Best Places to Kayak Near Alton, IL

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Alton, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Alton

a small white boat in the water1

Bunker Hill Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Silver Lake (Highland)

A top-rated lake launch on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 1.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 2.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 5.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 7.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Boat ramp

Illinois · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 11.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 11.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 21.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Stump Lake

Illinois · 23.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

The Glades

Illinois · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Hadley Landing

Illinois · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 26.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Cuivre Island Conservation Area

Missouri · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Alton.

Godfrey, IL4 miCottage Hills, IL4 miEast Alton, IL4 miWood River, IL5 miWest Alton, MO5 miRoxana, IL6 miBethalto, IL7 miHartford, IL7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Alton, IL?

Top picks near Alton include Bunker Hill Lake, Mt. Olive Old City Lake, Silver Lake (Highland). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Alton?

Near Alton you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Alton?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Alton are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.