Best Places to Kayak Near Independence, VA

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

30 nearby18 Rivers7 Lakes4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Independence

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Rural Retreat Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime2

Lovill's Creek

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

LakeBeginner29 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes3

Harry DeHaven Park

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, ada accessible

LakeBeginner40 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

New River Canoe and Campground

Virginia · 4.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Independence

Virginia · 4.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Bridle Creek

Virginia · 5.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Baywood

Virginia · 6.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Riverside

Virginia · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Mouth of Wilson

Virginia · 9.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Oldtown

Virginia · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Byllesby Pool

Virginia · 15.8 mi

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

Loafers Rest

Virginia · 17.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Ivanhoe

Virginia · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Rural Retreat Lake

Virginia · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Austinville

Virginia · 20.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Hungry Mother State Park

Virginia · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lovill's Creek

Virginia · 28.8 mi

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

ROARING RIVER

North Carolina · 30.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ronda Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 31.1 mi

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

Crater Park

North Carolina · 31.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Allisonia

Virginia · 32.1 mi

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

LUCK STONE

North Carolina · 32.9 mi

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

TODD

North Carolina · 32.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 34.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Smithey's Creek Park

North Carolina · 35.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 35.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees and grass

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 37.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Saltville

Virginia · 37.8 mi

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

Clinch Mountain Landing

Virginia · 40.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Harry DeHaven Park

Virginia · 40.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Yadkin Memorial Park

North Carolina · 41.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Dublin

Virginia · 41.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Whitaker Hollow Park

Virginia · 42.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Independence.

Elk Creek, VA7 miSparta, NC8 miPiney Creek, NC9 miFries, VA11 miSpeedwell, VA12 miEnnice, NC12 miCripple Creek, VA13 miScottville, NC13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Independence, VA?

Top picks near Independence include Rural Retreat Lake, Lovill's Creek, Harry DeHaven Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Independence?

Near Independence 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 Independence?

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