Best Places to Kayak Near Portsmouth, VA

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

30 nearby10 Creeks9 Rivers5 Lakes
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Portsmouth

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway1

Tulls Creek Boat Ramp

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

BayBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway2

Princess Anne Water Management Area

Standout kayak fishing on Back Bay

BayBeginner26 mi away
a black and white photo of a body of water3

Back Bay

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner24 mi away
body of water between trees

City Park

Virginia · 1.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Elizabeth River Park

Virginia · 4.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Crane Lake

Virginia · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Peterson Yatch Basin

Virginia · 12.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Butler Tract Lake

Virginia · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Fishing Pier at the Lake

Virginia · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Western Branch

Virginia · 13.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
plants near body of water

Sunset Creek

Virginia · 14.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Burnt Mills

Virginia · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Jones Creek

Virginia · 15.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Rescue Road

Virginia · 16.8 mi

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

Fox Hill

Virginia · 20.2 mi

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

Messick

Virginia · 20.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people riding kayaks on top of a river

Owls Creek Municipal

Virginia · 21.4 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Shingle Landing

North Carolina · 22.2 mi

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

Rodgers A. Smith Landing

Virginia · 22.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Whitehouse Cove Marina

Virginia · 23.0 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

York Haven Marina

Virginia · 23.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black and white photo of a body of water

Back Bay

Virginia · 24.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Princess Anne Water Management Area

Virginia · 25.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Tulls Creek Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 26.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Mills Marina

Virginia · 27.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Blackwater Bridge

Virginia · 27.6 mi

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

Back Creek Park

Virginia · 27.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Lawnes Creek

Virginia · 28.5 mi

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

Poyners Road

North Carolina · 28.5 mi

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

Wormley Creek Marina

Virginia · 28.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Joyner's Bridge

Virginia · 30.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Gloucester Point

Virginia · 31.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

VIMS Boat Basin

Virginia · 31.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Portsmouth.

Norfolk, VA5 miChesapeake, VA9 miSuffolk, VA11 miHampton, VA14 miCarrollton, VA14 miFort Monroe, VA16 miRescue, VA17 miBattery Park, VA17 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Portsmouth, VA?

Top picks near Portsmouth include Tulls Creek Boat Ramp, Princess Anne Water Management Area, Back Bay. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on creeks, rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Portsmouth?

Near Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?

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