Best Places to Kayak Near Hawarden, IA

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

30 nearby18 Lakes11 Rivers1 Creek
← All paddling in Iowa

Top Picks Near Hawarden

A body of water with a rural scene.1

Ponca

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner30 mi away
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water2

Buckskin Hills Wildlife Management Area

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

LakeBeginner35 mi away
A body of water with a rural scene.3

Brooky Bottom Park

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner35 mi away
A river running through a lush green forest

Carr's Landing

Iowa · 1.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Oak Grove State Park

Iowa · 4.2 mi

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

Rollings Public Water Access

South Dakota · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Big Sioux Park Access

Iowa · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Oakridge Public Water Access

Iowa · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person standing on a dock in a lake

Oakridge Public Water Access

South Dakota · 11.7 mi

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

Newton Hills State Park - Lake Lakota

South Dakota · 15.1 mi

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

Settlers Canoe Access

Iowa · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Silver Mapple Access

Iowa · 15.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with rocks and trees around it with Sylvan Lake in the background

McKee Public Water Access

South Dakota · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Millsite Access

Iowa · 18.4 mi

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

Canton, South Dakota

Iowa · 21.2 mi

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

Big Sioux River Complext

Iowa · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Big Sioux Wildlife Area - Highway 18

Iowa · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boat floating towards rocky island

Klondike Public Water Access

South Dakota · 26.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Ponca

Nebraska · 30.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near body of water during sunset

Mulberry Bend

Nebraska · 31.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with rocks and trees around it with Sylvan Lake in the background

Alvin Public Water Access

South Dakota · 31.0 mi

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

Lake Alvin Recreation Area

South Dakota · 31.4 mi

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

Clay County Land Use Area

South Dakota · 31.4 mi

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

9 Mile Public Water Access

South Dakota · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boat floating towards rocky island

Rosenbaum Public Water Access

South Dakota · 31.7 mi

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

McCook Public Water Access

South Dakota · 32.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake under cloudy sky during daytime

Powder Creek

Nebraska · 34.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rule of thirds photography of person standing beside body of water

Buckskin Hills Wildlife Management Area

Nebraska · 34.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water with a rural scene.

Brooky Bottom Park

Nebraska · 35.0 mi

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

Swan Public Water Access

South Dakota · 35.1 mi

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

Big Sioux Boat Ramp

Iowa · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Sioux City Municipal Boat Dock

Iowa · 35.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under cloudy sky during daytime

Scenic Park S Sioux City

Nebraska · 35.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hawarden.

Chatsworth, IA6 miIreton, IA8 miAlcester, SD8 miHudson, SD9 miAkron, IA12 miFairview, SD15 miMaurice, IA16 miSioux Center, IA16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Hawarden, IA?

Top picks near Hawarden include Ponca, Buckskin Hills Wildlife Management Area, Brooky Bottom Park. 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 Hawarden?

Near Hawarden 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 Hawarden?

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