Best Places to Kayak Near Madison, IN

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

30 nearby17 Rivers8 Lakes4 Creeks
← All paddling in Indiana

Top Picks Near Madison

a beach with a body of water1

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on Crosley Lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
a river with a few birds2

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

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

LakeBeginner16 mi away
body of water3

Elk Creek Public Fishing Area

A top-rated lake launch on Elk Creek Lake

LakeBeginner30 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Johnson Park

Indiana · 0.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Madison City

Indiana · 2.7 mi

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

Milton

Kentucky · 3.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Sandy Beach Marina

Indiana · 10.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Point Park

Kentucky · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Carrollton

Kentucky · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Cap's Marina

Indiana · 14.1 mi

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

General Butler Handicapped Fishing Pier

Kentucky · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Swiss Haven Campground

Indiana · 15.6 mi

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

Whip-poor-will Lake

Indiana · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Paul Ogle Riverfront Park

Indiana · 18.5 mi

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

Ghent

Kentucky · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Westport

Kentucky · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Brush Creek Public Access South

Indiana · 20.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Damvue River Camp

Indiana · 22.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime

Lake Jericho Recreation Area

Kentucky · 23.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Craigs Creek

Kentucky · 25.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
gray concrete rocksc

Smuggler's Cove Marina

Kentucky · 25.6 mi

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

Big Twin Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Warsaw City

Kentucky · 27.2 mi

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

Sparta City Park Carrydown

Kentucky · 27.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Charlestown Landing

Indiana · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Benjy Kinman Lake

Kentucky · 28.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Sages Ferry Public Access South

Indiana · 28.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Bryant Creek Launching

Indiana · 28.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Laughrey Public Access South

Indiana · 28.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Elk Creek Public Fishing Area

Indiana · 30.3 mi

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

Arnold Creek Launching

Indiana · 30.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Madison.

Hanover, IN5 miMilton, KY5 miDupont, IN10 miCanaan, IN10 miDeputy, IN12 miNabb, IN12 miBedford, KY13 miCommiskey, IN14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Madison, IN?

Top picks near Madison include Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area, Crosley Fish & Wildlife Area, Elk Creek Public Fishing Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Madison?

Near Madison 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 Madison?

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