23 Best Places for Kayaking in Sacramento [A Local’s Guide]

Searching for the best places to go kayaking in Sacramento? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Whatever your skill level or type of kayaking adventure you’re searching for, Sacramento and its surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful bodies of water just waiting to paddle on.

This list features where to kayak in Sacramento and the nearby areas, as well as useful information such as fees, rentals, and the best spots to launch your kayak.

Let this be your go-to guide for your Sacramento kayaking adventure as you paddle through some of the area’s best lakes and rivers.

Kayaking in Sacramento: 23 Best Spots

With various options offering anything from stunning views along calm waters to heart-pounding rapids, the Sacramento area has a spot for whatever type of kayaking you’re into. 

We’ve listed the best rivers, lakes, and hidden gems, along with enough information to help you plan a fun trip out on the water.

1. American River

• Distance from Sacramento: depends on which fork you’re launching from, but all three are within an hour of Sacramento
• Fees: starts from $6 day use fee (Chili Bar launch spot)
• Launch Spots: South Fork (Chili Bar, Camp Lotus, Henningsen Park, Marshall State Park), Middle Fork (Oxbow Powerhouse), North Fork (Colfax-Iowa Hill Bridge)

There are some easy spots on the river within Sacramento County for beginner kayakers, but the American River is more famous for whitewater rafting and kayaking. 

Depending on which of the three forks of the river you launch from (North, Middle, or South), you will experience different grades of rapids, so you can easily choose which fork to take depending on your skill level. 

South Fork is great for all most experience levels that have been trained on white water kayaking and safety, as there are class 2 to 3 rapids.

Middle Fork is for more experienced paddlers with class 3 to 4  rapids, and North Fork is only for those looking for the ultimate whitewater thrill with class 3 to 5 rapids.

A popular kayaking route to take is to launch at Sailor Bar in Fair Oaks and paddle all the way to William B. Pond or Harrington Way Point.

💦 Kayak Rentals/Tour: American Whitewater Expeditions (half-day to three-day trips, price starts from $74)

2. Lake Natoma

• Distance from Sacramento: 19 miles, 20 minutes via US-50 E
• Fees: $10 day pass per launch spot
• Launch Spots: Nimbus Dam, Black Miners Bar (Negro Bar), Willow Creek, Sacramento State Aquatic Center
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes, but with a 5 mph limit

Lake Natoma is a quiet lake created by the Nimbus Dam and acts as a reservoir for water releases from Folsom Lake. 

This is one of our favorite spots to go kayaking in Sacramento, especially during the week when it’s not that busy.

Its calm waters and the five mph limit enforced for boaters make this a peaceful and relaxing spot for paddling. 

Four locations serve as the lake’s launch spots, though the one near Nimbus Dam seems to be most kayakers’ go-to. 

As you paddle your way through the lake’s flat waters, you will soon realize it is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with turtles, different birds, and other animals enjoying the peace and quiet on the lake’s Turtle Alley.

Lake Natoma is also a great spot for paddleboarding in Sacramento.

If you plan to park at the Aquatic Center, make sure to bring cash for parking and have exact change.

Local Tip: If you want something cold and refreshing afterward, stop by a local Sacramento brewery, Fort Rock Brewing.

💦 Kayak Rentals: Sac State Aquatic Center – single kayak ($13/hr), Tandem Kayak ($17/hr)

3. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

• Distance from Sacramento: 25 miles, 32 minutes via I-80 E and Douglas Blvd
• Fees: $12 parking/day use fee 
• Launch Spots: Beals Point, Rattlesnake Bar, Browns Ravine, Granite Beach, Oak Beach, Folsom Lake Boat Ramp
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes

Paddling along the 75 shoreline miles of Folsom Lake’s flat waters surrounds you with panoramic views ranging from oak groves to low rolling hills that come alive with green grasses and wildflowers during the spring. 

There are plenty of spots to launch from or put your kayak in the lake, with most being easily accessible depending on water levels. 

Some launch areas may be closed, so make sure to check in advance before picking your launch point. 

Also, if you plan to go kayaking in Folsom Lake during the spring, explore the area near Rattlesnake Bar. 

