Best Places to Kayak Near Portland, CT

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

30 nearby23 Lakes4 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Connecticut

Top Picks Near Portland

Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.1

Beseck Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Bashan Lake

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mono Pond

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Crystal Lake

Connecticut · 4.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Dooley Pond

Connecticut · 5.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Higganum Reservoir Boat Launch

Connecticut · 7.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Beseck Lake

Connecticut · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Black Pond

Connecticut · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Silver Lake

Connecticut · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Connecticut River (Haddam Meadows)

Connecticut · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Pickerel Lake

Connecticut · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Moodus Reservoir (Lower)

Connecticut · 10.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by trees in a forest

Connecticut River (Salmon River)

Connecticut · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

North Farms

Connecticut · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Babcock Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Moodus Reservoir (Upper)

Connecticut · 11.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Batterson Park Pond

Connecticut · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Bashan Lake

Connecticut · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Pattaconk Lake Boat Launch

Connecticut · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Quonnipaug Lake

Connecticut · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Cedar Lake

Connecticut · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Holbrook Pond Water

Connecticut · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch (Connecticut River)

Connecticut · 14.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Hayward Lake

Connecticut · 14.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person on a boat in the water

Connecticut River (Bissell Bridge)

Connecticut · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Mono Pond

Connecticut · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Bolton Lake (Lower)

Connecticut · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Messerschmidt Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Bolton Lake (Middle)

Connecticut · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Coventry Lake

Connecticut · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horse Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 20.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Gardner Lake

Connecticut · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Uncas Pond (Hog Pond)

Connecticut · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Portland.

Cromwell, CT3 miMiddletown, CT3 miCobalt, CT3 miMiddle Haddam, CT4 miEast Hampton, CT5 miRocky Hill, CT6 miRockfall, CT6 miEast Berlin, CT6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Portland, CT?

Top picks near Portland include Beseck Lake, Bashan Lake, Mono Pond. 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 Portland?

Near Portland 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 Portland?

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