Updated August 2026
Best Kayaking Lakes in Indiana
Top 12 kayaking lakes in Indiana, ranked by Secchi clarity (clearer water makes for better paddling — you can see fish, plants, and the bottom).
- Low nutrient and algae readings
- No known access restrictions
- 50–2,000 acres
Kayaking-friendly rankings prefer lakes with low motor-boat congestion, interesting shoreline, decent water clarity, and public access. Lake George tops the Indiana list.
Kayaking favors lakes with shoreline interest — bays, islands, undeveloped stretches — which tends to correlate with the larger, more remote Indiana lakes rather than the small, residential ones.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Clarity | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake George | Steuben | IN | 14.5 ft | 538 acres | ~42 ft est. |
| 2 | Lake Maxinkuckee | Marshall | IN | - | 1,910 acres | 87.9 ft |
| 3 | Lake James | Steuben | IN | - | 1,883 acres | 56.1 ft |
| 4 | Big Long Lake | LaGrange | IN | - | 392 acres | 82 ft |
| 5 | Lake Pleasant | Steuben | IN | - | 355 acres | 51.8 ft |
| 6 | Adams Lake | LaGrange | IN | - | 302 acres | 90.9 ft |
| 7 | Myers Lake | Marshall | IN | - | 92 acres | 59.1 ft |
| 8 | Blue Lake | Whitley | IN | - | 246 acres | 45.9 ft |
| 9 | Kuhn Lake | Kosciusko | IN | - | 140 acres | 26.9 ft |
| 10 | Flint Lake | Porter | IN | - | 107 acres | 70.9 ft |
| 11 | Long Lake | Porter | IN | - | 67 acres | - |
| 12 | Marsh Lake | Steuben | IN | - | 61 acres | 38.1 ft |
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New clarity and algae readings can move a lake on this list. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where to stay near Indiana kayaking lakes
Find cabins, campgrounds, and rentals near Indiana's clearest paddling water — live availability and prices for your kayak trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Indiana paddling lakes
Prices for Oct 23–25, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.