Best Places to Kayak Near Forrest, IL

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

30 nearby20 Lakes10 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Forrest

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake of The Woods

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

LakeBeginner43 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner32 mi away
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 14.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Bloomington

Illinois · 28.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 28.4 mi

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

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 28.6 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 31.4 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 31.5 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 31.7 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 32.0 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 32.3 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 32.5 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 32.5 mi

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

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 33.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 34.0 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 35.5 mi

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

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 36.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 37.7 mi

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

Lake of The Woods

Illinois · 38.2 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 38.2 mi

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

Aroma Park

Illinois · 38.3 mi

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

West Front Street

Illinois · 38.6 mi

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

LST Memorial

Illinois · 39.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 39.5 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 40.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 41.6 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 41.7 mi

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

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 42.1 mi

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

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 42.2 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 42.7 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 43.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Forrest.

Fairbury, IL6 miChatsworth, IL6 miStrawn, IL7 miSaunemin, IL9 miCropsey, IL11 miCullom, IL11 miPiper City, IL12 miSibley, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Forrest include Lake of The Woods, Clinton Lake, Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Forrest?

Near Forrest 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 Forrest?

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