality launch

ReservoirBeginner13 mi away
a body of water with cliffs and trees on the side

Whitebird

Montana · 5.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green hillside

Holmgren Ranch

Montana · 5.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Jeffrey's Landing

Montana · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue and white kayak on lake during daytime

Cooney Reservoir State Park - Northshore

Montana · 12.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Cooney Reservoir State Park - Lakeshore

Montana · 12.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue and white kayak on lake during daytime

Cooney Reservoir State Park - Red Lodge Creek

Montana · 13.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Indian Fort

Montana · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Bratten

Montana · 19.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green hillside

Buffalo Mirage

Montana · 20.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Pelican

Montana · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Bridger

Montana · 28.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A rushing river flows through a rocky gorge.

Duck Creek Bridge

Montana · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Clarks Fork Yellowstone

Montana · 30.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Otter Creek

Montana · 35.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

South Hills

Montana · 37.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
the bow of a boat on a lake with mountains in the background

Broadview Pond

Montana · 38.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Bridge

Montana · 39.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Grey Bear

Montana · 40.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Weymiller

Montana · 42.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Springdale Bridge

Montana · 47.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Deadmans Basin Reservoir

Montana · 49.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near mountain during daytime

Deadman's Basin

Montana · 49.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a mountain range with a body of water in front of it

Beartooth Plateau Lakes

Wyoming · 49.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbus.

Reed Point, MT10 miAbsarokee, MT13 miBoyd, MT15 miPark City, MT16 miJoliet, MT17 miRoberts, MT18 miRoscoe, MT19 miMolt, MT21 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Columbus include Broadview Pond, Cooney Reservoir State Park - Lakeshore, Cooney Reservoir State Park - Red Lodge Creek. In total there are 23 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, 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.