Best Places to Kayak Near Columbus, ND

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

20 nearby10 Lakes9 Reservoirs1 River
← All paddling in North Dakota

Top Picks Near Columbus

green grass field near lake during daytime1

Stanley Pond

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner43 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds2

Cottonwood Lake

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

LakeBeginner36 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds3

Smishek Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner19 mi away
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Baukol-Noonan Dam

North Dakota · 7.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Baukol-Noonan East

North Dakota · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Short Creek Dam

North Dakota · 7.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Smishek Lake

North Dakota · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McGregor Dam

North Dakota · 21.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McGregor Dam

North Dakota · 21.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Powers Lake

North Dakota · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Powers Lake

North Dakota · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Northgate Dam

North Dakota · 24.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

White Earth Dam

North Dakota · 29.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Tioga Dam

North Dakota · 33.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Cottonwood Lake

North Dakota · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Clearwater Lake

North Dakota · 40.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McLeod (Ray) Reservoir

North Dakota · 41.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Kettle Lake

North Dakota · 42.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Stanley Pond

North Dakota · 42.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Souris River

North Dakota · 45.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Kota-Ray Dam

North Dakota · 47.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Skjermo Lake

North Dakota · 49.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 49.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Columbus.

Noonan, ND10 miLignite, ND11 miPortal, ND13 miMcgregor, ND21 miFlaxton, ND21 miPowers Lake, ND21 miCrosby, ND22 miWildrose, ND25 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Columbus include Stanley Pond, Cottonwood Lake, Smishek Lake. In total there are 20 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, rivers.

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.