Best Places to Kayak Near Dawes, WV

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

30 nearby22 Rivers7 Lakes1 Creek
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Dawes

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Ridenoor Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Plum Orchard Lake

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains3

Battle Run

A top-rated lake launch on Gauley River (Summerville Lake)

LakeBeginner30 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
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
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 10.6 mi

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

Kanawha Falls

West Virginia · 13.0 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 14.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 20.8 mi

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

Madison State Route 17 Bridge

West Virginia · 21.1 mi

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

Dunbar

West Virginia · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Shawnee State Park

West Virginia · 23.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dun Glen

West Virginia · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Queen Shoals

West Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Clendinin

West Virginia · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Rockhouse Lake

West Virginia · 24.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Cunard River

West Virginia · 25.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Stone Cliff

West Virginia · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

St. Albans Roadside Park

West Virginia · 26.6 mi

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

Ridenoor Lake

West Virginia · 28.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

McCreery

West Virginia · 28.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Thayer Acces Point

West Virginia · 28.3 mi

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

Nitro

West Virginia · 28.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Grandview Sandbar Campground

West Virginia · 29.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Battle Run

West Virginia · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

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 Ridenoor Lake, Plum Orchard Lake, Battle Run. 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.