Best Places to Kayak Near Ottawa, WV

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

30 nearby20 Rivers8 Lakes2 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Ottawa

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Ridenoor Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner32 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Plum Orchard Lake

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

LakeBeginner32 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

Rockhouse Lake

West Virginia · 1.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Madison State Route 17 Bridge

West Virginia · 7.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Logan County Airport Pond

West Virginia · 8.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Guyandotte River

West Virginia · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Peach Creek

West Virginia · 10.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Earling

West Virginia · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Guyandotte River

West Virginia · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Upper Mud River Lake

West Virginia · 18.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Upper Mud River Lake

West Virginia · 19.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

R.D. Bailey Lake

West Virginia · 25.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

East Fork Campground Area 5

West Virginia · 27.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Glasgow

West Virginia · 27.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Dunbar

West Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 28.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Hansford

West Virginia · 28.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

East Fork Ramp

West Virginia · 28.3 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 28.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Shawnee State Park

West Virginia · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 29.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

St. Albans Roadside Park

West Virginia · 29.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lick Creek Ramp

West Virginia · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · 30.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 31.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Nitro

West Virginia · 31.4 mi

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

Ridenoor Lake

West Virginia · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ottawa.

Jeffrey, WV1 miHewett, WV2 miSharples, WV3 miBob White, WV5 miDanville, WV6 miBlair, WV6 miUneeda, WV6 miMadison, WV6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Ottawa, WV?

Top picks near Ottawa include Ridenoor Lake, Plum Orchard Lake, Laurel Lake Water Management Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Ottawa?

Near Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

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