Paddling in West Virginia

Explore 529 kayak launches, boat ramps, and paddling destinations across West Virginia.

529 locations290 Rivers155 Lakes77 Creeks

Best Paddling in West Virginia

Read our comprehensive guide to the top paddling destinations in West Virginia →

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

Fayette Station

West Virginia

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

Thurmond Depot

West Virginia

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

Ridenoor Lake

West Virginia · ~0 mi from Nitro

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Frametown CR 21 Bridge

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Frametown

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

Jimmy Lewis Lake

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Nemours

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Krodel Park

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Henderson

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Scarbro

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stonecoal Lake

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Horner

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Sutton Lake

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Sutton

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Battle Run

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Keslers Cross Lanes

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Burnsville Lake

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Napier

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Elk River

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Sutton

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Frozen Camp

West Virginia · ~1 mi from Gay

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Bear Rock Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Valley Grove

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Charles Fork Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Spencer

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Clendinin

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Clendenin

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Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Moncove Lake State Park

West Virginia · ~5 mi from Secondcreek

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

North Bend State Park

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Harrisville

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Big Ditch Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Cowen

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Big Run

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Metz

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bluestone Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Nimitz

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bulltown Campground

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Napier

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Rollins Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Evans

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Tracy Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Pennsboro

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Turkey Run Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Ravenswood

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Woodrum Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Advent

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Beech Fork Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Lavalette

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Berwind Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Warriormine

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Elk Fork Lake

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Gay

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Burnsville Lake

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Burnsville

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

East Fork Campground Area 5

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Kiahsville

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Eccles

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Eccles

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Laurel Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Dingess

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

North Bend State Park

West Virginia · ~2 mi from Harrisville

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Saltlick Pond

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Flatwoods

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Castleman Run Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Bethany

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

James P. Bailey Lake

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Bluefield

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stonecoal Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Horner

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Tygart Lake State Park

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Grafton

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

East Fork Ramp

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Kiahsville

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Gauley River (Summersville Lake)

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Keslers Cross Lanes

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Middle Wheeling Creek Lake

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Triadelphia

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Queen Shoals

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Procious

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Tygart Lake State Park

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Grafton

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Tygart Lake State Park

West Virginia · ~3 mi from Grafton

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bertha Campground

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Forest Hill

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Howell Run

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Elk Garden

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Indian Creek Campground

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Forest Hill

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

O'Brian Lake

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Given

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Salmon Run Boat Ramp

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Mount Nebo

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Warden Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Delray

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Beech Fork State Park

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Lavalette

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Burches Run Lake Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Dallas

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Cedar Branch Campground

West Virginia · ~5 mi from Forest Hill

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

Mount Storm Lake

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Mount Storm

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

North Fork Brush Creek (Glenwood Lake)

West Virginia · ~5 mi from Rock

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Pleasant Creek Water Management Area

West Virginia · ~4 mi from Simpson

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Sunset Harbor Marina

West Virginia · ~5 mi from Point Marion

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an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Curtisville Lake

West Virginia · ~5 mi from Folsom

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I kayak in West Virginia?

West Virginia has 529 public kayak launch points listed on The Paddling Hub. Popular water body types include rivers, lakes, creeks, reservoirs, inlets.

Are there beginner-friendly paddling spots in West Virginia?

Yes! Many of the 529 beginner-rated locations in West Virginia offer calm waters and easy boat ramp access, making them perfect for new paddlers.

Do I need a permit to kayak in West Virginia?

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