Best Places to Kayak Near Durham, NC

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

30 nearby18 Lakes8 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Durham

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

Poe's Ridge Boat Ramp

Standout kayak fishing on Jordan Lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
red and white kayak on lake during daytime2

Farmer Lake Boat Ramp

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

LakeBeginner37 mi away
red and white kayak on lake during daytime3

Lake Devin Boat Ramp and Shelter

A top-rated lake launch on Lake Devin

LakeBeginner26 mi away
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Eno River

North Carolina · 7.8 mi

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

Hickory Hill

North Carolina · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Community Center, beach, and boat ramp

North Carolina · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Rollingview Marina

North Carolina · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Ledge Rock

North Carolina · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Highway 50 Recreation Area

North Carolina · 11.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Beaver Dam

North Carolina · 12.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Holly Point

North Carolina · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Upper Bartons Creek

North Carolina · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Farrington Point

North Carolina · 15.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Seaforth Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 19.6 mi

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

Poplar Point Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 19.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Jordan Lake Ebenezer Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Vista Point Boat Launch

North Carolina · 21.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

New Hope Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 23.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Robeson Creek Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 23.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Devin Boat Ramp and Shelter

North Carolina · 26.1 mi

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

Poe's Ridge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Hollemans Crossing

North Carolina · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Cross Point Landing

North Carolina · 29.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Avents Ferry Bridge

North Carolina · 31.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Triple Springs

North Carolina · 33.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Person Caswell Recreation Park

North Carolina · 35.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Deep River Park

North Carolina · 35.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Lake Mackintosh Marina

North Carolina · 35.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Hyco Afterbay

North Carolina · 36.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Farmer Lake Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 37.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 37.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Kerr Lake Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 39.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large field of green plants next to a river

Nutbush Boat Ramp, Kerr Lake

North Carolina · 40.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Durham.

Research Triangle Park, NC6 miChapel Hill, NC9 miBahama, NC11 miMorrisville, NC12 miCarrboro, NC12 miButner, NC12 miHillsborough, NC12 miCreedmoor, NC16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Durham include Poe's Ridge Boat Ramp, Farmer Lake Boat Ramp, Lake Devin Boat Ramp and Shelter. 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.