Best Places to Kayak Near Washington, DC
30 public launch points within 50 miles of Washington, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.
Top Picks Near Washington
1Georgetown Visitor Center
Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding
2Scotts Cove
Standout kayak fishing on Patuxent River - T. Howard Duckett Reservoir
3Anglers Inn - Canal
Just 12 miles from Washington — the closest quality launch
Georgetown Visitor Center
District of Columbia · 2.3 mi
Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 3.1 mi
Anacostia Park Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 3.4 mi
Gravelly Point Boat Ramp
District of Columbia · 3.6 mi
Gravelly Point
Virginia · 3.6 mi
Bladensburg
Maryland · 4.5 mi
Fletchers Cove
District of Columbia · 4.6 mi
Capital Cove Marina (Bolling Air Force Base)
District of Columbia · 5.4 mi
Anglers Inn - Canal
Maryland · 12.3 mi
Anglers Inn - River
Maryland · 12.3 mi
Aqueduct Lock 20 - Canal
Maryland · 13.8 mi
Aqueduct Lock 20 - River
Maryland · 13.9 mi
Ft. Washington Marina
Maryland · 14.5 mi
Swains Lock - Canal
Maryland · 14.6 mi
Swains Lock - River
Maryland · 14.7 mi
Piscataway Park
Maryland · 15.0 mi
Allen Pond Park
Maryland · 15.1 mi
Accokeek Foundation soft access
Maryland · 15.1 mi
Accokeek Foundation Boat Dock
Maryland · 15.3 mi
Rock Creek Regional Park at Lake Needwood
Maryland · 15.3 mi
Supplee Lane Recreation Area
Maryland · 16.3 mi
Marshall Hall
Maryland · 16.3 mi
Brown's Bridge Recreation Area
Maryland · 16.4 mi
Scotts Cove
Maryland · 16.8 mi
Governor Bridge Natural Area / Gardner Canoe Launch
Maryland · 17.5 mi
Iron Pot Landing
Maryland · 17.9 mi
Pennyfield Lock
Maryland · 17.9 mi
Patuxent River Wetlands Park / Wayson's Canoe & Kayak put-in
Maryland · 17.9 mi
Wooten's Landing soft access
Maryland · 18.0 mi
Davidsonville Park soft access
Maryland · 18.1 mi
Paddling Near Other Cities
Widen your search to towns within an hour of Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to kayak near Washington, DC?
Top picks near Washington include Georgetown Visitor Center, Scotts Cove, Anglers Inn - Canal. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, reservoirs.
What types of paddling can I do near Washington?
Near Washington 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 Washington?
Yes! Most public boat ramps near Washington are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.