Best Places to Kayak Near Salem, VA

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

30 nearby19 Lakes9 Rivers1 Creek
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Salem

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Hardy Ford

Standout kayak fishing on Smith Mountain Lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Halesford Harbor

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

LakeBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway3

Moncove Lake State Park

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

InletBeginner28 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

TInker Creek Landing

Virginia · 9.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Hardy Ford

Virginia · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Walnut Run

Virginia · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Indian Point

Virginia · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Hannabass Campground

Virginia · 22.3 mi

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

Lynch Memorial Park

Virginia · 23.1 mi

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

Waid Recreation Area

Virginia · 23.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Halesford Harbor

Virginia · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Webster Marine Center

Virginia · 24.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Oak Grove

Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Waterwheel Marina

Virginia · 24.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Hales Ford

Virginia · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Harbor Trail

Virginia · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Springwood

Virginia · 25.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Magnum Point Marina

Virginia · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Gills Creek

Virginia · 27.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Buchanan

Virginia · 27.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Scruggs #8

Virginia · 27.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Crazy Horse Marina

Virginia · 27.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Moncove Lake State Park

West Virginia · 27.8 mi

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

Peppers Ferry

Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man surfing on a wave

Whitethorne

Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Horseshoe Bend

Virginia · 28.1 mi

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

Craig Creek

Virginia · 28.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Marina Point Lane

Virginia · 28.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Road 888

Virginia · 28.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Arcadia

Virginia · 30.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Penhook #9

Virginia · 30.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

The Landing

Virginia · 31.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Smith Mountain Lake

Virginia · 31.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Salem.

Roanoke, VA6 miCatawba, VA7 miBent Mountain, VA7 miCloverdale, VA10 miElliston, VA11 miDaleville, VA12 miBoones Mill, VA12 miVinton, VA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Salem include Hardy Ford, Halesford Harbor, Moncove Lake State Park. 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.