Best Places to Kayak Near Oakland, MD

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

30 nearby16 Lakes9 Creeks5 Rivers
← All paddling in Maryland

Top Picks Near Oakland

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Howell Run

Standout kayak fishing on Jennings Randolph Lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a body of water surrounded by a forest2

Deep Creek Lake State Park

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk3

Mount Storm Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Herrington Manor State Park

Maryland · 5.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Maryland · 9.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Howell Run

West Virginia · 14.4 mi

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

Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stoney River (Mt. Storm Lake)

West Virginia · 15.8 mi

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

Barnum

West Virginia · 15.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Helmick Run

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

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

Blackwater Pier

West Virginia · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Davis

West Virginia · 19.3 mi

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

Pendleton Lake

West Virginia · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Mill Run

Maryland · 21.8 mi

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

Bruceton Mills Dam

West Virginia · 22.3 mi

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

Rockville Bridge

West Virginia · 22.7 mi

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

Upper Deckers Creek WMA

West Virginia · 23.9 mi

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

Clifton Mills Bridge

West Virginia · 23.9 mi

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

Newburg Lake

West Virginia · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees

Somerfield South

Pennsylvania · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Jockey Hollow

Pennsylvania · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Somerfield North

Pennsylvania · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bunch of boats that are sitting in the grass

Tubs Run

Pennsylvania · 25.4 mi

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

State Line Bridge

West Virginia · 26.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A lone rowboat floats on a dark, still lake.

Breast Access

Pennsylvania · 27.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

South Access

Pennsylvania · 27.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Coopers Rock

West Virginia · 27.9 mi

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

Dry Fork at Mill Run

West Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white boat on body of water during daytime

North Access

Pennsylvania · 28.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

South Branch Water Management Area

West Virginia · 30.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Old Fields Bridge

West Virginia · 30.8 mi

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

Tygart Lake Cove Run

West Virginia · 31.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Harmissions

West Virginia · 31.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Oakland.

Gormania, WV9 miTerra Alta, WV9 miSwanton, MD10 miEglon, WV10 miKitzmiller, MD10 miBayard, WV10 miMc Henry, MD11 miAurora, WV12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Oakland, MD?

Top picks near Oakland include Howell Run, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Mount Storm Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, creeks, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Oakland?

Near Oakland 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 Oakland?

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