Best Lakes for Kayaking Near Madison
Wisconsin
15 kayaking lakes within driving distance of Madison, Wisconsin, 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).
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hope Lake | Jefferson | A | 21.4 mi | 26.2 ft | 24 ft |
| 2 | Rock Lake | Jefferson | A | 23.7 mi | 39.4 ft | 60 ft |
| 3 | Devils Lake | Sauk | A | 29 mi | 34.9 ft | 47 ft |
| 4 | Swan Lake | Columbia | A | 32.6 mi | 15.6 ft | 82 ft |
| 5 | Buckhorn Lake | Sauk | A | 38.2 mi | - | - |
| 6 | Lake Ripley | Jefferson | A | 21.2 mi | 27.9 ft | 44 ft |
| 7 | Silver Lake West Basin | Columbia | A | 33.3 mi | 30.3 ft | 42 ft |
| 8 | White Mound Lake | Sauk | A | 39.9 mi | 16.4 ft | 16 ft |
| 9 | Red Cedar Lake | Jefferson | B | 21.9 mi | 13.1 ft | - |
| 10 | Silver Lake | Columbia | B | 33.5 mi | 29.5 ft | 42 ft |
| 11 | Lake Wingra | Dane | B | 1.8 mi | 13.1 ft | 14 ft |
| 12 | Lake Waubesa | Dane | B | 6.3 mi | 10.3 ft | 38 ft |
| 13 | Clear Lake | Rock | C | 28.5 mi | 9.8 ft | 12 ft |
| 14 | Mud Lake | Jefferson | C | 24.3 mi | 7.4 ft | 22 ft |
| 15 | Lazy Lake | Columbia | C | 28.9 mi | 13.1 ft | 8 ft |