Best Places to Kayak Near Riverside, CA

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

30 nearby24 Lakes5 Bays1 Reservoir
← All paddling in California

Top Picks Near Riverside

a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background1

Dana Point

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

BayBeginner41 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Newport Dunes

Open-water sea kayaking access on Newport Harbor

BayBeginner40 mi away
man in red and black suit riding on orange kayak on sea during daytime3

Larson's Shipyard

A top-rated bay launch on Newport Harbor

BayBeginner41 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 13.2 mi

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

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

California · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Lake Perris Power Cove

California · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Perris (Bernasconi Pass)

California · 15.4 mi

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

Silverwood Lake Marina

California · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red shirt riding white kayak on lake during daytime

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (South Shore) (Sawpit)

California · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (North West) (Cleghorn)

California · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lake Elsinore Recreation Area

California · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Elsinore West Marina & RV Park

California · 22.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Puddingstone Lake (Frank G Bonelli Regional Park)

California · 25.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Diamond Valley Lake

California · 29.0 mi

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

Diamond Valley Marina

California · 29.0 mi

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

Pleasure Point Landing

California · 30.0 mi

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

Duane Boyer (West)

California · 30.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Holloway's Marina, Inc.

California · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Big Bear Marina

California · 31.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a woman in a boat

Pine Knot Landing

California · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina

California · 31.8 mi

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

Carol Morrison (East)

California · 33.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of people on water skis in the water

Lake Skinner Marina Boat #1

California · 33.5 mi

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

Lake Skinner Boat #2

California · 33.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown grass field near body of water during daytime

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

California · 34.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Newport Dunes

California · 39.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Orange County Sheriff's Harbor Patrol Division

California · 40.0 mi

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

Larson's Shipyard

California · 41.0 mi

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

Embarcadero Marina

California · 41.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a bridge over a body of water with mountains in the background

Dana Point

California · 41.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a man on a paddle board

Vail Lake

California · 42.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Riverside.

Grand Terrace, CA4 miBloomington, CA5 miColton, CA5 miFontana, CA6 miLoma Linda, CA7 miRialto, CA8 miMarch Air Reserve Base, CA9 miMira Loma, CA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Riverside, CA?

Top picks near Riverside include Dana Point, Newport Dunes, Larson's Shipyard. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Riverside?

Near Riverside 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 Riverside?

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