Best Places to Kayak Near Jefferson, NC

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

30 nearby13 Lakes11 Rivers5 Reservoirs
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Jefferson

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Rural Retreat Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner33 mi away
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees2

Hungry Mother State Park

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

LakeBeginner32 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes3

Avens

A top-rated lake launch on South Holsten Lake

LakeBeginner33 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

TODD

North Carolina · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Mouth of Wilson

Virginia · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Bridle Creek

Virginia · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

New River Canoe and Campground

Virginia · 19.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Independence

Virginia · 19.5 mi

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

Smithey's Creek Park

North Carolina · 21.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 22.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 22.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees and grass

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 22.8 mi

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

Baywood

Virginia · 26.0 mi

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

Doe Creek Access

Tennessee · 28.8 mi

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

ROARING RIVER

North Carolina · 29.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two birds perched on top of a tree in the water

Pioneer Landing Campground

Tennessee · 29.0 mi

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

Riverside

Virginia · 29.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Sink Mountain Access.

Tennessee · 29.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ronda Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 31.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Whitaker Hollow Park

Virginia · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Little Milligan

Tennessee · 31.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Oldtown

Virginia · 32.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Hungry Mother State Park

Virginia · 32.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Rural Retreat Lake

Virginia · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Avens

Virginia · 32.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Bayview Family Campground and Marina

Tennessee · 33.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Mallard Cove Road

Tennessee · 33.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Friendship Marina

Tennessee · 34.2 mi

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

Crater Park

North Carolina · 34.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Hwy 421 Access Area

Tennessee · 35.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Baumgardner

Tennessee · 35.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Fish Springs Marina

Tennessee · 35.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two birds perched on top of a tree in the water

Painter Creek Marina

Tennessee · 35.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jefferson.

West Jefferson, NC3 miCrumpler, NC4 miGlendale Springs, NC6 miWarrensville, NC7 miScottville, NC9 miLansing, NC9 miGrassy Creek, NC9 miFleetwood, NC10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Jefferson include Rural Retreat Lake, Hungry Mother State Park, Avens. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Jefferson?

Near Jefferson 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 Jefferson?

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