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 nearby15 Lakes15 Rivers
← All paddling in Kentucky

Top Picks Near Shelby Gap

a body of water surrounded by lots of trees1

Bark Camp Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Lake Keokee

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

LakeBeginner31 mi away
A person in a kayak paddling down a river3

Carr Fork Dam

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner25 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

KY-195 Bridge Access

Kentucky · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elkhorn City Park

Kentucky · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Carson Island Access

Kentucky · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Breaks Interstate Park

Kentucky · 14.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jubilee Christian Church Canoe Access

Kentucky · 15.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Garden Hole Carrydown

Kentucky · 15.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Fishtrap Tailwater

Kentucky · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Island Creek Canoe Access

Kentucky · 16.2 mi

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

Upper Pompey Branch Dam

Kentucky · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Cedar Creek Canoe Access

Kentucky · 17.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

Fishtrap Lake WMA

Kentucky · 20.6 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

Carr Creek Tailwater

Kentucky · 25.2 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

Grants Branch Fishing Access

Kentucky · 26.6 mi

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

St Paul

Virginia · 27.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Watts Ramp

Kentucky · 27.2 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

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 Bark Camp Lake, Lake Keokee, Carr Fork Dam. 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.