Best Places to Kayak Near Ottawa, WV

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

30 nearby26 Rivers2 Creeks2 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Ottawa

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

Standout kayak fishing on Laurel Lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a river with trees on the side2

Logan County Airport Pond

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

CreekBeginner9 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest3

Rockhouse Lake

Just 1 mile from Ottawa — the closest quality launch

CreekBeginner1 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

Lick Creek Park

West Virginia · 8.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

Chapmanville

West Virginia · 11.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Chief Logan State Park Pond

West Virginia · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Shawnee Island Park

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Don R. Kuhn

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Fosterville

West Virginia · 14.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Earling

West Virginia · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Orgas

West Virginia · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Man

West Virginia · 15.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Upper Waterways Park

West Virginia · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lower Waterways Park

West Virginia · 15.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whitesville

West Virginia · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Rock House Fork

West Virginia · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dartmont Park

West Virginia · 16.7 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

Wylo

West Virginia · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sproul (Brier Crk)

West Virginia · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

The Forks of Coal

West Virginia · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Oceana

West Virginia · 21.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Alum Creek Lions Club Park

West Virginia · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

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 Laurel Lake Water Management Area, Logan County Airport Pond, Rockhouse Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, creeks, lakes.

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.