Best Places to Kayak Near Salem, WV

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

30 nearby18 Rivers7 Creeks4 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Salem

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Curtisville Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
A river running through a lush green forest2

Middle Island Creek

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

CreekBeginner16 mi away
a river with rocks and trees3

Conway Run Lake

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, fishing pier

CreekBeginner16 mi away
a river with rocks and trees

Dog Run

West Virginia · 1.7 mi

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

West Milford Slide

West Virginia · 11.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Goodhope

West Virginia · 11.5 mi

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

West Milford Dam

West Virginia · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

West Fork River 2

West Virginia · 11.9 mi

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

Middle Island Creek

West Virginia · 12.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Limestone Run

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

Liberty Avenue

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Clarksburg Baseball Complex

West Virginia · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

West Fork River

West Virginia · 12.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hartland Dam

West Virginia · 12.6 mi

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

Two Lick Dam

West Virginia · 13.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Highland Slide

West Virginia · 13.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

West Fork River

West Virginia · 14.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jackson Mill

West Virginia · 15.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Middle Island Creek - Purgatory Run

West Virginia · 16.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

Middle Island Creek

West Virginia · 16.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Middle Island Creek

West Virginia · 16.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Conway Run Lake

West Virginia · 16.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Curtisville Lake

West Virginia · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hinkle Lake

West Virginia · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Pennsboro WS Reservior

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Weston

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Huey Run

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Deegan Lake

West Virginia · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Whetstone Lake

West Virginia · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Middle Run Bridge

West Virginia · 19.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

The Jug Water Management Area

West Virginia · 20.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bendale Bridge

West Virginia · 20.1 mi

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

Dents Run Lake

West Virginia · 20.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Salem.

Smithburg, WV8 miReynoldsville, WV8 miCenter Point, WV8 miNew Milton, WV10 miWallace, WV10 miWilsonburg, WV10 miWest Union, WV11 miShirley, WV12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Salem include Curtisville Lake, Middle Island Creek, Conway Run Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, creeks, lakes.

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.