Best Places to Kayak Near Williston, ND

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

30 nearby14 Lakes10 Reservoirs6 Rivers
← All paddling in North Dakota

Top Picks Near Williston

a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds1

Cottonwood Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner30 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds2

Trenton Lake

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

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds3

East Spring Lake Pond

Just 2 miles from Williston — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner2 mi away
green grass field near lake during daytime

Little Muddy River

North Dakota · 2.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

East Spring Lake Pond

North Dakota · 2.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Upper Missouri River

North Dakota · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Epping-Springbrook Dam

North Dakota · 11.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Trenton Lake

North Dakota · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Blacktail Dam

North Dakota · 18.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field near lake during daytime

Upper Missouri River

North Dakota · 20.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Kota-Ray Dam

North Dakota · 23.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Arnegard Dam

North Dakota · 24.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McLeod (Ray) Reservoir

North Dakota · 24.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with cliffs and trees on the side

Snowden Bridge

Montana · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 24.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Cottonwood Lake

North Dakota · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Kettle Lake

North Dakota · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Diamond Willow

Montana · 34.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Sather Dam

North Dakota · 35.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 35.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 35.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 35.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Tioga Dam

North Dakota · 36.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass field beside river under blue sky during daytime

Culbertson Bridge

Montana · 39.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota · 41.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Rushing white water flows through the scenic landscape.

Sidney Bridge

Montana · 41.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McGregor Dam

North Dakota · 42.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

Leland Dam

North Dakota · 42.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stunning sunset over the body of water that carries the name of Devils Lake, North Dakota

McGregor Dam

North Dakota · 43.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Williston.

Trenton, ND13 miEpping, ND14 miAlexander, ND22 miRay, ND24 miArnegard, ND26 miBainville, MT26 miZahl, ND28 miCartwright, ND29 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Williston, ND?

Top picks near Williston include Cottonwood Lake, Trenton Lake, East Spring Lake Pond. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Williston?

Near Williston 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 Williston?

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