Best Places to Kayak Near Benton, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Benton

a small white boat in the water1

Rend Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Herrin Lake #1

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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Rend Lake

Just 11 miles from Benton — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 2.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 4.1 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 4.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 5.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 5.5 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 6.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 6.2 mi

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

Sesser City Reservoir

Illinois · 7.7 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 7.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 9.5 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 9.5 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 10.5 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 12.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Du Quoin City Reservoir

Illinois · 17.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 20.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Benton.

Buckner, IL4 miLogan, IL5 miEwing, IL6 miOrient, IL6 miValier, IL7 miWest Frankfort, IL7 miChristopher, IL7 miWhittington, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Benton include Rend Lake, Herrin Lake #1, Rend Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Benton?

Near Benton 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 Benton?

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