Best Places to Kayak Near Shelby Gap, KY

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

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Rivers
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Shelby Gap

a body of water surrounded by lots of trees1

Hidden Valley Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees2

Bark Camp Lake

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

LakeBeginner25 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Lake Keokee

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, ada accessible

LakeBeginner31 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Jenkins Lake Fishing Access

Kentucky · 5.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Fishpond Lake

Kentucky · 7.7 mi

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

Upper Pompey Branch Dam

Kentucky · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Pikeville City Lake

Kentucky · 17.7 mi

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

Levisa Fork Fishing Access

Kentucky · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Grapevine

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of boats are in the water

Lick Creek

Kentucky · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Thompson Road

Kentucky · 19.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Little Carr

Kentucky · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Carr Creek Marina

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Carr Fork Dam

Kentucky · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Bark Camp Lake

Virginia · 25.4 mi

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

St Paul

Virginia · 27.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in blue shirt and blue denim jeans riding orange kayak on water during daytime

Kingdom Come Lake

Kentucky · 28.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Dungannon

Virginia · 28.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Carterton

Virginia · 29.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Keokee

Virginia · 30.6 mi

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

Cleveland Park

Virginia · 30.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near green trees during daytime

German Bridge

Kentucky · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Prestonsburg

Kentucky · 31.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Marina

Kentucky · 32.9 mi

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

Nash's Ford

Virginia · 32.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park-Stratton Branch

Kentucky · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Hazard City

Kentucky · 34.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

Kentucky · 34.5 mi

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

Perry County Park

Kentucky · 35.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Terry

Kentucky · 35.3 mi

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

Puckett's Hole

Virginia · 35.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Airport

Kentucky · 36.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Hidden Valley Lake

Virginia · 38.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Shelby Gap.

Dorton, KY3 miBurdine, KY3 miMyra, KY4 miJenkins, KY4 miMc Roberts, KY6 miJonancy, KY6 miAshcamp, KY7 miHellier, KY7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Shelby Gap, KY?

Top picks near Shelby Gap include Hidden Valley Lake, Bark Camp Lake, Lake Keokee. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Shelby Gap?

Near Shelby Gap 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 Shelby Gap?

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