Best Places to Kayak Near Columbus, NC

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

30 nearby17 Lakes12 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Columbus

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

Bent Creek River and Picnic Area

A top-rated river launch on French Broad River

RiverBeginner32 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Hominy Creek River Park

A top-rated river launch on French Broad River

RiverBeginner34 mi away
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime3

Lake Lyre Boat Ramp

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Lyre

LakeBeginner16 mi away
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Adger

North Carolina · 9.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in black jacket holding blue umbrella

Lake William C. Bowen - 2

South Carolina · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Lake William C. Bowen - 1

South Carolina · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lure / Washburn Marina

North Carolina · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lyre Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 15.6 mi

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

US 221

North Carolina · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Lake Blalock Park

South Carolina · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Lake Cooley

South Carolina · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Lake Lyman

South Carolina · 17.6 mi

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

US 221A

North Carolina · 19.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Lake Cunningham Recreation Facility

South Carolina · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

J. Verne Smith Park

South Carolina · 19.8 mi

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

Thicketty Creek

South Carolina · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Horse Shoe

North Carolina · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Westfeldt Park

North Carolina · 26.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Penrose

North Carolina · 29.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Lake Edwin Johnson

South Carolina · 29.6 mi

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

SHELBY

North Carolina · 31.6 mi

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

Bent Creek River and Picnic Area

North Carolina · 32.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Lake Cherokee

South Carolina · 33.7 mi

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

Hominy Creek River Park

North Carolina · 34.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Craven Street Bridge

North Carolina · 35.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Table Rock State Park

South Carolina · 35.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Black Bear

North Carolina · 36.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Hidden Cove Public Boat Access

North Carolina · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Jonesville Reservoir

South Carolina · 36.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Canal Bridge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 36.9 mi

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

NORTH BEND

North Carolina · 37.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Pick Hill

South Carolina · 37.9 mi

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

BRIDGEWATER

North Carolina · 38.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbus.

Lynn, NC6 miMill Spring, NC7 miTryon, NC7 miLandrum, SC8 miCampobello, SC9 miFingerville, SC10 miGramling, SC11 miSaluda, NC12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Columbus include Bent Creek River and Picnic Area, Hominy Creek River Park, Lake Lyre Boat Ramp. 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 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.