Best Places to Kayak Near Downs, IL

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

30 nearby21 Lakes9 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Downs

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Decatur

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Clinton Lake

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

Lake of The Woods

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 16.4 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Weldon Springs Lake

Illinois · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Bloomington

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Lake of The Woods

Illinois · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Eureka

Illinois · 30.9 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 35.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 36.6 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 37.1 mi

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

Bowen Lake

Illinois · 37.3 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 38.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 39.7 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 40.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Eastport Marina

Illinois · 41.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Launch - Cooper South Park

Illinois · 41.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fondulac Park Carl Spindler Marina

Illinois · 41.7 mi

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

Detweiller Marina

Illinois · 42.9 mi

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

Don Burch Boat Dock and Picnic Area

Illinois · 43.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

I-474 - Illinois River

Illinois · 43.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Pekin Bridge

Illinois · 43.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Sodowski Boat Basin

Illinois · 44.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Downs.

Le Roy, IL6 miHeyworth, IL7 miEllsworth, IL8 miBloomington, IL9 miMerna, IL10 miNormal, IL11 miShirley, IL11 miWapella, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Downs include Lake Decatur, Clinton Lake, Lake of The Woods. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Downs?

Near Downs 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 Downs?

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