Best Places to Kayak Near Raleigh, WV

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

30 nearby20 Rivers10 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Raleigh

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Plum Orchard Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Bluestone Lake

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

LakeBeginner17 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Lake Stephen (Winter)

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner7 mi away

Fitzpatrick Park Lake

West Virginia · 1.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Raleigh County Airport Pond

West Virginia · 3.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Little Beaver State Park

West Virginia · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

McCreery

West Virginia · 7.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Grandview Sandbar Campground

West Virginia · 9.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Glade Creek Campground

West Virginia · 10.1 mi

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Mountain Valley

West Virginia · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Thayer Acces Point

West Virginia · 12.7 mi

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Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Stone Cliff

West Virginia · 13.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Meadow Creek

West Virginia · 14.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dun Glen

West Virginia · 14.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Thurmond

West Virginia · 14.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Sandstone

West Virginia · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

Brooke Falls

West Virginia · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sandstone East

West Virginia · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Camp Brookside

West Virginia · 15.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Bluestone River

West Virginia · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

New River

West Virginia · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone State Park

West Virginia · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

City of Mullens

West Virginia · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bluestone Lake

West Virginia · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

State Route 30 and 3 Bridge

West Virginia · 17.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone Lake Tailwaters West

West Virginia · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone Lake Tailwaters

West Virginia · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pipestem (Long Branch Lake)

West Virginia · 18.5 mi

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Itmann

West Virginia · 18.5 mi

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Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Raleigh.

Mabscott, WV2 miBlue Jay, WV2 miMac Arthur, WV2 miDaniels, WV3 miSprague, WV3 miBeckley, WV3 miMidway, WV4 miSkelton, WV4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Raleigh, WV?

Top picks near Raleigh include Plum Orchard Lake, Bluestone Lake, Lake Stephen (Winter). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Raleigh?

Near Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

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