Best Places to Kayak Near Gillespie, IL

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

30 nearby24 Lakes6 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Gillespie

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Greenfield City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

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

LakeBeginner5 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Bunker Hill Lake

Just 10 miles from Gillespie — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 2.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 2.9 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 3.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 5.3 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 6.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 12.2 mi

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

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 12.3 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 18.4 mi

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

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 18.8 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Otter Lake Park

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 22.5 mi

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

Palmyra-Modesto Lake

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Greenfield City Lake

Illinois · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 25.8 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 26.2 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 26.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 26.6 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 27.1 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 28.4 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 28.6 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 28.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 30.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 30.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 31.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 32.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Gillespie.

Eagarville, IL3 miBenld, IL3 miSawyerville, IL4 miWilsonville, IL5 miMount Olive, IL6 miStaunton, IL9 miLitchfield, IL10 miBunker Hill, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Gillespie include Greenfield City Lake, Mt. Olive Old City Lake, Bunker Hill 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 Gillespie?

Near Gillespie 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 Gillespie?

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