Best Places to Kayak Near Clayton, IL

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

30 nearby21 Rivers7 Lakes2 Springs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Clayton

Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss1

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

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

SpringBeginner9 mi away
a couple of people in a boat on a river2

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Just 9 miles from Clayton — the closest quality launch

SpringBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mt. Sterling Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 9.1 mi

SpringKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 9.2 mi

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

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

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

Bob Bangert Park

Illinois · 24.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - North

Illinois · 24.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - South

Illinois · 24.9 mi

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

Bicentenial Park - Hampshire Street

Illinois · 25.0 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 25.5 mi

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

Quincy Bay State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 26.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lock and Dam No. 21

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 28.0 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Fabius Chute Access

Missouri · 28.4 mi

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

John Hay Recreation Area

Illinois · 29.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Soulard Access

Missouri · 29.5 mi

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

Carthage Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

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

Meyer

Illinois · 30.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Canton Ferry Access (Canton)

Missouri · 30.7 mi

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

Argyle Lake

Illinois · 31.8 mi

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

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 31.9 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 32.2 mi

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

Fenway Landing

Illinois · 32.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Fenway Landing Access

Missouri · 32.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Dupont Reservation Conservation Area

Missouri · 33.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Palmyra (Akerson Access)

Missouri · 33.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Montebello State Park

Illinois · 33.9 mi

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

Wildcat Springs

Illinois · 34.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Keokuk

Iowa · 34.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Clayton.

Timewell, IL5 miCamp Point, IL7 miGolden, IL8 miLa Prairie, IL10 miLiberty, IL11 miHuntsville, IL11 miMount Sterling, IL12 miCoatsburg, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Clayton include Siloam Springs (Crab Apple), Siloam Springs (Crab Apple), Mt. Sterling Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, springs.

What types of paddling can I do near Clayton?

Near Clayton 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 Clayton?

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