Best Places to Kayak Near Carmi, IL

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

30 nearby17 Rivers11 Lakes1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Carmi

a beach with a body of water1

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on Hovey Lake

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves2

New Harmony

Just 13 miles from Carmi — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner13 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves3

Hovey Lake

A top-rated river launch on Ohio River

RiverBeginner24 mi away
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area - Dogtown Ferry

Indiana · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

New Harmony

Indiana · 12.7 mi

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

Dolan Lake

Illinois · 12.8 mi

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

Grayville

Illinois · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Sherburn Park

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Grassy Pond

Kentucky · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small waterfall in the middle of a lush green forest

Lake McLeansboro

Illinois · 21.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Uniontown Dike

Kentucky · 22.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Hovey Lake

Indiana · 23.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Uniontown

Kentucky · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Sloughs North Dock

Kentucky · 25.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Beall Woods State Park

Illinois · 26.0 mi

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

Old Shawneetown

Illinois · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Blackburn

Kentucky · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Harrisburg New City Reservoir

Illinois · 27.7 mi

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

USI Pond

Indiana · 28.2 mi

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

Jones State Lake

Illinois · 29.3 mi

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

Burdette Park Lake

Indiana · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Small Crafter's

Indiana · 31.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Dogtown Boat

Indiana · 31.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mortons Lake

Kentucky · 32.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Dress Plaza

Kentucky · 33.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Pigeon River

Indiana · 33.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Henderson Riverfront - 2

Kentucky · 35.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a red boat on a river

Henderson Riverfront - 1

Kentucky · 35.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Hayes Boat

Kentucky · 35.3 mi

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

Audubon State Park

Kentucky · 35.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mauzy Lake

Kentucky · 35.9 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carmi.

Maunie, IL7 miEmma, IL8 miCrossville, IL8 miEnfield, IL9 miBurnt Prairie, IL9 miNorris City, IL11 miNew Haven, IL13 miSpringerton, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Carmi include Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, New Harmony, Hovey Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Carmi?

Near Carmi 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 Carmi?

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