Best Places to Kayak Near Cape Girardeau, MO

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

30 nearby20 Lakes6 Rivers2 Canals
← All paddling in Missouri

Top Picks Near Cape Girardeau

brown wooden dock over body of water1

Headwaters Access

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

CanalBeginner5 mi away
a small cave in the middle of a forest2

Block Hole Access

A top-rated canal launch on Castor River Diversion Channel

CanalBeginner18 mi away
a body of water with land in the distance3

Tywappity Community Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a river with trees around it

Red Star Access

Missouri · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Headwaters Access

Missouri · 5.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Thebes Boat Ramp

Illinois · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Tywappity Community Lake

Missouri · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Lake Girardeau Conservation Area

Missouri · 16.6 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Missouri · 17.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

General Watkins Conservation Area

Missouri · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small cave in the middle of a forest

Block Hole Access

Missouri · 17.8 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 18.8 mi

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

Old Plantation Access

Missouri · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 24.9 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Mound City

Illinois · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Robert G. Delaney Lake Conservation Area

Missouri · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 27.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Seventy-Six Conservation Area

Missouri · 28.2 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 28.4 mi

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

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 28.7 mi

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

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 28.8 mi

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

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 28.9 mi

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

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 29.1 mi

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

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 29.2 mi

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

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 29.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 29.5 mi

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

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 29.6 mi

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

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 29.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Cape Girardeau.

Mc Clure, IL5 miGordonville, MO7 miJackson, MO8 miDutchtown, MO8 miScott City, MO8 miKelso, MO9 miWhitewater, MO11 miChaffee, MO11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Cape Girardeau, MO?

Top picks near Cape Girardeau include Headwaters Access, Block Hole Access, Tywappity Community Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Cape Girardeau?

Near Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau?

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