Paddling in North Carolina

Explore 382 kayak launches, boat ramps, and paddling destinations across North Carolina.

382 locations165 Rivers120 Lakes47 Creeks

Best Paddling in North Carolina

Read our comprehensive guide to the top paddling destinations in North Carolina →

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

Bent Creek River and Picnic Area

North Carolina

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

Hominy Creek River Park

North Carolina

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a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Morehead City

North Carolina · ~0 mi from Morehead City

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white canoe on river surrounded by trees

McNeil Park

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Atlantic Beach

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brown boat on water

Sound Park

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Harbinger

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Emerald Isle

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Emerald Isle

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white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Manteo Waterfront Public Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Manteo

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Oyster Creek

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Davis

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A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Poplar Branch

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Aydlett

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Tulls Creek Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Moyock

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Washington Baum Bridge

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Manteo

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a man carrying a surfboard on a beach

Bob Perry Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Kitty Hawk

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Swan Quarter

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Swanquarter

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brown boat on water

Crawford Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Kill Devil Hills

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Manns Harbor

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Stumpy Point

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man surfing on sea waves during daytime

Surf City

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Holly Ridge

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Brumley Road

North Carolina · ~4 mi from Knotts Island

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A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Hampstead

North Carolina · ~4 mi from Hampstead

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a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Paved Boat Ramp - Figure Eight Island

North Carolina · ~5 mi from Wrightsville Beach

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A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Trails End

North Carolina · ~5 mi from Wrightsville Beach

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man riding on kayak

Rose Bay

North Carolina · ~6 mi from Scranton

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white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Cedar Island National Refuge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~6 mi from Atlantic

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man surfing on sea waves during daytime

Midway Drive

North Carolina · ~6 mi from Edenton

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Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Coinjock

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Coinjock

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a large field of green plants next to a river

Columbia

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Columbia

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a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Newport

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Newport

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A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Cedar Island

North Carolina · ~9 mi from Atlantic

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a large field of green plants next to a river

West Onslow Beach

North Carolina · ~3 mi from Sneads Ferry

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person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Shell Rock Landing

North Carolina · ~4 mi from Swansboro

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brown boat on water

Lennons Bridge

North Carolina · ~7 mi from Evergreen

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a bridge over a body of water surrounded by trees

Hydeland Canal

North Carolina · ~4 mi from Swanquarter

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woman in white shirt sitting on wooden dock during daytime

Stumpy Point

North Carolina · ~12 mi from Wanchese

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a large body of water surrounded by trees

Badin Lake Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~0 mi from Badin

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person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Morris Landing

North Carolina · ~0 mi from Holly Ridge

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

Ocean Isle Beach

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Ocean Isle Beach

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a large body of water surrounded by trees

Rhodhiss

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Rhodhiss

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a body of water with trees around it

Sunset Beach

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Sunset Beach

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red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Farmer Lake Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Yanceyville

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person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lure / Washburn Marina

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Chimney Rock

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a couple of birds that are in some water

Lake Mattamuskeet

North Carolina · ~7 mi from Swanquarter

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

Poe's Ridge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Moncure

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red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Ramsey Bluff

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Murphy

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green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Vandemere

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Vandemere

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green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Wrightsville Beach

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Wrightsville Beach

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a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Bear Creek

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Tuckasegee

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

Cedar Cliff

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Tuckasegee

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a couple of birds that are in some water

Hanging Dog

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Murphy

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person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lyre Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Lake Lure

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person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

NE 55th St Municipal Boat Ramp

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Oak Island

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green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Henrico

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Henrico

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red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Ledfords Chapel

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Hayesville

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Lewellyn Branch

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Fontana Dam

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a couple of birds that are in some water

Snows Cut

North Carolina · ~1 mi from Carolina Beach

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a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Southmount Abbotts Creek Boat Access

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Southmont

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

Beatties Ford

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Denver

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A large body of water surrounded by trees

Fifth Street Landing

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Roanoke Rapids

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green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Hager Creek

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Terrell

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red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Devin Boat Ramp and Shelter

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Oxford

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a body of water with trees around it

Lake Mackintosh Marina

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Alamance

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a couple of birds that are in some water

Norwood

North Carolina · ~2 mi from Norwood

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I kayak in North Carolina?

North Carolina has 382 public kayak launch points listed on The Paddling Hub. Popular water body types include rivers, lakes, creeks, bays, reservoirs.

Are there beginner-friendly paddling spots in North Carolina?

Yes! Many of the 382 beginner-rated locations in North Carolina offer calm waters and easy boat ramp access, making them perfect for new paddlers.

Do I need a permit to kayak in North Carolina?

Permit requirements vary by location. Most public boat ramps in North Carolina are free to access, though some state parks may charge an entrance or parking fee. Check individual location details for specific requirements.