Best Places to Kayak Near Highlands, NJ

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

30 nearby10 Bays9 Rivers6 Lakes
← All paddling in New Jersey

Top Picks Near Highlands

white and blue boat on water during daytime1

Keyport Municipal

Standout kayak fishing on Raritan Bay

BayBeginner11 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Atlantic Highlands Municipal

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

BayBeginner2 mi away
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees3

Pleasure Bay/Long Branch Municipal

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, fishing

CreekBeginner6 mi away
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Rumson

New Jersey · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Atlantic Highlands Municipal

New Jersey · 2.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fair Haven Municipal

New Jersey · 3.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in black jacket riding yellow and white personal watercraft on water during daytime

Leonardo State Marina

New Jersey · 4.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

a marina

New Jersey · 4.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Long Branch

New Jersey · 5.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Oceanport Municipal at Blackberry Bay Park

New Jersey · 5.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Sea Land Marina, Red Bank

New Jersey · 5.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Chris River Marina, Red Bank

New Jersey · 6.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Pleasure Bay/Long Branch Municipal

New Jersey · 6.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Raritan Bay Marina

New Jersey · 8.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Breezy Point Tip (GNRA - Jamaica Bay Unit)

New York · 10.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white and blue boat on water during daytime

Keyport Municipal

New Jersey · 11.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A boat speeds across the blue water.

Wagner's Twin Towers Marina, Clifford

New Jersey · 12.0 mi

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

Great Kills Park (GNRA)

New York · 12.1 mi

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

Cedar Grove Beach

New York · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Seaside Wildlife Nature Park

New York · 12.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Bayview Terrace Park

New York · 12.5 mi

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

Midland Beach

New York · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Jacob Riis Park (GNRA - Jamaica Bay Unit)

New York · 12.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Plumb Beach (GNRA - Jamaica Bay Unit)

New York · 13.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lemon Creek Marina

New York · 13.3 mi

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

South Beach

New York · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Salt Marsh Nature Center (Gerritsen Inlet)

New York · 14.2 mi

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Floyd Bennett Field (GNRA - Jamaica Bay Unit)

New York · 14.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a red building sitting on top of a river

Zuback's Heavy Metal Marine

New Jersey · 14.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Shark River Hills Marina, Neptune

New Jersey · 14.8 mi

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

Conference House Park

New York · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Bry's Marine, Neptune

New Jersey · 14.9 mi

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

Alice Austen House and Park

New York · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Highlands.

Rumson, NJ2 miAtlantic Highlands, NJ2 miNavesink, NJ2 miFair Haven, NJ4 miLeonardo, NJ4 miMonmouth Beach, NJ5 miBelford, NJ5 miLittle Silver, NJ5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Highlands, NJ?

Top picks near Highlands include Keyport Municipal, Atlantic Highlands Municipal, Pleasure Bay/Long Branch Municipal. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Highlands?

Near Highlands 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 Highlands?

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