Best Places to Kayak Near Traverse City, MI

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

30 nearby20 Lakes5 Bays4 Rivers
← All paddling in Michigan

Top Picks Near Traverse City

Two people fishing from a boat at sunrise.1

Clinch Park

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

BayBeginner2 mi away
a sunset over a body of water with clouds in the sky2

Greilickville Harbor

Standout kayak fishing on West Arm Grand Traverse Bay

BayBeginner3 mi away
a sunset over a body of water with clouds in the sky3

East Arm Grand Traverse Bay

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner5 mi away
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Boardman River

Michigan · 1.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two people fishing from a boat at sunrise.

Clinch Park

Michigan · 1.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a sunset over a body of water with clouds in the sky

Greilickville Harbor

Michigan · 3.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Cedar Lake

Michigan · 3.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Silver Lake

Michigan · 4.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sunset over a body of water with clouds in the sky

East Arm Grand Traverse Bay

Michigan · 5.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Bass Lake

Michigan · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of road between trees

Boardman River

Michigan · 6.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Arbutus Lake

Michigan · 6.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Spider Lake

Michigan · 7.5 mi

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

Gilbert Park

Michigan · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Ellis Lake

Michigan · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Cedar Lake

Michigan · 8.7 mi

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

Sayler Park

Michigan · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Lake Dubonnet

Michigan · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Cedar Hedge Lake

Michigan · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Lake Leelanau (East)

Michigan · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

Michigan · 10.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Duck Lake (North)

Michigan · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Duck Lake (South)

Michigan · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Green Lake (East)

Michigan · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat is speeding across the water

West Arm Grand Traverse Bay (West)

Michigan · 11.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
high angle photography of trees beside river

County Road 651 N

Michigan · 11.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown boat on body of water during daytime

Bowers Harbor

Michigan · 11.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Forks

Michigan · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and gray canoe beside gray wooden dock surrounded by body of water at daytime

Herendeene Lake

Michigan · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees and body of water during daytime

Davis Lake

Michigan · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
woman in red bikini surfing on sea during daytime

Lake Ann State Forest Campgrond

Michigan · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person in middle of body of water during daytime

Stevens Lakey

Michigan · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial view of white and yellow boat on sea during daytime

Whitewater Township Park

Michigan · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Traverse City.

Acme, MI6 miGrawn, MI8 miCedar, MI9 miMayfield, MI9 miWilliamsburg, MI10 miInterlochen, MI11 miLake Ann, MI12 miKingsley, MI12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Traverse City, MI?

Top picks near Traverse City include Clinch Park, Greilickville Harbor, East Arm Grand Traverse Bay. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Traverse City?

Near Traverse City 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 Traverse City?

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