Best Places to Kayak Near Carmi, IL

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

30 nearby16 Lakes13 Rivers1 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

Harmonie State Park

Indiana · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area - Dogtown Ferry

Indiana · 11.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Harmonie State Park Little Pond

Indiana · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

Brittle Bank Park Pond

Indiana · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Sherburn Park

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sherburn Park Ramp

Indiana · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Grassy Pond

Kentucky · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Honey Cypress Ramp

Kentucky · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake - Bebout Levee Carrydown Launch

Indiana · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Middle Slough

Kentucky · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Front Slough

Kentucky · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake - Carry Down

Indiana · 21.1 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

Crawleyville

Indiana · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Hovey Lake

Indiana · 23.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake Access Site

Kentucky · 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

Highland Creek Unit Pond

Kentucky · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Beall Woods State Park

Illinois · 26.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sloughs WMA Ramp #9

Kentucky · 26.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jenny Hole Ramp 3

Kentucky · 26.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Gentle Pond

Kentucky · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jenny Hole Ramp 4

Kentucky · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Old Shawneetown Boat Ramp

Kentucky · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

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 lakes, rivers, 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.