Best Places to Kayak Near Ashland, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes5 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ashland

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Greenfield City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner39 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Sangchris

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

LakeBeginner36 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Roodhouse Park Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner34 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 1.8 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 10.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 17.1 mi

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

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 22.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 24.2 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 25.6 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 25.8 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 25.8 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 26.0 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Palmyra-Modesto Lake

Illinois · 31.1 mi

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

Emiquon Preserve

Illinois · 31.9 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 32.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Otter Lake Park

Illinois · 32.3 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 34.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Roodhouse Park Lake

Illinois · 34.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Liverpool Barge Port

Illinois · 34.5 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 34.9 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 35.7 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 35.8 mi

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

White Hall City Lake

Illinois · 36.3 mi

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

Greenfield City Lake

Illinois · 39.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ashland.

Tallula, IL8 miLiterberry, IL9 miVirginia, IL10 miPleasant Plains, IL11 miAlexander, IL11 miChandlerville, IL12 miNew Berlin, IL13 miPetersburg, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ashland include Greenfield City Lake, Lake Sangchris, Roodhouse Park Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Ashland?

Near Ashland 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 Ashland?

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