Best Places to Kayak Near Palm Springs, CA

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

26 nearby23 Lakes3 Oceans
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Palm Springs

a woman in a boat1

Pine Knot Landing

Standout kayak fishing on Big Bear Lake

LakeBeginner35 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

LakeBeginner37 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

LakeBeginner36 mi away
a person swimming in a lake

Lake Hemet

California · 14.6 mi

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

Lake Cahuilla County Park

California · 20.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Diamond Valley Lake

California · 28.6 mi

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

Diamond Valley Marina

California · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Skinner Marina Boat #1

California · 33.9 mi

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

Lake Skinner Boat #2

California · 34.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Vail Lake

California · 35.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Pine Knot Landing

California · 35.2 mi

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

Carol Morrison (East)

California · 35.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Big Bear Marina

California · 35.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Lake Perris Power Cove

California · 36.2 mi

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

Pleasure Point Landing

California · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Holloway's Marina, Inc.

California · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina

California · 36.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Perris (Bernasconi Pass)

California · 36.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 36.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 37.0 mi

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

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 37.0 mi

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

Duane Boyer (West)

California · 37.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 38.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of ducks floating on top of a lake

Desert Shores Trailer Park & Marina

California · 41.6 mi

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

Salton Sea State Recreation Area (Varner Harbor)

California · 42.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Henshaw Resort

California · 43.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Paddleboarder on clear blue ocean water with coastal hills

Salton Sea Beach Marina

California · 44.1 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Elsinore Recreation Area

California · 49.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Elsinore West Marina & RV Park

California · 49.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

North Palm Springs, CA4 miCathedral City, CA4 miRancho Mirage, CA8 miThousand Palms, CA10 miDesert Hot Springs, CA11 miWhite Water, CA11 miIdyllwild, CA13 miPalm Desert, CA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Palm Springs include Pine Knot Landing, Duane Boyer (West), Pleasure Point Landing. In total there are 26 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Palm Springs?

Near Palm Springs 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 Springs?

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