Best Places to Kayak Near Dowell, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Dowell

a small white boat in the water1

Pinckneyville City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Crab Orchard Lake

Just 15 miles from Dowell — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
bare tree on white snow covered ground near body of water during daytime

Du Quoin City Reservoir

Illinois · 8.9 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Pyramid - Redhead Lake

Illinois · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Pinckneyville City Lake

Illinois · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Sesser City Reservoir

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Pyramid - Goldeneye Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Pyramid - Blue Wing Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Pyramid - Mallard Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Pyramid - Canvas Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Pyramid - Super Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.7 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Dowell.

Elkville, IL2 miDu Quoin, IL5 miVergennes, IL5 miMulkeytown, IL7 miRoyalton, IL8 miDe Soto, IL9 miHurst, IL9 miOraville, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Dowell include Pinckneyville City Lake, 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 Dowell?

Near Dowell 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 Dowell?

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