Best Places to Kayak Near Dawes, WV

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

30 nearby21 Rivers6 Lakes3 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Dawes

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Plum Orchard Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background2

Glasgow

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, fishing pier

RiverBeginner5 mi away
a river with trees on the side3

Hansford

Just 5 miles from Dawes — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner5 mi away
a river with trees on the side

Hansford

West Virginia · 5.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Glasgow

West Virginia · 5.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

USACE London Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 5.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 7.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 7.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Orgas

West Virginia · 8.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Fosterville

West Virginia · 9.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

USACE Marmet Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 10.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 10.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whitesville

West Virginia · 12.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Kanawha Falls

West Virginia · 13.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kanawha State Forest Pond

West Virginia · 14.1 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 14.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Gauley Mountain

West Virginia · 14.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dartmont Park

West Virginia · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #14

West Virginia · 15.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #13

West Virginia · 16.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #12

West Virginia · 16.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Jodie

West Virginia · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Hawks Nest State Park

West Virginia · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Coonskin Park Boat Slide

West Virginia · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Big Chimney

West Virginia · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Coonskin Park Pond

West Virginia · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sproul (Brier Crk)

West Virginia · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 20.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Don R. Kuhn

West Virginia · 20.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

The Forks of Coal

West Virginia · 21.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Dawes.

Miami, WV1 miEskdale, WV2 miDrybranch, WV3 miHansford, WV3 miCabin Creek, WV5 miGallagher, WV5 miEast Bank, WV5 miGlasgow, WV5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Dawes, WV?

Top picks near Dawes include Plum Orchard Lake, Glasgow, Hansford. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Dawes?

Near Dawes 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 Dawes?

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