Best Places to Kayak Near Chatham, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Chatham

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Greenfield City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner35 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Sangchris

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

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Palmyra-Modesto Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 2.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 3.5 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 5.5 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 7.3 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 8.7 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Otter Lake Park

Illinois · 19.1 mi

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

Kincaid City Reservoir

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

Palmyra-Modesto Lake

Illinois · 21.0 mi

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

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 22.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 25.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Taylorville

Illinois · 26.1 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 27.3 mi

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

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 33.3 mi

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

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 33.3 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 33.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 34.0 mi

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

Greenfield City Lake

Illinois · 34.7 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 34.9 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 35.7 mi

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

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 36.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 37.2 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 37.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Chatham.

Glenarm, IL4 miAuburn, IL6 miLoami, IL8 miDivernon, IL8 miPawnee, IL9 miSpringfield, IL9 miThayer, IL10 miRochester, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Chatham include Greenfield City Lake, Lake Sangchris, Palmyra-Modesto Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Chatham?

Near Chatham 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 Chatham?

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