Best Places to Kayak Near Jacksonville, NC

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

30 nearby14 Rivers7 Creeks3 Canals
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Jacksonville

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway1

Emerald Isle

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

BayBeginner26 mi away
man surfing on sea waves during daytime2

Surf City

Standout kayak fishing on Topsail Sound

BayBeginner22 mi away
A person standing on a paddle board in the water3

Hampstead

Open-water sea kayaking access on Topsail Sound

BayBeginner24 mi away
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Jacksonville Landing

North Carolina · 1.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Northeast Creek Park boat ramp

North Carolina · 6.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Sneads Ferry

North Carolina · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Willis Landing

North Carolina · 15.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Freeman Creek Boat Launch

North Carolina · 15.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Onslow Beach Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 15.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large field of green plants next to a river

West Onslow Beach

North Carolina · 16.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Haywood Landing

North Carolina · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of rocks

Turkey Creek

North Carolina · 16.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Shell Rock Landing

North Carolina · 17.9 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Morris Landing

North Carolina · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Cedar Point

North Carolina · 20.5 mi

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

Shelter Creek

North Carolina · 21.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man surfing on sea waves during daytime

Surf City

North Carolina · 21.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
brown boat on water

Chinquapin

North Carolina · 22.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Sawpit Landing

North Carolina · 22.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Pollocksville

North Carolina · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Trenton

North Carolina · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Waynes Landing

North Carolina · 23.8 mi

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

Holly Shelter

North Carolina · 24.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Hampstead

North Carolina · 24.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Great Lake

North Carolina · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Emerald Isle

North Carolina · 26.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man riding on kayak

Kenansville

North Carolina · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Brices Creek

North Carolina · 31.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Slocum Creek

North Carolina · 32.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lawson Creek Park

North Carolina · 34.3 mi

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

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park

North Carolina · 34.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Newport

North Carolina · 34.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Porters Neck Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 34.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jacksonville.

Mccutcheon Field, NC2 miTarawa Terrace, NC5 miMidway Park, NC8 miCamp Lejeune, NC9 miRichlands, NC11 miSneads Ferry, NC14 miHubert, NC15 miMaysville, NC16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Jacksonville, NC?

Top picks near Jacksonville include Emerald Isle, Surf City, Hampstead. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, creeks, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Jacksonville?

Near Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

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