Best Places to Kayak Near Evanston, IL
30 public launch points within 50 miles of Evanston, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.
Top Picks Near Evanston
1Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp
Standout kayak fishing on the lake
2Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing
Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding
3Irving Park Road Canoe Landing
Just 11 miles from Evanston — the closest quality launch
Church Street Power Boat Ramp
Illinois · 1.3 mi
Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp
Illinois · 4.6 mi
Skokie Lagoons Watershed
Illinois · 5.8 mi
Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp
Illinois · 9.3 mi
Beck Lake
Illinois · 9.3 mi
Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing
Illinois · 9.7 mi
Allison Wood Boat Launch
Illinois · 10.3 mi
Park Avenue Boating Ramp
Illinois · 10.5 mi
Irving Park Road Canoe Landing
Illinois · 10.8 mi
Maywood Grove Canoe Landing
Illinois · 13.5 mi
Burham Harbor - North
Illinois · 14.1 mi
Boat ramp
Illinois · 15.0 mi
Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch
Illinois · 15.0 mi
Burham Harbor - South
Illinois · 15.9 mi
Busse Lake
Illinois · 16.7 mi
Busse Lake
Illinois · 16.7 mi
Plank Road Meadow boat launch
Illinois · 17.8 mi
Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock
Illinois · 18.7 mi
Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive
Illinois · 19.9 mi
Diamond Lake
Illinois · 20.8 mi
Inependence Grove Boat Ramp
Illinois · 22.0 mi
Waukegan Harbor & Marina
Illinois · 22.1 mi
North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp
Illinois · 22.4 mi
a marina
Illinois · 22.4 mi
Sandy Point
Illinois · 23.6 mi
Columbia woods canoe landing
Illinois · 24.5 mi
Calumet Park
Illinois · 24.6 mi
Sunset Beach Park
Illinois · 25.2 mi
Pebble Beach Park
Illinois · 25.7 mi
Lake Michigan Fishing Pier (Hammond)
Indiana · 26.4 mi
Paddling Near Other Cities
Widen your search to towns within an hour of Evanston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to kayak near Evanston, IL?
Top picks near Evanston include Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp, Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing, Irving Park Road Canoe Landing. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.
What types of paddling can I do near Evanston?
Near Evanston 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 Evanston?
Yes! Most public boat ramps near Evanston are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.