Best Places to Kayak Near Bethany, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes1 River1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Bethany

Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline1

Charleston Side Channel

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

CanalBeginner35 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Decatur

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Lake Decatur

Just 14 miles from Bethany — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 2.3 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 4.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 5.2 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 9.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 10.5 mi

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

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 11.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 12.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 16.2 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 17.4 mi

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

Lake Paradise

Illinois · 22.8 mi

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

Lake Pana - North

Illinois · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Pana - South

Illinois · 23.4 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 24.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Taylorville

Illinois · 27.8 mi

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

Kincaid City Reservoir

Illinois · 33.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Charleston Side Channel

Illinois · 34.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bethany.

Dalton City, IL6 miLovington, IL8 miSullivan, IL9 miFindlay, IL9 miMt Zion, IL12 miLa Place, IL12 miMacon, IL13 miMoweaqua, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Bethany include Charleston Side Channel, Lake Decatur, Lake Decatur. 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 Bethany?

Near Bethany 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 Bethany?

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