Best Places to Kayak Near Effingham, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes2 Reservoirs
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Top Picks Near Effingham

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Nellie

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Shelbyville

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

LakeBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Lake Mattoon

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Bluegill Marina

Illinois · 2.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Sara

Illinois · 4.1 mi

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

Lake Sara

Illinois · 4.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 10.2 mi

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

Lake Nellie

Illinois · 16.4 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 17.0 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 20.7 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 20.8 mi

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

Lake Paradise

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 23.5 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 23.8 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 26.7 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 28.8 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a goose in a body of water with it's head in the water

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.5 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 29.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.8 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Pana - South

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Lake Pana - North

Illinois · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Effingham.

Teutopolis, IL5 miWatson, IL6 miShumway, IL6 miSigel, IL8 miDieterich, IL10 miAltamont, IL11 miStewardson, IL11 miMason, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Effingham include Lake Nellie, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Mattoon. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Effingham?

Near Effingham 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 Effingham?

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