Best Places to Kayak Near Forest Park, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes3 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Forest Park

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner4 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

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

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Columbia woods canoe landing

Just 11 miles from Forest Park — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 1.5 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 4.1 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 10.2 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 17.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Calumet Park

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 18.4 mi

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

Silver Lake

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 2

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

Lake Michigan Fishing Pier (Hammond)

Indiana · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Forest Park.

Oak Park, IL1 miRiver Forest, IL1 miHines, IL2 miMaywood, IL2 miBroadview, IL2 miBerwyn, IL2 miRiverside, IL3 miMelrose Park, IL3 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Forest Park, IL?

Top picks near Forest Park include Plank Road Meadow boat launch, Irving Park Road Canoe Landing, Columbia woods canoe landing. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Forest Park?

Near Forest Park 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 Forest Park?

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