Best Places to Kayak Near Phoenix, AZ

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

21 nearby14 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Arizona

Top Picks Near Phoenix

Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset1

Water Users Recreation Site

A top-rated river launch on Salt River

RiverBeginner30 mi away
brown mountain beside body of water during daytime2

Canyon Lake - 3

Standout kayak fishing on Salt River - Canyon Lake

LakeBeginner38 mi away
man riding on boat on sea during daytime3

Canyon Lake - 2

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

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a body of water with a rocky cliff and trees on the side

Tempe Town Lake - 3

Arizona · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Tempe Town Lake - 4

Arizona · 7.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Overhead view of a riverbank campsite with tents.

Tempe Town Lake - 2

Arizona · 7.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown and black mountains under blue sky

Tempe Town Lake - 1

Arizona · 8.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with hills in the background

Pleasant Harbor - 2

Arizona · 29.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man sitting on surfboard

Pleasant Harbor - 1

Arizona · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Water Users Recreation Site

Arizona · 30.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown rocky mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Lake Pleasant Regional Park - 2

Arizona · 30.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown rocky mountain beside blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Saguaro - 1

Arizona · 31.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown rock formation on body of water during daytime

Saguaro - 2

Arizona · 31.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a bird flying over it

Lake Pleasant Regional Park - 1

Arizona · 31.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on lake near brown mountain under white clouds during daytime

Saguaro - 3

Arizona · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown mountain beside body of water during daytime

Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Scorpian Bay

Arizona · 32.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a rocky cliff and trees on the side

Bartlett Reservoir

Arizona · 36.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on lake near brown mountain under white clouds during daytime

Canyon Lake - 1

Arizona · 37.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on boat on sea during daytime

Canyon Lake - 2

Arizona · 37.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown mountain beside body of water during daytime

Canyon Lake - 3

Arizona · 38.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people swimming on lake near brown mountain under white clouds during daytime

Horseshoe Reservoir

Arizona · 42.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown mountain beside body of water during daytime

Apache Lake - 1

Arizona · 47.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man sitting on surfboard

Apache Lake - 2

Arizona · 47.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with hills in the background

Apache Lake - 3

Arizona · 47.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Phoenix.

Tempe, AZ8 miGlendale, AZ8 miParadise Valley, AZ9 miLaveen, AZ10 miScottsdale, AZ11 miTolleson, AZ12 miMesa, AZ13 miPeoria, AZ13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Phoenix, AZ?

Top picks near Phoenix include Water Users Recreation Site, Canyon Lake - 3, Canyon Lake - 2. In total there are 21 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Phoenix?

Near Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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