Best Places to Kayak Near Chicago Heights, IL

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

30 nearby21 Lakes8 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Chicago Heights

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

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

LakeBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Wolf Lake

Just 12 miles from Chicago Heights — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner12 mi away
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Beaubien Woods - 2

Illinois · 10.0 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 10.0 mi

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

Sunset Bay Marina

Illinois · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Powderhorn Lake

Illinois · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 11.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 13.3 mi

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

Pastrick Marina

Indiana · 13.7 mi

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

Wilhala Beach Co. Pk.

Indiana · 13.9 mi

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

Lake Michigan Fishing Pier (Hammond)

Indiana · 14.3 mi

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

Fancher Lake

Indiana · 14.6 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Calumet Park

Illinois · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 19.0 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 22.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 23.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Illinois-Indiana Stateline Road

Indiana · 23.9 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 24.3 mi

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

Ameriplex Woods

Indiana · 24.5 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Kankakee River

Indiana · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Chicago Heights.

Glenwood, IL3 miSteger, IL3 miOlympia Fields, IL4 miHomewood, IL4 miPark Forest, IL4 miFlossmoor, IL4 miThornton, IL5 miCrete, IL5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Chicago Heights, IL?

Top picks near Chicago Heights include Columbia woods canoe landing, Plank Road Meadow boat launch, Wolf Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Chicago Heights?

Near Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights?

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