Best Places to Kayak Near Elkhart, IN

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

30 nearby16 Rivers11 Lakes3 Creeks
← All paddling in Indiana

Top Picks Near Elkhart

a bridge over a river with trees in the background1

Baugo Bay

Just 6 miles from Elkhart — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner6 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest2

Hermance Park

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, ada accessible

RiverBeginner8 mi away
a river running through a forest filled with trees3

Sherman St. Bridge

A top-rated river launch on St. Joseph River

RiverBeginner2 mi away

High Dive Park

Indiana · 1.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Beardsley Park

Indiana · 1.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Island Park (Elkhart)

Indiana · 1.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

American Park

Indiana · 1.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Martin's Landing

Indiana · 1.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Sherman St. Bridge

Indiana · 1.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hayden Park Pond

Indiana · 2.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

McNaughton Park

Indiana · 2.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Edge Water Park

Indiana · 2.5 mi

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

Studebaker Park

Indiana · 2.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Simonton Lake

Indiana · 2.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Treasure Island Park

Indiana · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cobus Creek Park Pond

Indiana · 4.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Redfield-Bucklen Landing

Michigan · 4.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cobus Creek Park

Indiana · 4.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Six Span Bridge

Indiana · 4.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Baugo Bay

Indiana · 5.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Ox Bow Park Fishing Pier

Indiana · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Ox Bow Park Canoe Launch

Indiana · 6.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Eagle Lake

Michigan · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Juno Lake

Michigan · 6.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Congdon Park

Indiana · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Prickett Landing

Indiana · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Hermance Park

Indiana · 8.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Twin Branch Dam

Indiana · 8.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Frank Zappia

Indiana · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Miami Island (Mishawaka)

Indiana · 9.8 mi

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

Curtis Lake

Michigan · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Merrifield Park

Indiana · 10.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bonneyville Mill

Indiana · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Elkhart.

Osceola, IN6 miEdwardsburg, MI6 miBristol, IN8 miUnion, MI8 miGranger, IN9 miMishawaka, IN11 miGoshen, IN11 miWakarusa, IN12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Elkhart, IN?

Top picks near Elkhart include Baugo Bay, Hermance Park, Sherman St. Bridge. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Elkhart?

Near Elkhart 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 Elkhart?

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