The water is quiet, and the surrounding hills covered with pretty lupine blooms.   

If you’re visiting Sacramento to go kayaking with your friends, consider staying at this hotel suite for easy access to the lake.

💦 Kayak Rentals: SUP California – ORU Kayak ($30/2hr, $65/Full day)

4. Cosumnes River Preserve

• Distance from Sacramento: 25 miles, 30 minutes via I-5 S
• Fees: Free parking and access to the boat launch
• Launch Spot: 200 yards from the parking lot near the Visitor Center

The Cosumnes River Preserve has relatively flat waters and is teeming with wildlife which you can observe as you leisurely paddle along its peaceful and scenic waters. 

The launch spot is near the visitor center, where you can park your car and easily access the dock. 

You should bring a cart or wheels to help transport your yak and gear easily. 

Also, the Consumnes River is influenced by tides, so check out the tide and flow charts before your trip. 

The preserve has a paddling guide you can download, and they even provide guided paddle tours if you are new to kayaking the river or want to know more about it.

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

5. Lake Solano

• Distance from Sacramento: 34 miles, 40 minutes via I-80 W
• Fees: $6 day use parking, $89 annual parking/launch pass
• Launch Spot: Lake Solano County Park Boat Ramp, or off Putah Creek Road
• Motorized Boats Allowed? No

Lake Solano is considered a hidden gem and the only lake providing camping, kayaking, and fly-fishing opportunities in a location close to Sacramento. 

There is a boat ramp available at Lake Solano County Park, where you can launch your kayak very easily. 

Once you get on the water, you will find out why this kayaking spot is worth exploring.

It has calm flat waters that are surprisingly clear in some spots, and maybe you’ll even get lucky and see an otter. 

The water is surrounded by low hills covered in trees and shrubs, and the whole place has so much wildlife that it’s a great nature getaway.

You can turn left under the bridge and go upstream if you want more open water, while turning right will take you to a nice water trail.

Be warned that the water is really cold, so it’s not good for swimming.

Local Tip: You can stop by Green River Tap Room for some food or a pint of cold beer from their self-serve beer wall.

💦 Kayak Rentals: Solano County Park – $10/hour, $30/half-day

6. Lodi Lake

• Distance from Sacramento: 37 miles, 40 minutes via CA-99 S
• Fees: $5 Parking
• Launch Spots: Lodi Boathouse dock 
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes

Lodi Lake is another kayaking spot near Sacramento that you should plan on exploring. 

Not only will you get miles of calm and quiet waterways to explore, but you also have the option of paddling through to the Mokelumne River. 

When visiting this lake, it’s almost impossible to run out of scenic spots to explore and animal life to observe. 

There is a boathouse located at the Lodi Lake Park where you can launch your kayak but there are plenty of shallow spots along the lake that you can use as put-in spots as well.

If you’re looking for a kayaking spot near Sacramento that is great for beginners, check out Lodi Lake.

💦 Kayak Rentals: Headwaters Kayak Rentals – Single kayak ($22/hr), Premium kayak ($28/hr), Two-person kayak ($38/hr)

7. Lower Lake Clementine

• Distance from Sacramento: 41 miles, 45 minutes via I-80 E
• Fees: $10 parking, $20 (car fee + boat launch fee)
• Launch Spots: Lower Lake Boat Launch/Dock
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes

This dammed section of the North Fork of the American River offers a great option for some paddling inside the Auburn State Recreation Area.

There is a small boat launch and a day-use beach that is only accessible by boat or kayak.

Lower Lake Clementine allows motorized boat access for boat-in camping and water skiing, making the water fairly rough for paddlers, as you get a lot of wakes from the passing boats.

This section near the dam has panoramic views of tree-filled hills, which makes your kayaking experience here feel tucked in amongst nature. 

Make sure to arrive at the parking area before 7 AM as it usually fills up fast. Also, check advisories so you don’t arrive early only to find out it’s closed.

Local Tip: Since you’re leaving early, grab a cup of coffee at one of these amazing coffee shops in Sacramento before heading out. And don’t forget to bring your water shoes!

