Best Places to Kayak Near Des Plaines, IL

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

30 nearby26 Lakes4 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Des Plaines

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Murphy Street

Standout kayak fishing on Bangs Lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Park Street

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Just 1 mile from Des Plaines — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner1 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 0.7 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 0.7 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 1.8 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 3.7 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 6.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 7.3 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 9.3 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

a marina

Illinois · 12.6 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 15.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 15.7 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 19.1 mi

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

Welch Circle

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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

Marina Street

Illinois · 19.6 mi

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

Murphy Street

Illinois · 19.7 mi

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

Park Street

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Madison Avenue

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Fox River Forest Preserve

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Cook Memorial Park boat ramp

Illinois · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Port Barrington Forest Preserve

Illinois · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Des Plaines.

Mount Prospect, IL3 miPark Ridge, IL3 miGlenview, IL4 miProspect Heights, IL4 miNiles, IL5 miGolf, IL5 miMorton Grove, IL5 miNorthbrook, IL6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Des Plaines, IL?

Top picks near Des Plaines include Murphy Street, Park Street, Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Des Plaines?

Near Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?

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