Best Places to Kayak Near Drift, KY

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

30 nearby19 Lakes11 Rivers
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Drift

A person in a kayak paddling down a river1

Carr Fork Dam

Standout kayak fishing on Carr Fork - Carr Fork Lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime2

Jenny Wiley State Park Marina

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake3

Fishpond Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner23 mi away

Cedar Creek Canoe Access

Kentucky · 11.1 mi

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

Levisa Fork Fishing Access

Kentucky · 11.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Thompson Road

Kentucky · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Island Creek Canoe Access

Kentucky · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Pikeville City Lake

Kentucky · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Prestonsburg

Kentucky · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jubilee Christian Church Canoe Access

Kentucky · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Marina

Kentucky · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

German Bridge

Kentucky · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park-Stratton Branch

Kentucky · 15.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

Kentucky · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dewey Lake WMA - Johns Creek

Kentucky · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Terry

Kentucky · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dewey Lake Tailwater

Kentucky · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Airport

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

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

Upper Pompey Branch Dam

Kentucky · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Fishtrap Tailwater

Kentucky · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

KY-195 Bridge Access

Kentucky · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Little Carr

Kentucky · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Grapevine

Kentucky · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Carr Creek Marina

Kentucky · 22.2 mi

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

Jenkins Lake Fishing Access

Kentucky · 22.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Fishpond Lake

Kentucky · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Paintsville River

Kentucky · 23.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Carr Creek Tailwater

Kentucky · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Carr Fork Dam

Kentucky · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Lick Creek

Kentucky · 24.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elkhorn City Park

Kentucky · 24.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paintsville Tailwater

Kentucky · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Carson Island Access

Kentucky · 25.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Drift.

Minnie, KY1 miGrethel, KY1 miPrinter, KY3 miLackey, KY3 miMc Dowell, KY4 miWayland, KY4 miBetsy Layne, KY4 miLangley, KY5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Drift, KY?

Top picks near Drift include Carr Fork Dam, Jenny Wiley State Park Marina, Fishpond 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 Drift?

Near Drift 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 Drift?

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