Best Places to Kayak Near Fontana Dam, NC

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

30 nearby21 Lakes9 Rivers
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Fontana Dam

a large body of water surrounded by trees1

Lewellyn Branch

Standout kayak fishing on Little Tennessee River (Cheoah Lake)

LakeBeginner2 mi away
red and white kayak on lake during daytime2

Ranger Station

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

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by trees3

Old 288

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner19 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Lewellyn Branch

North Carolina · 1.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Cable Cove

North Carolina · 4.0 mi

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

Cheoah Point

North Carolina · 4.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Avey Creek

North Carolina · 6.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Ranger Station

North Carolina · 6.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Magazine Branch Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 7.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Tabcat Creek

Tennessee · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Tsali

North Carolina · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Lemmons Branch

North Carolina · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Abram's Creek

Tennessee · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Flat Branch

North Carolina · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Tallassee

Tennessee · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Citico

Tennessee · 16.8 mi

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

Roadside Picnic Area

Tennessee · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Harrison Branch

Tennessee · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Old 288

North Carolina · 18.6 mi

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

Choga Road

North Carolina · 18.7 mi

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

Walland Roadside Picnic Area

Tennessee · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Rocky Branch

North Carolina · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 20.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Ballplay Creek

Tennessee · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Peery's Mill Park

Tennessee · 22.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Toqua Campground

Tennessee · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Toqua

Tennessee · 23.4 mi

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

Bill Bennett (Coulters) Bridge

Tennessee · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Tellico Marina

Tennessee · 24.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two birds perched on top of a tree in the water

Notchey Creek

Tennessee · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Big Creek

Tennessee · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Fontana Dam.

Robbinsville, NC7 miTopton, NC14 miTallassee, TN15 miAlmond, NC15 miAndrews, NC16 miTownsend, TN18 miMarble, NC21 miBryson City, NC21 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Fontana Dam, NC?

Top picks near Fontana Dam include Lewellyn Branch, Ranger Station, Old 288. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Fontana Dam?

Near Fontana Dam 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 Fontana Dam?

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