Best Places to Kayak Near Bloomington, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Bloomington

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Clinton Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake of The Woods

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

LakeBeginner37 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Lake Eureka

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 11.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Bloomington

Illinois · 12.8 mi

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

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Eureka

Illinois · 21.8 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 23.6 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 23.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 24.0 mi

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

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Illinois · 24.4 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Weldon Springs Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Bowen Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Eastport Marina

Illinois · 32.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Launch - Cooper South Park

Illinois · 32.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fondulac Park Carl Spindler Marina

Illinois · 32.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 33.5 mi

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

Detweiller Marina

Illinois · 34.2 mi

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

Don Burch Boat Dock and Picnic Area

Illinois · 34.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

I-474 - Illinois River

Illinois · 34.9 mi

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

Sodowski Boat Basin

Illinois · 35.0 mi

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

National Marina sales

Illinois · 35.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Pekin Bridge

Illinois · 35.5 mi

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

Mendenhall Park public boat launch

Illinois · 36.0 mi

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

Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 37.1 mi

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

Lake of The Woods

Illinois · 37.3 mi

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

Detweiller Park

Illinois · 37.6 mi

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

Powerton Lake

Illinois · 37.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bloomington.

Normal, IL2 miShirley, IL6 miTowanda, IL7 miMerna, IL9 miDowns, IL9 miHudson, IL10 miHeyworth, IL10 miCarlock, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Bloomington include Clinton Lake, Lake of The Woods, Lake Eureka. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Bloomington?

Near Bloomington 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 Bloomington?

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