Best Places to Kayak Near Mandan, ND

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

30 nearby12 Lakes11 Rivers7 Reservoirs
← All paddling in North Dakota

Top Picks Near Mandan

a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds1

Nelson Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
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Nelson Lake

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

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds3

Sweet Briar Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 3.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 3.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 4.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 5.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Harmon Lake

North Dakota · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Crown Butte Dam

North Dakota · 9.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 11.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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McDowell Dam

North Dakota · 12.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Missouri River

North Dakota · 15.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Sweet Briar Lake

North Dakota · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Fish Creek Dam

North Dakota · 17.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Sweet Briar Lake

North Dakota · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 20.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Nelson Lake

North Dakota · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Nygren Dam

North Dakota · 22.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Nelson Lake

North Dakota · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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East Arroda Dam

North Dakota · 31.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Missouri River

North Dakota · 32.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Danzig Dam

North Dakota · 33.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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New Johns Lake

North Dakota · 36.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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New Johns Lake

North Dakota · 36.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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East Park Lake

North Dakota · 37.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Missouri River

North Dakota · 37.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Raleigh Reservoir

North Dakota · 39.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Knife River

North Dakota · 40.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Oahe

North Dakota · 41.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mandan.

Bismarck, ND6 miBaldwin, ND11 miSaint Anthony, ND17 miMenoken, ND18 miWilton, ND24 miNew Salem, ND24 miFlasher, ND28 miCenter, ND28 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Mandan, ND?

Top picks near Mandan include Nelson Lake, Nelson Lake, Sweet Briar Lake. 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 Mandan?

Near Mandan 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 Mandan?

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