Best Places to Kayak Near Evansville, IN

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

30 nearby16 Rivers14 Lakes
← All paddling in Indiana

Top Picks Near Evansville

a beach with a body of water1

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on Hovey Lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
body of water2

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a river with a few birds3

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Just 9 miles from Evansville — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Dress Plaza

Kentucky · 0.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Pigeon River

Indiana · 2.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Small Crafter's

Indiana · 4.1 mi

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

Burdette Park Lake

Indiana · 4.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Dogtown Boat

Indiana · 4.9 mi

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

USI Pond

Indiana · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Angel Mounds Boat

Indiana · 6.1 mi

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

Audubon State Park

Kentucky · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Hayes Boat

Kentucky · 7.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 8.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 8.8 mi

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

Henderson Riverfront - 2

Kentucky · 9.2 mi

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

Scaup Pit

Indiana · 9.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Henderson Riverfront - 1

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Ohio River

Indiana · 9.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water under blue sky during daytime

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water under blue sky during daytime

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water under blue sky during daytime

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Spottsville

Kentucky · 12.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Sloughs North Dock

Kentucky · 13.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Alcoa

Indiana · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Sherburn Park

Kentucky · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Grassy Pond

Kentucky · 19.1 mi

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

Hamilton Ferry Road

Kentucky · 21.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

New Harmony

Indiana · 23.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area - Dogtown Ferry

Indiana · 24.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Evansville.

Newburgh, IN9 miBaskett, KY9 miInglefield, IN9 miHenderson, KY10 miChandler, IN11 miSpottsville, KY12 miWadesville, IN13 miReed, KY13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Evansville include Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area, Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area/Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Evansville?

Near Evansville 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 Evansville?

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