Best Places to Kayak Near Decatur, IA

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

30 nearby20 Lakes6 Creeks3 Rivers
← All paddling in Iowa

Top Picks Near Decatur

a small boat in the middle of a body of water1

Fogle Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water2

Bobwhite Lake State Park

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

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water3

Little River Recreatioal Park

Just 3 miles from Decatur — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner3 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Little River Recreatioal Park

Iowa · 3.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Little River

Iowa · 3.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Little River

Iowa · 3.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Little River

Iowa · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Nine Eagles State Park

Iowa · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Sun Valley Lake

Iowa · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Ringgold Wildlife Area

Iowa · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Ringgold Wildlife Area

Iowa · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Bobwhite Lake State Park

Iowa · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Lake Paho Conservation Area (North)

Missouri · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Lake Paho Conservation Area South)

Missouri · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Mount Ayr Wildlife Area

Iowa · 26.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Fogle Lake

Iowa · 27.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Harrison County Lake

Missouri · 28.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 30.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over rocks in a forest.

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 30.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over mossy rocks in a forest.

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 30.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 31.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 31.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 31.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Bethany (North Bethany City Reservoir)

Missouri · 32.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Red Haw Lake - West

Iowa · 33.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Red Haw Lake - East

Iowa · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Old Bethany City Lake (Bethany)

Missouri · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lake Ellis

Iowa · 34.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lake Morris

Iowa · 35.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Colyn Wildlife Area

Iowa · 35.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Sowards Ford Access

Missouri · 36.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Summit Lake

Iowa · 36.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Summit Lake - City of Creston

Iowa · 36.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Decatur.

Leon, IA5 miGrand River, IA8 miVan Wert, IA8 miDavis City, IA9 miWeldon, IA10 miLamoni, IA11 miGarden Grove, IA12 miKellerton, IA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Decatur, IA?

Top picks near Decatur include Fogle Lake, Bobwhite Lake State Park, Little River Recreatioal Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, creeks, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Decatur?

Near Decatur 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 Decatur?

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