Best Places to Kayak Near Kalkaska, MI

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Kalkaska

green trees and body of water during daytime1

Torch River Bridge

Standout kayak fishing on Torch Lake

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a boat in the water2

Alden

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime3

Whitewater Township Park

Just 14 miles from Kalkaska — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

East Lake

Michigan · 6.9 mi

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

Pickerel Lake

Michigan · 8.3 mi

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

Cub Lake

Michigan · 8.5 mi

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

Bear Lake

Michigan · 9.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Twin Lake

Michigan · 9.7 mi

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

Henry Lake

Michigan · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Guernsey Lake

Michigan · 10.2 mi

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

Green Lake

Michigan · 10.3 mi

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

West Sharon Road

Michigan · 10.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Indian Lake

Michigan · 10.4 mi

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

CCC Bridge State Forest Campground

Michigan · 10.5 mi

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

3 Mile Bend

Michigan · 10.6 mi

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

Burnt Cabin

Michigan · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Lake Skegemog

Michigan · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Starvation Lake

Michigan · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Blue Lake

Michigan · 12.1 mi

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

Yellow Trees Landing

Michigan · 12.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black jacket sitting on brown rock in the middle of lake during daytime

Torch River

Michigan · 12.3 mi

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

Lake of the Woods

Michigan · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Alden

Michigan · 12.7 mi

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

Hole in the Wall

Michigan · 12.8 mi

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

Hole in the Fence

Michigan · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Torch River Bridge

Michigan · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under white sky during daytime

Dutch John Road

Michigan · 13.5 mi

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

M-72

Michigan · 13.7 mi

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

Loggers Landing

Michigan · 14.1 mi

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

Whitewater Township Park

Michigan · 14.1 mi

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

Forks

Michigan · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green-leafed trees

Highway 66

Michigan · 14.9 mi

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

Clam Lake

Michigan · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Kalkaska.

South Boardman, MI9 miAlden, MI11 miRapid City, MI11 miMancelona, MI12 miFife Lake, MI13 miWilliamsburg, MI16 miBellaire, MI17 miElk Rapids, MI18 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Kalkaska, MI?

Top picks near Kalkaska include Torch River Bridge, Alden, Whitewater Township Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Kalkaska?

Near Kalkaska 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 Kalkaska?

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