Kayaking & Canoeing the Skunk River
Iowa paddling guide
- 93 mi
- River mapped
- 14
- Boat launches
- 2
- Campgrounds
- 6
- Counties
The Skunk River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 93 mi, winding through Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson and Keokuk and other Counties. This guide maps 14 public boat launches and access points and 2 nearby campgrounds on the Skunk River, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
A popular way to paddle the Skunk River is to put in at Skunk River Access and take out at Skunk River Wildlife Area — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Skunk River
14 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Augusta Fishing AccessLee Co.
- ▸Faulkner's AccessHenry Co.
- ▸Gray's LandingLee Co.
- ▸Indian Path ParkLee Co.
- ▸Lower Skunk River AccessDes Moines Co.
- ▸MacCoon AccessJefferson Co.
- ▸McKain AccessWashington Co.
- ▸Oakland Mills AccessHenry Co.
- ▸Skunk River AccessLee Co.
- ▸Skunk River Wildlife AreaKeokuk Co.
- ▸Stephenson ParkHenry Co.
- ▸Upper Skunk River AccessLee Co.
- ▸Waterworks AccessHenry Co.
- ▸Welter Recreation AreaDes Moines Co.
Camping near the Skunk River
- ⛺CampgroundHenry Co.
- ⛺Campground
Live Skunk River conditions
Skunk River: 3,930 cfs, 5.1 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Skunk River is runnable at 3,930 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Typically runnable between about 80 and 9,000 cfs. Treat readings above 9,000 cfs as dangerous high water and below 80 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Skunk River at Augusta, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Skunk River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Skunk River paddling FAQ
- Is the Skunk River safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Skunk River is runnable at 3,930 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Skunk River?
- A popular run is from Skunk River Access to Skunk River Wildlife Area. In all, the Skunk River has 14 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Skunk River?
- About 93 mi of the Skunk River is mapped for paddling across 6 Iowa counties, with 14 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Skunk River?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Skunk River
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Skunk River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.