Best Places to Kayak Near Hamilton, CO

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

30 nearby14 Rivers13 Lakes2 Creeks
← All paddling in Colorado

Top Picks Near Hamilton

green grass near body of water under blue sky during daytime1

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Elkhead Creek

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a view of a snow covered mountain and a lake2

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

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

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a lake surrounded by hills3

Stagecoach State Park

A top-rated reservoir launch on Martin Creek - Stagecoach Reservoir

ReservoirBeginner39 mi away
A river flows through a beautiful mountain landscape.

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of bridge over body of water during sunset

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Duffey

Colorado · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Headquarters

Colorado · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River

Colorado · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Maintenance Headquarters

Colorado · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Dam Parking

Colorado · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Elkhead Creek

Colorado · 19.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Bears Ears

Colorado · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

bears camp bath

Colorado · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Fee Station

Colorado · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

West Elkhead

Colorado · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

ski beach bathroom

Colorado · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

east beach bath

Colorado · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

East Elkhead

Colorado · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Greenwood's Cove

Colorado · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a snow covered mountain and a lake

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 20.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Juniper

Colorado · 22.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people riding rafts down a river

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 22.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a canyon surrounded by rocks

Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 23.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown rocky mountain with river

Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 24.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 25.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river flows through a snowy landscape.

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people riding on top of a raft down a river

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 35.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Piceance State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 36.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by hills

Stagecoach State Park

Colorado · 38.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hamilton.

Craig, CO14 miHayden, CO21 miMeeker, CO26 miPhippsburg, CO34 miOak Creek, CO35 miYampa, CO38 miToponas, CO38 miSteamboat Springs, CO41 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Hamilton, CO?

Top picks near Hamilton include Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Stagecoach State Park. 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 Hamilton?

Near Hamilton 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 Hamilton?

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