Best Places to Kayak Near Frederick, IL

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

30 nearby19 Lakes7 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Frederick

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Little Sister Lake

Standout kayak fishing on Little Sister Creek - Little Sister Lake

LakeBeginner36 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Roodhouse Park Lake

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

LakeBeginner42 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mt. Sterling Lake

Just 14 miles from Frederick — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 2.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 5.3 mi

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

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 8.1 mi

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

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 22.4 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 24.0 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 26.2 mi

SpringKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 26.3 mi

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

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 27.8 mi

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

Emiquon Preserve

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 30.9 mi

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

Argyle Lake

Illinois · 30.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 31.8 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 32.2 mi

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

Spring Lake

Illinois · 32.2 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 32.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Liverpool Barge Port

Illinois · 34.7 mi

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

Little Sister Lake

Illinois · 35.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rice Lake

Illinois · 40.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Lake (South)

Illinois · 41.5 mi

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

Carthage Lake

Illinois · 42.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Double T Lake

Illinois · 42.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Roodhouse Park Lake

Illinois · 42.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Pearl - West

Illinois · 42.8 mi

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

Pearl - East

Illinois · 42.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Frederick.

Rushville, IL5 miBeardstown, IL6 miBrowning, IL10 miBluff Springs, IL10 miLittleton, IL13 miAstoria, IL14 miMount Sterling, IL14 miArenzville, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Frederick include Little Sister Lake, Roodhouse Park Lake, Mt. Sterling 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 Frederick?

Near Frederick 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 Frederick?

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