Best Places to Kayak Near Jackson, MS

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

30 nearby15 Reservoirs9 Rivers6 Lakes
← All paddling in Mississippi

Top Picks Near Jackson

brown tree trunk on body of water1

Lake Dockery

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees2

Crystal Springs Park

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

LakeBeginner23 mi away
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees3

Crystal Lake

Just 2 miles from Jackson — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner2 mi away
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Crystal Lake

Mississippi · 1.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and black boat on river during daytime

LeFleur's State Park

Mississippi · 3.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

LeFleur's State Park

Mississippi · 3.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Lake Dockery

Mississippi · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Ross R. Barnett Spillway

Mississippi · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red boat on body of water

Ross Barnett Spillway Overlook

Mississippi · 10.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown trees on brown soil near body of water during daytime

Ross R. Barnett Reservoir Dam

Mississippi · 10.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown trees on brown soil near body of water during daytime

Madison Landing

Mississippi · 10.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Sportsman Marina

Mississippi · 11.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Turtle Creek

Mississippi · 11.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pelahatchie Shore Park

Mississippi · 11.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Fanning Landing Circle

Mississippi · 12.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Pelahatchie Bay

Mississippi · 14.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown trees on brown soil near body of water during daytime

Ross R. Barnett Reservoir

Mississippi · 14.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Ross R. Barnett Reservoir

Mississippi · 14.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Browns Landing

Mississippi · 20.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Safe Harbor

Mississippi · 20.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Tommys

Mississippi · 20.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Goshen Springs

Mississippi · 21.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Goshen Springs

Mississippi · 21.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown trees on brown soil near body of water during daytime

Goshen Springs

Mississippi · 21.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
ducks floating on body of water near post and trees

Crystal Springs Park

Mississippi · 22.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and black wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Highway 49 Bridge

Mississippi · 23.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and black train on rail tracks

Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area

Mississippi · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and black wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Pearl River

Mississippi · 25.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree trunk on body of water

Lake Calling Panther

Mississippi · 27.3 mi

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

Strong River

Mississippi · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is going under a bridge on the water

Ratliff Ferry

Mississippi · 29.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and black train on rail tracks

Highway 28 Bridge

Mississippi · 29.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large barge traveling down a river under a bridge

Highway 16 Bridge

Mississippi · 29.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jackson.

Flowood, MS5 miPearl, MS5 miRichland, MS6 miTougaloo, MS7 miWhitfield, MS8 miByram, MS8 miClinton, MS9 miRidgeland, MS9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Jackson, MS?

Top picks near Jackson include Lake Dockery, Crystal Springs Park, Crystal Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on reservoirs, rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Jackson?

Near Jackson 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 Jackson?

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