Best Places to Kayak Near Durham, CT

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

30 nearby19 Lakes7 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Connecticut

Top Picks Near Durham

sea waves crashing on shore during daytime1

Lighthouse Point

Open-water sea kayaking access on Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound

OceanBeginner18 mi away
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.2

Beseck Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner4 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Bashan Lake

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
calm body of water during golden hour

Dooley Pond

Connecticut · 3.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Beseck Lake

Connecticut · 4.2 mi

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

Crystal Lake

Connecticut · 4.4 mi

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

Quonnipaug Lake

Connecticut · 4.6 mi

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

North Farms

Connecticut · 4.9 mi

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

Black Pond

Connecticut · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Higganum Reservoir Boat Launch

Connecticut · 6.7 mi

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

Pattaconk Lake Boat Launch

Connecticut · 9.3 mi

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

Silver Lake

Connecticut · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Connecticut River (Haddam Meadows)

Connecticut · 9.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Cedar Lake

Connecticut · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by trees in a forest

Connecticut River (Salmon River)

Connecticut · 11.4 mi

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

Messerschmidt Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees reflected on water

Marina

Connecticut · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rock formation surrounded by trees and body of water

East River

Connecticut · 13.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch (Connecticut River)

Connecticut · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Moodus Reservoir (Lower)

Connecticut · 14.1 mi

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

Pickerel Lake

Connecticut · 14.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Moodus Reservoir (Upper)

Connecticut · 14.7 mi

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

Bashan Lake

Connecticut · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Branford River

Connecticut · 15.3 mi

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

Wintergreen Lake Boat Launch

Connecticut · 16.1 mi

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

Babcock Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 16.2 mi

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

Hammonasset Beach Boat Launch

Connecticut · 16.6 mi

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

Batterson Park Pond

Connecticut · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
sea waves crashing on shore during daytime

Lighthouse Point

Connecticut · 18.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Hayward Lake

Connecticut · 18.9 mi

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

Uncas Pond (Hog Pond)

Connecticut · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Connecticut River (Baldwin Bridge)

Connecticut · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Norwich Pond

Connecticut · 20.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Durham.

Middlefield, CT4 miRockfall, CT5 miHigganum, CT6 miMiddletown, CT6 miNorthford, CT7 miWallingford, CT7 miMeriden, CT7 miKillingworth, CT9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Durham, CT?

Top picks near Durham include Lighthouse Point, Beseck Lake, Bashan Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Durham?

Near Durham 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 Durham?

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