Best Places to Kayak Near Carbondale, IL

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

30 nearby29 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Carbondale

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Crab Orchard Lake

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

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Highway 13 - West

Just 6 miles from Carbondale — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner6 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 1.6 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 3.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 3.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 4.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 4.7 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 4.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 5.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 5.6 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 6.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 6.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 6.7 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 8.6 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 9.5 mi

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

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 9.7 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carbondale.

Makanda, IL4 miDe Soto, IL7 miCambria, IL7 miMurphysboro, IL7 miCarterville, IL7 miPomona, IL9 miHurst, IL9 miColp, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Carbondale include Herrin Lake #1, Crab Orchard Lake, Highway 13 - West. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Carbondale?

Near Carbondale 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 Carbondale?

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