Best Places to Kayak Near De Soto, IL

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

30 nearby29 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near De Soto

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Highway 13 - West

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

LakeBeginner7 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Crab Orchard Lake

Just 7 miles from De Soto — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 6.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.0 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.7 mi

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

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 8.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 8.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.2 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 10.5 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 12.7 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 12.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 15.3 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 15.8 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of De Soto.

Hurst, IL4 miCambria, IL6 miCarbondale, IL7 miMurphysboro, IL7 miElkville, IL7 miCarterville, IL7 miRoyalton, IL7 miColp, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near De Soto, IL?

Top picks near De Soto include Herrin Lake #1, Highway 13 - West, Crab Orchard 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 De Soto?

Near De Soto 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 De Soto?

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