Best Places to Kayak Near Elwood, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
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Top Picks Near Elwood

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

North Spring Lake

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

Whalon Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 5.2 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 6.7 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 7.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 16.9 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 18.0 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 18.4 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 20.9 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 22.8 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 23.4 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 23.8 mi

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

North Spring Lake

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · 24.4 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 25.6 mi

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

Illinois Avenue Island Park

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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

Jericho Lake

Illinois · 26.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Elwood.

Manhattan, IL6 miChannahon, IL7 miJoliet, IL7 miNew Lenox, IL8 miShorewood, IL9 miWilmington, IL9 miCrest Hill, IL10 miMinooka, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Elwood include Columbia woods canoe landing, North Spring Lake, Whalon Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Elwood?

Near Elwood 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 Elwood?

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