Best Places to Kayak Near Watauga, TN

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

30 nearby11 Rivers10 Reservoirs9 Lakes
← All paddling in Tennessee

Top Picks Near Watauga

green trees beside body of water during daytime1

Buffalo Road

Standout kayak fishing on South Fork Holston River - Boone Lake

LakeBeginner9 mi away
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime2

Watauga Dam

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a body of water with plants and trees around it3

Rat Branch

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

USA Aggregate

Tennessee · 1.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Blevins Bend

Tennessee · 2.5 mi

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

Highway 19 Bridge

Tennessee · 2.7 mi

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

Knob Creek

Tennessee · 5.2 mi

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

Hwy 11E (New Devault Bridge)

Tennessee · 5.2 mi

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

Hwy 11E (New Devault Bridge)

Tennessee · 5.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Hunter Bridge

Tennessee · 5.5 mi

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

Winged Deer Park

Tennessee · 5.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree branch on body of water during daytime

Pickens Bridge

Tennessee · 6.9 mi

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

J. Forrest Thomas Access Area

Tennessee · 6.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Bluff City Park

Tennessee · 7.3 mi

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

Rainbow Bridge

Tennessee · 7.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Boone Lake Marina

Tennessee · 8.0 mi

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

Wilbur Dam Access

Tennessee · 8.1 mi

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

Devault Bridge

Tennessee · 8.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Sugar Hollow

Tennessee · 8.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Buffalo Road

Tennessee · 8.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Watauga Dam

Tennessee · 9.1 mi

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

Muddy Creek

Tennessee · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with plants and trees around it

Rat Branch

Tennessee · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of body of water and trees during daytime

Lakeview Marina

Tennessee · 9.9 mi

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

Airport Ramp

Tennessee · 9.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding yellow kayak on river during daytime

Watauga Lakeshores Marina

Tennessee · 10.3 mi

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

Boone Dam

Tennessee · 10.4 mi

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

Big Springs Access

Tennessee · 10.6 mi

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

SR 75 Bridge

Tennessee · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Fish Springs Marina

Tennessee · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a body of water from a kayak

Smith Shoals

Tennessee · 12.3 mi

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

TVA Walk-in Access

Tennessee · 12.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Bayview Family Campground and Marina

Tennessee · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Watauga.

Elizabethton, TN4 miJohnson City, TN5 miMilligan College, TN5 miPiney Flats, TN6 miMountain Home, TN7 miBluff City, TN8 miHampton, TN9 miUnicoi, TN12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Watauga, TN?

Top picks near Watauga include Buffalo Road, Watauga Dam, Rat Branch. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, reservoirs, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Watauga?

Near Watauga 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 Watauga?

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