Best Places to Kayak Near Merritt, MI

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

30 nearby21 Lakes9 Rivers
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Merritt

woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime1

Higgins Lake West

Standout kayak fishing on Higgins Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a boat in the water2

Idlewild

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime3

Houghton Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner11 mi away
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground

Michigan · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

North Michelson Road

Michigan · 8.5 mi

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

Missaukee County Park

Michigan · 10.5 mi

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

Houghton Lake

Michigan · 11.2 mi

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

Houghton Lake Marina

Michigan · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Goose Lake State Forest Campground

Michigan · 11.3 mi

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

South Green Road

Michigan · 11.5 mi

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

Long Lake State Forest

Michigan · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Houghton Lake State Forest Park

Michigan · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person on water beside paddle boat during daytime

Lake Sapphire

Michigan · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Heights Marina

Michigan · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green-leafed trees

Highway 66

Michigan · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under white sky during daytime

Dutch John Road

Michigan · 13.4 mi

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

Poplar Street

Michigan · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Higgins Lake West

Michigan · 14.0 mi

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

Lakeview Park

Michigan · 14.8 mi

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

Clam River

Michigan · 15.0 mi

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

West Sharon Road

Michigan · 15.5 mi

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

3 Mile Bend

Michigan · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Higgins Lake North

Michigan · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Laphams Marina

Michigan · 16.4 mi

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

Rainbow Jim Bridge

Michigan · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

South Higgins Lake State Park

Michigan · 17.0 mi

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

CCC Bridge State Forest Campground

Michigan · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Marl Lake

Michigan · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

West Fahrney Road Bridge

Michigan · 17.4 mi

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

Burnt Cabin

Michigan · 17.4 mi

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

Houghton Lake North

Michigan · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Long Lake

Michigan · 18.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Idlewild

Michigan · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Merritt.

Falmouth, MI8 miLake City, MI9 miHoughton Lake Heights, MI12 miHoughton Lake, MI14 miHiggins Lake, MI14 miMc Bain, MI15 miPrudenville, MI18 miFife Lake, MI18 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Merritt include Higgins Lake West, Idlewild, Houghton Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Merritt?

Near Merritt 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 Merritt?

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