Best Places to Kayak Near Wilmington, NC

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

30 nearby13 Rivers8 Lakes5 Creeks
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Wilmington

man surfing on sea waves during daytime1

Surf City

Standout kayak fishing on Topsail Sound

BayBeginner26 mi away
A person standing on a paddle board in the water2

Hampstead

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

BayBeginner23 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water3

Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island

Open-water sea kayaking access on Middle Sound

BayBeginner11 mi away
a body of water with trees around it

Castle Street

North Carolina · 0.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Sutton Lake

North Carolina · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Trails End

North Carolina · 6.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Wrightsville Beach

North Carolina · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rices Creek

North Carolina · 9.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Castle Hayne

North Carolina · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island

North Carolina · 11.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Snows Cut

North Carolina · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Porters Neck Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Carolina Beach State Park

North Carolina · 12.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Federal Point

North Carolina · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Hunts Bluff

North Carolina · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Oak Island

North Carolina · 21.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Hampstead

North Carolina · 22.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

NE 55th St Municipal Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Holly Shelter

North Carolina · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lock And Dam #1

North Carolina · 23.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Village Creek Access

North Carolina · 24.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 25.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Unnamed Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 25.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Sawpit Landing

North Carolina · 25.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Sunset Harbor

North Carolina · 26.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man surfing on sea waves during daytime

Surf City

North Carolina · 26.2 mi

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

Shelter Creek

North Carolina · 27.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Holden Beach

North Carolina · 28.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Morris Landing

North Carolina · 29.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Elwells Ferry

North Carolina · 30.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Ivanhoe

North Carolina · 31.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of rocks

Turkey Creek

North Carolina · 32.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Wilmington.

Winnabow, NC7 miCastle Hayne, NC7 miLeland, NC7 miWrightsville Beach, NC8 miCarolina Beach, NC13 miRocky Point, NC14 miSouthport, NC16 miDelco, NC16 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Wilmington include Surf City, Hampstead, Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island. 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.