Best Places to Kayak Near Salem, NH

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

30 nearby20 Lakes9 Rivers1 Creek
← All paddling in New Hampshire

Top Picks Near Salem

green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime1

Lake Saltonstall

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a body of water with trees around it2

Rock Pond

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

LakeBeginner11 mi away
boats on ground with dried leaves3

Lake Attitash

Just 13 miles from Salem — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner13 mi away
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Windham

New Hampshire · 2.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Forest Lake

Massachusetts · 4.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Big Island Pond

New Hampshire · 5.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Merrimack River (Methuen)

Massachusetts · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Merrimack River (Riverside Park)

Massachusetts · 5.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people standing next to a body of water

Merrimack River (Riverfront Park)

Massachusetts · 6.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Merrimack River

Massachusetts · 6.7 mi

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

Lake Pentucket

Massachusetts · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
several boats in the water

Merrimack River

Massachusetts · 7.4 mi

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

Lake Pentucket Shorefishing Area

Massachusetts · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Kendall Pond

New Hampshire · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Lake Saltonstall

Massachusetts · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees on the side

Robinson Pond

New Hampshire · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Beaver Lake

New Hampshire · 9.4 mi

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

Johnson Pond

Massachusetts · 9.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat on the water

Phillips Pond

New Hampshire · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Country Pond

New Hampshire · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
hill near body of water during daytime

Musquash Pond Conservation Area

New Hampshire · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees and hills in the background

Claveau Landing

New Hampshire · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat on the water

Scobie Pond

New Hampshire · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Mascuppic Lake

Massachusetts · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Rock Pond

Massachusetts · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Concord River

Massachusetts · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat in the water

Great Pond

New Hampshire · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Greeley Park

New Hampshire · 12.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Powwow Pond

New Hampshire · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boats on ground with dried leaves

Lake Attitash

Massachusetts · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Merrimack River (Rourke)

Massachusetts · 12.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Fields Grove

New Hampshire · 12.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Merrimack River (Southwell)

Massachusetts · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Salem.

North Salem, NH4 miMethuen, MA4 miAtkinson, NH5 miWindham, NH5 miPelham, NH6 miLawrence, MA6 miHampstead, NH7 miPlaistow, NH7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Salem, NH?

Top picks near Salem include Lake Saltonstall, Rock Pond, Lake Attitash. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Salem?

Near Salem 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 Salem?

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