Best Places to Kayak Near Carthage, IL

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

30 nearby24 Rivers6 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Carthage

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Horton Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Gladstone Lake

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

LakeBeginner31 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mt. Sterling Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner33 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Carthage Lake

Illinois · 2.9 mi

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

Wildcat Springs

Illinois · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Montebello State Park

Illinois · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

marina

Iowa · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Keokuk

Iowa · 15.4 mi

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

Dallas City

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Argyle Lake

Illinois · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Green Bay Access

Iowa · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East County Road 2920

Illinois · 17.4 mi

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

Horton Lake

Illinois · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Willow Patch Access

Iowa · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Fort Madison - Marina Drive

Iowa · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Riverview Park

Iowa · 18.4 mi

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

Broadway Street

Illinois · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Riverfront Park Goose Landing

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Spring Lake

Illinois · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Indian Path Park

Iowa · 22.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Fort Pike Access

Missouri · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Undetermined

Iowa · 25.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Fenway Landing

Illinois · 25.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Fenway Landing Access

Missouri · 25.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Port of Burlington - South (4)

Iowa · 27.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Port of Burlington - North

Iowa · 27.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Bluff Harbor Marina

Iowa · 28.1 mi

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

Meyer

Illinois · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Canton Ferry Access (Canton)

Missouri · 29.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Turkey Run Access

Iowa · 30.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gladstone Lake

Illinois · 31.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Tama Beach Boat Access

Iowa · 32.1 mi

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

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 33.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carthage.

Ferris, IL5 miElvaston, IL6 miBasco, IL8 miColusa, IL11 miBowen, IL12 miTennessee, IL13 miHamilton, IL13 miLa Harpe, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Carthage include Horton Lake, Gladstone Lake, Mt. Sterling Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Carthage?

Near Carthage 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 Carthage?

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