Best Places to Kayak Near Nevada City, CA

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

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Reservoirs
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Nevada City

a person swimming in a lake1

Rollins Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime2

Englebright Reservoir (Joe Miller)

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a man on a paddle board3

Englebright Reservoir (Narrows)

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Scotts Flat Marina

California · 5.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Scotts Flat Recreation Area

California · 5.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on sea during daytime

Cascade Shores

California · 5.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Greenhorn Campground

California · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Peninsula Camping and Boating Resort

California · 9.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Orchard Springs Resort

California · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Long Ravine Campground

California · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Rollins Lake

California · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Bullards Bar Reservoir (Cottage Creek )

California · 10.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Bullards Bar Reservoir (Dark Day )

California · 11.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Englebright Reservoir (Joe Miller)

California · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Englebright Reservoir (Narrows)

California · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by mountains

Sugar Pine Reservoir

California · 15.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Collins Lake Recreation Area

California · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Fuller Lake

California · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Spaulding Fishing Access

California · 20.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

North Recreation Area

California · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near trees under blue sky during daytime

Mooreville

California · 22.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on body of water near green mountains during daytime

Auburn State Recreation Area (Lake Clementine )

California · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (Enterprise Area)

California · 25.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area -Loafer Creek

California · 28.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Jackson Meadows Reservoir (Woodcamp Creek)

California · 29.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area - Wyke Island

California · 29.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Jackson Meadows Reservoir (Pass Creek)

California · 30.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Packer Lake Lodge

California · 30.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Little Grass Valley (Peninsula)

California · 31.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Little Grass Valley (Little Beaver)

California · 31.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Little Grass Valley (Black Rock Tent Camp)

California · 31.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area -Spillway

California · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Rattlesnake Bar

California · 31.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Nevada City.

Grass Valley, CA5 miCedar Ridge, CA5 miRough And Ready, CA8 miNorth San Juan, CA8 miChicago Park, CA9 miPenn Valley, CA10 miOregon House, CA10 miGold Run, CA11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Nevada City, CA?

Top picks near Nevada City include Rollins Lake, Englebright Reservoir (Joe Miller), Englebright Reservoir (Narrows). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Nevada City?

Near Nevada City 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 Nevada City?

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