Best Places to Kayak Near Craig, CO

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

30 nearby15 Rivers15 Lakes
← All paddling in Colorado

Top Picks Near Craig

green grass near body of water under blue sky during daytime1

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Elkhead Creek

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a view of a snow covered mountain and a lake2

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

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

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains3

Yampa River State Park

Just 14 miles from Craig — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner14 mi away
silhouette of bridge over body of water during sunset

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 2.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river flows through a beautiful mountain landscape.

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 4.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 8.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Dam Parking

Colorado · 9.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Fee Station

Colorado · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Elkhead Creek

Colorado · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

West Elkhead

Colorado · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

ski beach bathroom

Colorado · 9.7 mi

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

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pronghorn

Colorado · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Bears Ears

Colorado · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pronghorn

Colorado · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

bears camp bath

Colorado · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

east beach bath

Colorado · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

East Elkhead

Colorado · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Greenwood's Cove

Colorado · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a snow covered mountain and a lake

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River

Colorado · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Headquarters

Colorado · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Maintenance Headquarters

Colorado · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Duffey

Colorado · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 21.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Juniper

Colorado · 21.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people riding rafts down a river

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 21.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river flows through a snowy landscape.

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 24.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Maybell Bridge

Colorado · 24.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people riding on top of a raft down a river

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 33.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Meadow Point Day-Use

Colorado · 35.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Craig.

Hamilton, CO14 miHayden, CO16 miSlater, CO30 miBaggs, WY36 miDixon, WY36 miClark, CO36 miSavery, WY36 miMeeker, CO38 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Craig, CO?

Top picks near Craig include Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Yampa River State Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Craig?

Near Craig 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 Craig?

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