Dover Kayaking Destinations
Delaware may be a small mid-Atlantic state, but it is packed with plenty of kayaking adventures. From scenic canals and ponds to leaf-shaded creeks and marshlands, to broad expanses of inland bay, check out these stunning kayaking destinations near Dover.
Where to Kayak near Dover
Explore the diverse waterways and the great outdoors of central Delaware.
Silver Lake
Dover, DE
In the heart of Dover, Silver Lake provides a beautiful escape from the fast-paced city. The lake is about 167 acres with an average depth of about four feet, making it a popular place for swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching and kayaking. You’ll find plenty of space to spread out, a pavilion, grills, playground equipment, swings, fitness course, walking paths and a boat ramp at Silver Lake Park.
Killens Pond State Park
Felton, DE
Named for its centerpiece, the 66-acre Killens Pond, Killens Pond State Park offers miles of hiking trails, a nature center with live animals, kayaking and canoeing, and a family-friendly waterpark. Kayakers can enjoy a scenic paddle around the lake or head up the Murderkill River on the canoe trail. This is a stunning river paddle that will take you through marshlands and forests before ending at Coursey Pond.
Broadkill River
Milton, DE
The Broadkill River flows from the town of Milton all the way to Delaware Bay. Kayakers can put in at Milton Memorial Park and enjoy a scenic paddle through coastal marshes, forests and even the Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve. This nature preserve and greenway trail offers a wide range of habitats, plants and animals within a relatively small pocket of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Leipsic River
Smyrna, DE
Leipsic River is an easy paddle that will take you through lush greenery and expansive marshes. Start at Garrisons Lake, an 84-acre lake located in scenic Kent County. This lake is one of the most popular fishing ponds in Delaware. As you journey down river, the thick forest gives way to marsh grass and a maze of creeks to explore as you reach the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
Mispillion River
Milford, DE
The Mispillion River is a beautiful river that flows through southern Delaware, winding from Milford to Delaware Bay. Enter the river at the public boat ramp that’s behind the police depart. Enjoy a peaceful 15-mile paddle that will take you through the Milford Neck Wildlife Area or keep going until you’ve reached Slaughter Beach and Cedar Creek. Either way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Eco-Friendly Kayak Storage Racks
When your Dover kayaking trip is over, make sure you have proper storage to keep your kayak high and dry. Poly Kayak Rack makes durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain storage racks for kayaks and SUPs from recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Family-owned and operated, we hand build these premium-quality synthetic wood racks in the USA and ship them straight to you in Dover, DE. Avid kayakers and nature-lovers, each Poly Kayak Rack is designed to keep your equipment lasting longer and from eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Shop our Poly Kayak Racks online now or learn more about the benefits of our recycled poly lumber kayak racks.