Best Places to Kayak Near Forsyth, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes1 River1 Reservoir
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Top Picks Near Forsyth

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Decatur

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner7 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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Lake Decatur

Just 9 miles from Forsyth — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 5.9 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 9.4 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Weldon Springs Lake

Illinois · 13.3 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 16.9 mi

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

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Illinois · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 20.3 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 25.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 27.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 31.2 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 31.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 32.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Taylorville

Illinois · 32.3 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 32.5 mi

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

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 32.7 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 32.9 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 33.1 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 33.2 mi

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

Kincaid City Reservoir

Illinois · 33.3 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 33.8 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 34.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Forsyth.

Oreana, IL5 miWarrensburg, IL6 miMaroa, IL7 miDecatur, IL7 miArgenta, IL8 miHarristown, IL9 miElwin, IL11 miMt Zion, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Forsyth include Lake Decatur, Clinton Lake, Lake Decatur. 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 Forsyth?

Near Forsyth 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 Forsyth?

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