Best Places to Kayak Near Ava, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes4 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ava

a small white boat in the water1

Pinckneyville City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Pyramid - Merganser Lake

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

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Cedar Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 3.5 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 3.7 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 5.8 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Pyramid - Blue Wing Lake

Illinois · 7.2 mi

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

Pyramid - Canvas Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Pyramid - Mallard Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Pyramid - Green Wing Lake

Illinois · 8.6 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 9.1 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 9.9 mi

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

Pyramid - Super Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Pyramid - Goldeneye Lake

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Pyramid - Redhead Lake

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Pyramid - Merganser Lake

Illinois · 11.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Seventy-Six Conservation Area

Missouri · 13.6 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Pinckneyville City Lake

Illinois · 15.7 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 17.4 mi

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

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 18.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
bare tree on white snow covered ground near body of water during daytime

Du Quoin City Reservoir

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

Randolph County Lake

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Chester

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Water Street Boat Ramp

Illinois · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Sparta Reservoir (South)

Illinois · 20.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ava.

Oraville, IL5 miCampbell Hill, IL7 miVergennes, IL8 miRockwood, IL9 miWillisville, IL9 miGorham, IL10 miJacob, IL10 miMurphysboro, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ava include Pinckneyville City Lake, Pyramid - Merganser Lake, Cedar 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 Ava?

Near Ava 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 Ava?

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