Best Places to Kayak Near Wilkes Barre, PA

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

30 nearby22 Lakes8 Rivers
← All paddling in Pennsylvania

Top Picks Near Wilkes Barre

a bunch of boats that are sitting in the grass1

Harveys Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock2

Lake Winola

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
white boat on body of water during daytime3

Harris Pond

Just 13 miles from Wilkes Barre — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Nesbit Park

Pennsylvania · 0.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river surrounded by lush green trees in the middle of a forest

Hanover Township

Pennsylvania · 2.9 mi

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

COURTRIGHT STREET BOAT RAMP

Pennsylvania · 3.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Carverston Road-Francis Slocum State Park

Pennsylvania · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Campground Boat Launch

Pennsylvania · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees

Francis Slocum State Park

Pennsylvania · 6.3 mi

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

ICE LAKES

Pennsylvania · 7.4 mi

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

NUANGOLA LAKE HOUSE 17-19 RETAINING WALL REPAIR & EXP WITH BOAT

Pennsylvania · 7.6 mi

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

NUANGOLA LAKE HOUSE 17-19 RETAINING WALL REPAIR & EXP WITH BOAT

Pennsylvania · 7.7 mi

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

ICE LAKES

Pennsylvania · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees in the fall

Moon Lake

Pennsylvania · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Hunlock Township

Pennsylvania · 8.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Apple Tree Road

Pennsylvania · 10.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bunch of boats that are sitting in the grass

Harveys Lake

Pennsylvania · 12.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Union Township

Pennsylvania · 12.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a boat on a lake surrounded by trees

Lily Lake

Pennsylvania · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white boat on body of water during daytime

Harris Pond

Pennsylvania · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Sylvan Lake

Pennsylvania · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Shickshinny

Pennsylvania · 15.1 mi

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

WHARTON_DOCK AND BOAT LAUNCH

Pennsylvania · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Whites Ferry

Pennsylvania · 16.1 mi

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

ARROWHEAD LAKE COMMUNITY

Pennsylvania · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Fords Lake

Pennsylvania · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a row of canoes sitting next to a dock

Lake Winola

Pennsylvania · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

PARKERS LANDING LACKAWANNA RIVER

Pennsylvania · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Brady's Lake

Pennsylvania · 19.3 mi

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

BERNARD SEMINSKI MEM PARK

Pennsylvania · 19.4 mi

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

WEBER BOAT RAMP

Pennsylvania · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock on a lake

Ricketts Glen State Park - Beach Trailhead

Pennsylvania · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white boat on body of water during daytime

Gouldsboro State Park

Pennsylvania · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Wilkes Barre.

Kingston, PA2 miLuzerne, PA3 miPlymouth, PA3 miWyoming, PA5 miShavertown, PA6 miPittston, PA7 miNanticoke, PA7 miMountain Top, PA8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Wilkes Barre, PA?

Top picks near Wilkes Barre include Harveys Lake, Lake Winola, Harris Pond. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Wilkes Barre?

Near Wilkes Barre 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 Wilkes Barre?

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