Boat Ramps Nearby
Illustration Paddlers
Launch a kayak without getting soaked
Shore, dock and ramp launches step by step, plus the cart that ends the long carry from the car.
Kayak launch guideKayak & canoe launches in Iowa
We list 44 kayak launches in 17 towns across Iowa. Each one lets you get a paddle craft onto the water without backing a trailer.
Elkader 6
- Big Spring Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Elkader Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Frieden Park Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Motor Mill Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Robert's Creek Canoe Access · Robert's Creek
- Turkey River Park Canoe Access · Turkey River
Manchester 6
- Bailey's Ford Access · Maquoketa River
- Lindsey Bridge Access · Maquoketa River
- Manchester Whitewater Park (Lower) · Maquoketa River
- Manchester Whitewater Park (Upper) · Maquoketa River
- Pin Oak Access · Maquoketa River
- Schram Park Access · Maquoketa River
West Union 6
- Auburn Canoe Access · Little Turkey River
- Eldorado Bridge Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Huntzinger Bridge Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Tessmer Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Turkey River Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Valley Bridge Canoe Access · Turkey River
Dubuque 3
- Catsh Creek Canoe Launch · Catsh Creek
- Rivers Edge Plaza · Mississippi River
- Schmitt Island Boat Ramp · Lake Peosta Channel
Fayette 3
- Albany Bridge Canoe Access · Volga River
- Canoe Access in Fayette (Northeast) · Volga River
- Canoe Access in Fayette (Southwest) · Volga River
Guttenberg 3
- Garber Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Millville Canoe Access · Turkey River
- Osterdock Canoe Access · Turkey River
Mason City 3
Postville 3
- Gilbertson Park Canoe Access East · Turkey River
- Gilbertson Park Canoe Access West · Turkey River
- Gilbertson Park Narrows Canoe Access · Turkey River
Strawberry Point 3
- Backbone Dam Access · Maquoketa River
- Backbone State Park Access · Maquoketa River
- Dundee Access · Maquoketa River
Cascade 1
- Canton Canoe Access · Maquoketa River
Davenport 1
- LeClaire Park Boat Ramp · Mississippi River
Hawarden 1
- Oak Grove Park Canoe Access · Big Sioux River
Maquoketa 1
- Canoe Access in Maquoketa · Maquoketa River
Monona 1
- Yellow River Canoe Access · Yellow River
Monticello 1
- Mon-Maq Dam Walk-in Canoe Landing · Maquoketa River
Preston 1
- Canoe Access in Preston · Maquoketa River
Spirit Lake 1
- Anderson Park Boat Ramp · Pearl Lake
Kayak & canoe launches by city in Iowa
Illustration 
Illustration Life jackets
The life jacket rule for every paddler
What the Coast Guard requires on kayaks and canoes, and kids' vests with head support.
Life jacket rulesKayak & canoe launches in Iowa: questions and answers
Where are the kayak launches in Iowa?
We list 44 kayak launches in Iowa, most of them around Elkader (6), Manchester (6), West Union (6) and Dubuque (3).
Which lakes and rivers have kayak launches in Iowa?
Among others Turkey River, Maquoketa River, Volga River, Mississippi River and Catsh Creek.
Do kayaks need to be registered in Iowa?
Rules differ by state. Iowa may not register paddle craft, but state parks or wildlife areas can still require a launch permit or parking fee.
Do you need a life jacket to kayak in Iowa?
Every paddler in Iowa needs an approved life jacket on board, and kids have to wear theirs.
Are there free kayak launches in Iowa?
5 of the 44 are marked free in the map data, including LeClaire Park Boat Ramp, Schmitt Island Boat Ramp and Averydale Access.
Other states
- New York 211
- Michigan 136
- North Carolina 105
- Pennsylvania 94
- Maine 85
- Massachusetts 64
- Florida 62
- Tennessee 57
- Minnesota 56
- Wisconsin 49
- Illinois 46
- Missouri 43
Guide: How to launch a kayak or canoe · All boat ramps in Iowa