Best Places to Kayak Near Palm Desert, CA

24 public launch points within 50 miles of Palm Desert, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

24 nearby20 Lakes4 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Palm Desert

a woman in a boat1

Pine Knot Landing

Standout kayak fishing on Big Bear Lake

LakeBeginner47 mi away
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach2

Duane Boyer (West)

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

LakeBeginner50 mi away
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime3

Pleasure Point Landing

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner49 mi away
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Lake Cahuilla County Park

California · 9.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Hemet

California · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (Varner Harbor)

California · 29.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Desert Shores Trailer Park & Marina

California · 29.7 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Salton Sea Beach Marina

California · 32.2 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Diamond Valley Lake

California · 39.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Diamond Valley Marina

California · 39.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Vail Lake

California · 41.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Skinner Marina Boat #1

California · 42.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Lake Skinner Boat #2

California · 43.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Henshaw Resort

California · 44.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Bombay Beach Marina

California · 44.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
person in black shirt and black shorts riding on white and red kayak on blue sea

Carol Morrison (East)

California · 47.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Pine Knot Landing

California · 47.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Big Bear Marina

California · 47.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina

California · 48.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Holloway's Marina, Inc.

California · 48.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime

Pleasure Point Landing

California · 48.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Perris (Bernasconi Pass)

California · 48.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Lake Perris Power Cove

California · 48.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 49.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 49.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 49.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of kayaks sitting on top of a sandy beach

Duane Boyer (West)

California · 49.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Palm Desert.

Indian Wells, CA3 miThousand Palms, CA4 miRancho Mirage, CA6 miIndio, CA6 miCathedral City, CA9 miDesert Hot Springs, CA10 miCoachella, CA10 miPalm Springs, CA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Palm Desert, CA?

Top picks near Palm Desert include Pine Knot Landing, Duane Boyer (West), Pleasure Point Landing. In total there are 24 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Palm Desert?

Near Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert?

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