Best Places to Kayak Near Ocracoke, NC

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

25 nearby11 Creeks8 Bays4 Lakes
← All paddling in North Carolina
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

OUTFALL CANAL

North Carolina · 18.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Cedar Island

North Carolina · 20.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Cedar Island National Refuge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 20.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a bridge over a body of water surrounded by trees

Hydeland Canal

North Carolina · 24.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Lake Mattamuskeet

North Carolina · 26.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Engelhard

North Carolina · 27.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Swan Quarter

North Carolina · 27.9 mi

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

Salters Creek

North Carolina · 28.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Lake Mattamuskeet Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Oyster Creek

North Carolina · 33.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man riding on kayak

Rose Bay

North Carolina · 34.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Smiths Creek

North Carolina · 38.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Vandemere

North Carolina · 38.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Wrights Creek

North Carolina · 40.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Gum Neck Landing

North Carolina · 40.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Oriental

North Carolina · 41.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in white shirt sitting on wooden dock during daytime

Stumpy Point

North Carolina · 42.0 mi

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

Straits Landing

North Carolina · 43.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

RODANTHE

North Carolina · 44.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Dawson Creek

North Carolina · 44.2 mi

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

Beaufort

North Carolina · 46.3 mi

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

Belhaven

North Carolina · 46.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Aurora

North Carolina · 46.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

West Beaufort

North Carolina · 47.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Frying Pan

North Carolina · 48.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Ocracoke, NC?

Top picks near Ocracoke include Oyster Creek, Swan Quarter, Rose Bay. In total there are 25 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on creeks, bays, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Ocracoke?

Near Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke?

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