Best Places to Kayak Near Empire, MI

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

30 nearby25 Lakes4 Rivers1 Creek
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Empire

person in middle of body of water during daytime1

Lake Leelanau (South)

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Leelanau

LakeBeginner16 mi away
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime2

Herendeene Lake

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime3

Lake Ann State Forest Campgrond

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner11 mi away
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Glen Lake

Michigan · 1.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Garey Lake

Michigan · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Armstrong Lake

Michigan · 5.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Pearl Lake

Michigan · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Lime Lake

Michigan · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Davis Lake

Michigan · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Stevens Lakey

Michigan · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Herendeene Lake

Michigan · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Little Plattle Lake

Michigan · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
high angle photography of trees beside river

County Road 651 N

Michigan · 9.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Lake Ann State Forest Campgrond

Michigan · 10.8 mi

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

Lake Michigan Road

Michigan · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Cedar Lake

Michigan · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Big Platte Lake

Michigan · 11.8 mi

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

Gilbert Park

Michigan · 12.7 mi

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

Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground

Michigan · 12.8 mi

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

Platte River State Forest Campground

Michigan · 13.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Lake Leelanau (West)

Michigan · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Crystal Lake Marina

Michigan · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Lake Dubonnet

Michigan · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Lake Leelanau (East)

Michigan · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Crystal Lake (South)

Michigan · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Cedar Hedge Lake

Michigan · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Turtle Lake

Michigan · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Lake Leelanau (South)

Michigan · 16.3 mi

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

River Road

Michigan · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Leelanau Narrows

Michigan · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Leland River

Michigan · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Leland Township Harbor

Michigan · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Bass Lake

Michigan · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Empire.

Glen Arbor, MI2 miMaple City, MI6 miLake Ann, MI10 miHonor, MI10 miCedar, MI12 miLeland, MI13 miBeulah, MI14 miInterlochen, MI16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Empire, MI?

Top picks near Empire include Lake Leelanau (South), Herendeene Lake, Lake Ann State Forest Campgrond. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Empire?

Near Empire 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 Empire?

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