Best Places to Kayak Near Wilmington, DE

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

30 nearby14 Rivers6 Lakes5 Creeks
← All paddling in Delaware

Top Picks Near Wilmington

silhouette of mountain during sunset1

Ft. Dupont

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

CanalBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Lums Pond State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Lums Pond

LakeBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees3

City of Wilmington

Just 1 mile from Wilmington — the closest quality launch

CreekBeginner1 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

7th Street

Delaware · 1.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

City of Wilmington

Delaware · 1.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Town of Newport

Delaware · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest

Churchmans Road

Delaware · 5.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Pennsville Municipal

New Jersey · 6.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

CHESTER CITY CHANNEL WORK

Pennsylvania · 11.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Flower Street- Chester City Boat Ramp

Pennsylvania · 11.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Becks Pond

Delaware · 11.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of mountain during sunset

Ft. Dupont

Delaware · 11.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Salem Public Ramp

New Jersey · 11.9 mi

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

SHAWS BRIDGE PARK CANOE/KAYAK LAUNCH IMPROVEMENTS

Pennsylvania · 13.6 mi

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

Lums Pond State Park

Delaware · 15.4 mi

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

Lums Pond State Park

Delaware · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ridley Township Marina

Pennsylvania · 15.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red kayak on sea during daytime

Marina

Pennsylvania · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with a building in the background

Island Marina

Pennsylvania · 15.9 mi

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

RIDLEY TWP MUNI MARINA

Pennsylvania · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest

Augustine Beach

Delaware · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

C&D Canal

Delaware · 16.9 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Silver Run

Delaware · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

C&D Canal

Delaware · 18.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Chesapeake City boat ramp

Maryland · 20.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest

Odessa

Delaware · 20.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Staves Landing

Delaware · 21.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Stowe Creek State Park

New Jersey · 21.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

West Deptford Municipal

New Jersey · 21.9 mi

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

CRUISE LINE TERM

Pennsylvania · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · 22.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is floating in the water at sunset

Iroquois Drive

Maryland · 23.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

North East Community Park soft access

Maryland · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Wilmington.

Montchanin, DE4 miRockland, DE4 miPenns Grove, NJ5 miNew Castle, DE5 miDeepwater, NJ5 miWinterthur, DE5 miPennsville, NJ6 miClaymont, DE6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Wilmington, DE?

Top picks near Wilmington include Ft. Dupont, Lums Pond State Park, City of Wilmington. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Wilmington?

Near Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

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