Leopold Wetland Management District
31 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service
Leopold Wetland Management District is named after Aldo Leopold, who is widely acknowledged as the father of wildlife conservation in America.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Madison
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Madison for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
17places to boat and paddle
31 mito the closest
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Wisconsin River Islands
32 mi north · Bureau of Land Management
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
73 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
Map of all 17 places
Map of 17 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (3)
Leopold Wetland Management District
Leopold Wetland Management District is named after Aldo Leopold, who is widely acknowledged as the father of wildlife conservation in America.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
Wisconsin River Islands
to your public lands! Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, 84,000 river miles, and countless islands.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Photography
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
75 miles and farther (14)
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
The prehistoric lands that make up Necedah National Wildlife Refuge sat at the bottom of Glacial Lake Wisconsin more than 18,000 years ago.
- Archery
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Mississippi River - Pool 9
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Genoa, WI and Lynxville, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Two federally listed endangered species, the Iowa Pleistocene snail and northern monkshood, are found on the refuge.
- Archery
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Mississippi River - Pool 10
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Lynxville, WI. and Guttenberg, IA.
- Boating
- Fishing
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary provides protection to the maritime heritage that lies below the water surface.
- Boating
- History
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Scuba Diving
Blackhawk Park
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Mississippi River - Pool 8
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Dresbach, MN and Genoa, WI.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Mississippi River - Pool 7
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Mississippi River - Pool 6
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN.
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order in 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Bordered by steep wooded bluffs that rise 100 to 600 feet above the river valley, the Mississippi River corridor and refuge offer scenic beauty and productive fish and wildlife habitat unmatched in the heart of America.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Clarks Ferry
Clarks Ferry is a outdoor lovers delight, with fantastic bird watching and lots of shore fishing opportunities with our new accessible fishing dock!
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Mississippi River - Pool 5A
There is no public access or facilities at the Lock and Dam. There are public facilities scattered throughout the Pool.Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Winona, MN and Trempealeau, WI.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Madison. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Madison?
Leopold Wetland Management District (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 31 miles north of Madison as the crow flies. Next are Wisconsin River Islands (32 mi) and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 (73 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Madison?
Based on Madison’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.