Best Places to Kayak Near Derby, IA

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

30 nearby22 Lakes8 Rivers
← All paddling in Iowa

Top Picks Near Derby

a small boat in the middle of a body of water1

Bobwhite Lake State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Bobwhite Lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water2

Little River Recreatioal Park

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water3

Sun Valley Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner31 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Red Haw Lake - West

Iowa · 11.3 mi

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

Red Haw Lake - East

Iowa · 11.5 mi

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

Lake Ellis

Iowa · 12.6 mi

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

Lake Morris

Iowa · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Colyn Wildlife Area

Iowa · 15.0 mi

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

Bobwhite Lake State Park

Iowa · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 18.0 mi

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

Little River

Iowa · 18.4 mi

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

Little River

Iowa · 19.0 mi

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Little River

Iowa · 19.3 mi

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

Little River Recreatioal Park

Iowa · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 20.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 22.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 23.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 23.6 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 24.1 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hooper Wildlife Area

Iowa · 24.3 mi

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a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 27.0 mi

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

Nine Eagles State Park

Iowa · 27.6 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 28.9 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 29.2 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 29.3 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 29.9 mi

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

Sun Valley Lake

Iowa · 30.5 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 31.1 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 31.3 mi

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

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area

Iowa · 31.4 mi

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

Outlet Park

Iowa · 31.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Derby.

Humeston, IA6 miWoodburn, IA8 miLucas, IA8 miChariton, IA11 miMillerton, IA12 miGarden Grove, IA13 miWeldon, IA14 miCorydon, IA15 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What types of paddling can I do near Derby?

Near Derby 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 Derby?

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