Kayaking & Canoeing the South Skunk River
Iowa paddling guide
- 146 mi
- River mapped
- 28
- Boat launches
- 2
- Campgrounds
- 5
- Counties
The South Skunk River is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 146 mi through Jasper, Keokuk, Mahaska and Polk and other Counties. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or tubing, this guide maps every public boat launch and access point on the South Skunk River, the campgrounds nearby, and the live gauge readings you need to plan a safe day paddling in Iowa.
Boat launches & access points on the South Skunk River
28 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸265th St AccessStory Co.
- ▸Ada Hayden Heritage Park RampStory Co.
- ▸Anderson AccessStory Co.
- ▸Beyer's BridgeJasper Co.
- ▸C.J. Schreck AccessStory Co.
- ▸City Water WorksMahaska Co.
- ▸Colfax Area AccessJasper Co.
- ▸E-18 Water Trail AccessStory Co.
- ▸F-48 BridgeJasper Co.
- ▸Glendale AccessMahaska Co.
- ▸Hale PondPolk Co.
- ▸Hoffman AreaJasper Co.
- ▸Hwy 21 Bridge AccessKeokuk Co.
- ▸Manhattan BridgeKeokuk Co.
- ▸McFarland Park AccessStory Co.
- ▸North Peterson Park AccessStory Co.
- ▸Oswalt BridgeJasper Co.
- ▸River Valley ParkStory Co.
- ▸Rose Hill AccessMahaska Co.
- ▸Sleepy Hollow River AccessStory Co.
- ▸Soper's Mill AccessStory Co.
- ▸South 16th St AccessStory Co.
- ▸South Skunk River AccessStory Co.
- ▸South Skunk River AccessKeokuk Co.
- ▸Story City Canoe AccessStory Co.
- ▸Story City Water Trail AccessStory Co.
- ▸West Peterson ParkStory Co.
- ▸West Peterson Pit RampStory Co.
Camping near the South Skunk River
- ⛺Camp Fire Camp Canwita
- ⛺Campground
Live South Skunk River conditions
River levels change fast. Before you launch, check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the South Skunk River on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Paddle more of Iowa
The South Skunk River is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.