Best Places to Kayak Near Houghton Lake, MI

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

30 nearby26 Lakes3 Creeks1 River
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Houghton Lake

a boat in the water1

Idlewild

Standout kayak fishing on Houghton Lake

LakeBeginner5 mi away
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime2

Higgins Lake West

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime3

West Airport Road

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner15 mi away
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Heights Marina

Michigan · 1.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Houghton Lake

Michigan · 2.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Lakeview Park

Michigan · 2.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Laphams Marina

Michigan · 3.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Houghton Lake North

Michigan · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Houghton Lake State Forest Park

Michigan · 4.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Houghton Lake Marina

Michigan · 4.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Idlewild

Michigan · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Bayview Marina

Michigan · 5.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

North Michelson Road

Michigan · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground

Michigan · 5.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Marl Lake

Michigan · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

South Higgins Lake State Park

Michigan · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Higgins Lake West

Michigan · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Higgins Lake North

Michigan · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Artesia Beach Campground

Michigan · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green-leafed trees

Meads Landing

Michigan · 14.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of trees

Steckert Bridge Road

Michigan · 15.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

West Airport Road

Michigan · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

D&B Lakeview Marina

Michigan · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Hoister Lake (North)

Michigan · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Hoister Lake (South)

Michigan · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Chase Bridge Road

Michigan · 16.7 mi

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

Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Long Lake

Michigan · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Arnold Lake

Michigan · 18.4 mi

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

Clam River

Michigan · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Cranberry Lake

Michigan · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Lake Four

Michigan · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Lake Margrethe (South)

Michigan · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Houghton Lake.

Houghton Lake Heights, MI2 miPrudenville, MI5 miHiggins Lake, MI10 miRoscommon, MI11 miMerritt, MI14 miFalmouth, MI15 miSaint Helen, MI16 miHarrison, MI22 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Houghton Lake, MI?

Top picks near Houghton Lake include Idlewild, Higgins Lake West, West Airport Road. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, creeks, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Houghton Lake?

Near Houghton Lake 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 Houghton Lake?

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