Best Places to Kayak Near Ashton, IL

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

30 nearby21 Lakes8 Rivers1 Canal
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ashton

a grassy field next to a lake with trees1

Hennepin Canal

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

CanalBeginner35 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Hennepin Canal Bridge 45 - boat ramp

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Byron Boat Ramp

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Lake Sule

Illinois · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Castle Rock State Park Boat Ramp

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Byron Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

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

Lake Kakusha

Illinois · 21.2 mi

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

Lake Mendota

Illinois · 21.5 mi

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

Oppold Marina

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Jim Arduini Boat Launch

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Hennepin Canal Bridge 45 - boat ramp

Illinois · 25.9 mi

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

Lawrence Park

Illinois · 26.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Prairie Street

Illinois · 28.9 mi

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

Martin Park

Illinois · 31.9 mi

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

Moline Road

Illinois · 32.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Machesney Park

Illinois · 33.6 mi

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

Willow Creek - Rock Cut State Park - North

Illinois · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a grassy field next to a lake with trees

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 35.3 mi

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

Willow Creek - Rock Cut State Park - South

Illinois · 35.6 mi

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

Olson Lake

Illinois · 36.0 mi

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

Grunwald Lake

Illinois · 37.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Candlewick Lake

Illinois · 37.8 mi

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

Candlewick Lake

Illinois · 37.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Barto Boat Ramp

Illinois · 38.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Candlewick Lake

Illinois · 38.1 mi

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

Candlewick Lake

Illinois · 38.3 mi

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

Starved Rock State Park

Illinois · 38.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sliver Springs boat ramp

Illinois · 38.6 mi

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

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 38.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 38.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Morrison Rockwood State Park

Illinois · 38.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ashton.

Franklin Grove, IL6 miRochelle, IL8 miLee Center, IL9 miChana, IL9 miWest Brooklyn, IL9 miNachusa, IL10 miSteward, IL10 miEldena, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ashton include Hennepin Canal, Hennepin Canal Bridge 45 - boat ramp, Byron Boat Ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Ashton?

Near Ashton 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 Ashton?

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