Best Places to Kayak Near Belknap, IL

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

30 nearby24 Lakes4 Rivers1 Reservoir
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Top Picks Near Belknap

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner18 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mermet State Lake

Just 8 miles from Belknap — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Grand Chain

Illinois · 6.6 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 7.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 10.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 11.1 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 11.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 12.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 12.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 13.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 15.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 18.0 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Belknap.

Karnak, IL3 miBoles, IL4 miCypress, IL4 miGrand Chain, IL6 miPerks, IL7 miVienna, IL7 miJoppa, IL8 miBuncombe, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Belknap include Bay Creek Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State 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 Belknap?

Near Belknap 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 Belknap?

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