Best Places to Kayak Near Clifton, IL

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

30 nearby15 Rivers14 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Clifton

a river with a few birds1

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on J.C. Murphey Lake

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

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

LakeBeginner25 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Aroma Park

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

West Front Street

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 19.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 21.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 21.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

J.C. Murphey Lake (Filbert Lane Ice Fishing Access)

Indiana · 22.8 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 22.8 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 23.5 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 24.4 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 24.4 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 25.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 25.2 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 25.7 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Illinois-Indiana Stateline Road

Indiana · 25.9 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kankakee River / Black Oak Bayou

Indiana · 27.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kankakee River / Campgrnd, White Oak

Indiana · 28.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

LaSalle

Indiana · 28.9 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 32.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 32.9 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Shelby

Indiana · 34.6 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 34.9 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 37.1 mi

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

St. Joseph College Public Access Site

Indiana · 38.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 38.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Clifton.

Ashkum, IL4 miChebanse, IL6 miDanforth, IL9 miMartinton, IL9 miPapineau, IL11 miHerscher, IL11 miGilman, IL12 miKankakee, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Clifton include Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake, Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Clifton?

Near Clifton 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 Clifton?

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