Best Places to Kayak Near Gilman, IL

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

30 nearby15 Rivers15 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Gilman

a river with a few birds1

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on J.C. Murphey Lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake of The Woods

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

LakeBeginner44 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

LakeBeginner33 mi away
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Aroma Park

Illinois · 22.9 mi

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

West Front Street

Illinois · 23.4 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 28.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

J.C. Murphey Lake (Filbert Lane Ice Fishing Access)

Indiana · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 30.9 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

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
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 32.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 32.8 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 33.2 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 33.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 33.9 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 34.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Illinois-Indiana Stateline Road

Indiana · 36.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kankakee River / Black Oak Bayou

Indiana · 37.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kankakee River / Campgrnd, White Oak

Indiana · 39.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

LaSalle

Indiana · 39.4 mi

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

Lake Mingo

Illinois · 41.1 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 42.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 42.5 mi

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

St. Joseph College Public Access Site

Indiana · 43.4 mi

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

Lake of The Woods

Illinois · 44.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Shelby

Indiana · 44.5 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 44.6 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 44.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Gilman.

Onarga, IL4 miDanforth, IL4 miThawville, IL8 miCrescent City, IL8 miAshkum, IL8 miPiper City, IL10 miBuckley, IL12 miClifton, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Gilman include Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, Lake of The Woods, Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Gilman?

Near Gilman 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 Gilman?

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