Best Lakes for Kayaking Near Bismarck
North Dakota
3 kayaking lakes within driving distance of Bismarck, North Dakota, ranked by water quality and kayaking-specific filters. Filtered for grade A, B, or C water quality, public access, and ideal paddling size (30-3,000 acres).
Lakes near Bismarck are sparser (3 graded lakes within reach), so the choices are limited. Nelson Lake (C) is the standout.
The kayaking-specific ranking layered on top of the LakeGrade rubric is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the kayaking use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nelson Lake | Oliver | C | 26.8 mi | 1.3 ft | - |
| 2 | East Arroda Lake | Oliver | C | 36 mi | 5.6 ft | - |
| 3 | Arroda Lake | Oliver | C | 36 mi | 6.7 ft | - |
Other activities near Bismarck
Where to stay near Bismarck
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Bismarck — book a place close to the best-rated lakes in the area.
Top-rated places to stay near Bismarck
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Bismarck?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Bismarck — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.