Best Places to Kayak Near El Dorado, CA

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

30 nearby20 Lakes5 Reservoirs5 Rivers
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near El Dorado

a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach1

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Standout kayak fishing on Folsom Lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a person swimming in a lake2

Rollins Lake

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

LakeBeginner32 mi away
a man on a paddle board3

Sly Park Recreation Area

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Folsom Lake Marina

California · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (Brown's Ravine)

California · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Sly Park Recreation Area

California · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (Peninsula Old)

California · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

California · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

California · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Rattlesnake Bar

California · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Jenkinson Lake - Stonebreaker Camp

California · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (Granite Bay)

California · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (Beal's Point)

California · 17.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Natoma - Negro Bar

California · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Willow Creek Access - Lake Natoma

California · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Auburn State Recreation Area (Lake Clementine )

California · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir

California · 20.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

California State University at Sacramento Aquatic Center

California · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Sailor Bar / Illinois

California · 21.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Union Valley Rervoir - West Point

California · 25.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Lake Amador Resort

California · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lower Middle Bar

California · 27.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Pardee Marina, Inc.

California · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Union Valley Reservoir - Peninsula

California · 27.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Rancho Seco Recreation Area

California · 27.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees under blue sky during daytime

Ice House Reservoir

California · 28.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Watt Avenue

California · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Sugar Pine Reservoir

California · 31.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black wetsuit surfing on blue sea water during daytime

Howe Avenue

California · 31.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Camanche (North)

California · 31.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Rollins Lake

California · 31.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Long Ravine Campground

California · 31.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Orchard Springs Resort

California · 32.0 mi

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Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of El Dorado.

Diamond Springs, CA1 miPlacerville, CA3 miShingle Springs, CA7 miRescue, CA8 miColoma, CA8 miLotus, CA9 miCamino, CA10 miRiver Pines, CA11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near El Dorado, CA?

Top picks near El Dorado include Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Rollins Lake, Sly Park Recreation Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near El Dorado?

Near El Dorado 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 El Dorado?

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