Best Places to Kayak Near Nags Head, NC

23 public launch points within 50 miles of Nags Head, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

23 nearby12 Bays3 Creeks3 Lakes

← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Nags Head

white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Manteo Waterfront Public Boat Ramp

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

BayBeginner39 mi away

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Washington Baum Bridge

Standout kayak fishing on Roanoke Sound

BayBeginner38 mi away

Swan Quarter

Open-water sea kayaking access on Unnamed Canal (Swanquarter Bay)

BayBeginner43 mi away

RODANTHE

North Carolina · 18.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

woman in white shirt sitting on wooden dock during daytime

Stumpy Point

North Carolina · 25.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

a river running through a lush green forest

Engelhard

North Carolina · 26.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

OUTFALL CANAL

North Carolina · 30.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 31.1 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a couple of birds that are in some water

Lake Mattamuskeet

North Carolina · 35.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner

a bridge over a body of water surrounded by trees

Hydeland Canal

North Carolina · 36.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Washington Baum Bridge

North Carolina · 38.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

BOWSERTOWN ROAD

North Carolina · 38.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Gum Neck Landing

North Carolina · 38.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Manteo Waterfront Public Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 39.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Manns Harbor

North Carolina · 40.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Mashoes

North Carolina · 42.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Swan Quarter

North Carolina · 43.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Lake Mattamuskeet Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 43.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Frying Pan

North Carolina · 43.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

East Lake Ferry

North Carolina · 44.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Alligator River Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 46.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Crawford Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 47.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Cedar Island

North Carolina · 47.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Avalon Beach

North Carolina · 48.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cedar Island National Refuge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 48.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Rose Bay

North Carolina · 48.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Nags Head.

Avon, NC3 mi Buxton, NC6 mi Frisco, NC8 mi Hatteras, NC11 mi Salvo, NC14 mi Waves, NC16 mi Rodanthe, NC18 mi Ocracoke, NC28 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Nags Head, NC?

Top picks near Nags Head include Manteo Waterfront Public Boat Ramp, Washington Baum Bridge, Swan Quarter. In total there are 23 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on bays, creeks, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Nags Head?

Near Nags Head 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 Nags Head?

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