Best Places to Kayak Near Paintsville, KY

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

30 nearby21 Lakes8 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Paintsville

woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime1

Paintsville Lake State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Paint Creek - Paintsville Lake

LakeBeginner4 mi away
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime2

Jenny Wiley State Park Marina

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset3

Terry

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner7 mi away
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Paintsville River

Kentucky · 0.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paintsville Tailwater

Kentucky · 3.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Paintsville Lake State Park

Kentucky · 4.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Airport

Kentucky · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dewey Lake Tailwater

Kentucky · 6.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Terry

Kentucky · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paintsville Lake WMA

Kentucky · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

Kentucky · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park-Stratton Branch

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Marina

Kentucky · 9.7 mi

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

Big Mine Fork

Kentucky · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Prestonsburg

Kentucky · 10.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Lost Creek Boat

Kentucky · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

German Bridge

Kentucky · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paintsville Lake Campground

Kentucky · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dewey Lake WMA - Johns Creek

Kentucky · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Open Fork

Kentucky · 13.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Martin County Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray bird on water

Martin County Reservoir

Kentucky · 16.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Rich Creek

Kentucky · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Pleasant Ridge

Kentucky · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Twin Branch

Kentucky · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Warfield

Kentucky · 21.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Barkers Marina

Kentucky · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Yatesville Tailwater

Kentucky · 22.2 mi

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

Louisa Ramp

Kentucky · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Thompson Road

Kentucky · 25.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Heritage Canoe Carrydown

Kentucky · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Maher

West Virginia · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green lake near green mountains under white clouds during daytime

Newfoundland

Kentucky · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Paintsville.

Hagerhill, KY1 miThelma, KY2 miStambaugh, KY3 miWest Van Lear, KY3 miStaffordsville, KY3 miWittensville, KY4 miMeally, KY4 miTutor Key, KY5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Paintsville, KY?

Top picks near Paintsville include Paintsville Lake State Park, Jenny Wiley State Park Marina, Terry. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Paintsville?

Near Paintsville 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 Paintsville?

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