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

8. Upper Lake Clementine

• Distance from Sacramento: 43 miles, 45 minutes via I-80 E
• Fees: $10 day use fee (allows access to Lower Lake without having to pay twice)
• Launch Spots: no designated ramp or access, but it’s easy to walk and launch your kayak on your choice of shallow spots near the parking area
• Motorized Boats Allowed? No

Paddling through the crystal-clear waters makes Upper Lake Clementine one of the best places to kayak in Northern California.

This portion of the lake is only open seasonally, so people flock here for fun outdoor water activities. 

The drive here is a bit of a nail-biter with narrow, bumpy roads, so make sure to drive carefully.

It’s common to find people relaxing and lounging on the beach, climbing up rocks to jump in deep portions, or floating along its slow-moving waters.

As you paddle your way through, you will most likely stop to walk your kayak along some shallow spots or even end up securing it to a tree to park and wade in the waters.

Upper Lake Clementine’s glassy water makes it a perfect place to swim near Sacramento.

If you’re looking for a great spot to paddleboard in Sacramento, check out Upper Lake Clementine.

Local Tip: Dogs are not allowed here, so leave the pups at home. Protect your feet when getting out of your yak by wearing these kayaking shoes.

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

9. Slab Creek Reservoir

• Distance from Sacramento: 53 miles, 1 hour via US-50 E/El Dorado Fwy
• Fees: None
• Launch Spots: Upper put-in (Forebay Road) at the top of the reservoir
• Motorized Boats Allowed? No

Slab Creek Reservoir is another hidden gem for kayaking near Sacramento that is great for its relaxing flat waters surrounded by mountain forests. 

Slab Creek Reservoir has one put-in spot on Forebay road with plenty of free parking spots.

This kayak spot is remote (no restrooms available), so be sure to plan your trip here carefully and research ahead for water levels and other factors that may affect your plans.

Also, it might be best to plan your kayaking at Slab Creek Reservoir in the morning as waters let out of the dam by SMUD in the afternoons at 3 PM, causing currents in this otherwise tranquil creek. 

If you’re looking for a scenic spot to go kayaking near Sacramento, this is a great option that rarely gets crowded.

Local Tip: Bring one of these kayak coolers with you to keep your food and drinks nice and cold all day.

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

10. Sly Park Lake (Jenkinson Lake)

• Distance from Sacramento: 63 miles, 1 hour via US-50 E/El Dorado Fwy
• Fees: $15 day use fee, $12 boat launch
• Launch Spots: Stonebreaker boat launch, Main Boat Ramp, Chimney Area, Sierra Day Use area
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes

Sly Park Lake is an all-around outdoor activity park providing opportunities for visitors to paddle, swim, fish, go water skiing, or hike the surrounding trails.  

The park strictly enforces boating regulations here, so you’re still guaranteed a peaceful ride on its clear waters despite sharing your kayak with motorized boats. 

The water can get pretty low sometimes, so check the lake level before heading out.

In the summer months, come early in the morning (8 am) to secure a parking spot as it gets really busy, especially on the weekends.

This lake is also one of the spots where you can go kayaking and camping near Sacramento if you want to spend more time on the lake.

💦 Kayak Rentals: Current Adventures – Single kayak ($20/hr, $100/day), Tandem kayak ($30/hr, $125/day)

11. Rollins Lake

• Distance from Sacramento: 66 miles, 1:20 hrs via I-80 E
• Fees: $15 day use fee ($18 with canoe or kayak), $8 day use fee ($11 with canoe or kayak) at the Peninsula Campground and Long Ravine after 4 PM Mondays-Thursdays
• Launch Spots: Orchard Springs Resort, Long Ravine, Peninsula Campground, Greenhorn Campground
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes

Rollins Lake is a reservoir along the Bear River north of Colfax. 

This lake near Sacramento has 25 miles of shoreline with four campgrounds with boat launches, so you can choose one and launch your kayak from there. 

There are inlets you can explore as you glide along Rollins Lake’s flat waters that you can use to enjoy watching the sunset while kayaking. 

Plus the fees are cheaper after 4 PM. Boat rentals are available at Long Ravine if you don’t have a kayak.

