Best Places to Kayak Near Saint Charles, IA

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

30 nearby13 Rivers9 Lakes8 Creeks
← All paddling in Iowa

Top Picks Near Saint Charles

a small boat in the middle of a body of water1

Beaver Lake Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on Beaver Lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water2

Cherry Glen - West

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

LakeBeginner31 mi away
a small boat in the middle of a body of water3

Lakeview High Water

A top-rated lake launch on Big Creek - Saylorville Lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Guye Woods County Park

Iowa · 11.0 mi

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

Hooper Wildlife Area

Iowa · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Badger Creek Recreation Area

Iowa · 13.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Badger Creek Recreation Area

Iowa · 13.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Puckerbrush Access

Iowa · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Des Moines Water Works Park

Iowa · 20.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Prospect Park

Iowa · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Birdland Park

Iowa · 24.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 24.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Pleasant Hill Boat Ramp

Iowa · 24.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Kinnick-Feller Riverside Park

Iowa · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 25.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Yellow Banks Access

Iowa · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over mossy rocks in a forest.

Three Mile Wildlife Area

Iowa · 25.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Middle River Access

Iowa · 25.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Beaver Lake Wildlife Area

Iowa · 26.0 mi

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

Ford Access

Iowa · 26.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 27.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Runnells Access

Iowa · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over rocks in a forest.

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 27.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Sycamore Access

Iowa · 28.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Twelve Mile Lake - Union

Iowa · 28.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Redfield Dam

Iowa · 28.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Middle Raccoon River Access

Iowa · 28.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lakeview High Water

Iowa · 29.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Highway 44 Access

Iowa · 29.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lakeview Main A

Iowa · 29.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Lakeview Main B

Iowa · 29.5 mi

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

red rock - usacoe

Iowa · 30.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Cherry Glen - West

Iowa · 31.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Saint Charles.

Saint Marys, IA5 miPatterson, IA5 miBevington, IA6 miTruro, IA6 miMartensdale, IA7 miProle, IA8 miPeru, IA8 miWinterset, IA10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Saint Charles, IA?

Top picks near Saint Charles include Beaver Lake Wildlife Area, Cherry Glen - West, Lakeview High Water. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Saint Charles?

Near Saint Charles 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 Saint Charles?

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