Best Places to Kayak Near Brighton, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Brighton

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Greenfield City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Bunker Hill Lake

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 9.2 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 10.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 10.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 13.6 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 13.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 13.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 14.7 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 16.5 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 16.8 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 16.9 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 19.5 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 21.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 21.3 mi

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

Greenfield City Lake

Illinois · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Stump Lake

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 22.9 mi

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

The Glades

Illinois · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Hadley Landing

Illinois · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 24.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Diamond-Hurricane Island

Illinois · 27.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 28.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 28.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Brighton.

Godfrey, IL7 miFidelity, IL7 miShipman, IL8 miPiasa, IL8 miDow, IL8 miAlton, IL9 miCottage Hills, IL9 miDorsey, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Brighton include Greenfield City Lake, Bunker Hill Lake, Mt. Olive Old City Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Brighton?

Near Brighton 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 Brighton?

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