Be warned that since motorized boats are allowed on this lake, the water can get choppy at times. 

💦 Kayak Rentals: Sierra Pontoon Rentals – Single kayaks ($20/hr), Double kayaks ($35/hr)

12. Thermalito South Forebay Recreation Area (Oroville)

• Distance from Sacramento: 70 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes via CA-70 N
• Fees: $8 parking fee
• Launch Spots: Forebay Aquatic Center dock
• Motorized Boats Allowed? No

Thermalito Forebay is a 630-acre day-use area that provides a variety of water recreational activities for Butt County. 

Kayak rentals and launch dock/ramp areas are at the Forebay Aquatic Center inside the park. 

Since water activities are the main attraction, plenty of fun events like The Witch Paddle and the Moonlight Paddle are hosted in the park. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid kayaker or perhaps just looking for a kayaking spot that’s fun for the whole family, Forebay would be a great choice.

💦 Kayak Rentals: Forebay Aquatic Center – solo kayak ($17/hr), tandem kayak ($20/hr)

13. Lake Hennessey

• Distance from Sacramento: 78 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
• Fees: $4 per day boating fee or $25 per year
• Launch Spots: Lake Hennessey Boat Dock
• Motorized Boats Allowed? Yes, but not over 10 horsepower

Lake Hennessey is a flat water reservoir in Napa County, about an hour and twenty minutes drive from Sacramento. 

If you arrive early, the water here is very calm, and its surface reflects the surrounding hills and trees like a mirror. 

Lake Hennessey prohibits bodily contact with water, so swimming is not allowed.

The lake’s edge has many reeds, making many portions inaccessible, but this is where you may see some adorable otters. 

If you’re visiting from San Francisco, this is the closest lake to the Bay Area.

Local Tip: Paddleboards are not allowed here.

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

14. Sacramento River

• Distance from Sacramento: 97 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes via CA-99 N
• Fees: $6 day use fee, $12 for vehicles with trailers
• Launch Spots: near Woodson Bridge, Discovery Park Boat Launch, Broderick Boat Ramp, Port of Sac Launch, Garcia Bend

Kayaking in the Sacramento River is entirely different than the experience that you will have on the American River. 

The three forks of the American River boast adrenaline-packed rapids, while the Sacramento River is primarily quiet and relaxing. 

If you like a long paddle, the route that launches near Woodson Bridge to Scotty’s Landing is highly recommended.

💦 Kayak Rentals: not available

More Sacramento Kayaking Spots

15. Gristmill Recreation Area (Lower American River Parkway)
16. Bullard’s Bar Reservoir
17. Silver Lake
18. Wrights Lake
19. Loon Lake
20. Scott’s Flat Reservoir
21. Fuller Lake
22. Sugar Pine Reservoir – a great lake for camping as well
23. Lake Valley Reservoir

Map of Best Places to Kayak near Sacramento

Kayak Rentals in Sacramento

To make it easier for you, here are the best spots to rent kayaks in Sacramento if you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard.

• Lake Natoma – Sac State Aquatic Center
• Folsom Lake – SUP California
• Lake Solano – Solano County Park
• Lodi Lake – Headwaters Kayak Rentals
• Sly Park Lake (Jenkinson Lake) – Current Adventures
• Rollins Lake – Sierra Pontoon Rentals
• Thermalito South Forebay – Forebay Aquatic Center

FAQs: Kayaking near Sacramento

Can you kayak in the Sacramento River?

Yes, you can kayak in the Sacramento River. There are plenty of boat launches along its banks, including the Discovery Park Boat Launch and Broderick Boat Ramp.

Can you kayak the American River?

The American River is the perfect location for kayaking, with sections for every type of kayaker and skill level. Make sure to research what portions of the river you can kayak on based on experience and your skills, as there are sections with some class four rapids.

Wrap-Up: Kayaking in Sacramento

Finding a spot to go kayaking in Sacramento can be challenging because there are just too many beautiful places to choose from for a day of paddling. 

Whether you’re just getting into kayaking or looking for the next whitewater to conquer, Sacramento has the exact spot for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in your car, take your kayak and dry bag with you, and just go enjoy being out on the water!