Best Places to Kayak Near Glen Carbon, IL

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

30 nearby22 Lakes8 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Glen Carbon

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Silver Lake (Highland)

Standout kayak fishing on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Bunker Hill Lake

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 9.0 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 11.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 12.9 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 14.4 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 20.9 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 22.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 24.3 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 25.5 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 27.2 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 27.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 27.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 27.9 mi

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

Fayetteville Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 28.0 mi

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

Eagle Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 30.2 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 30.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 30.6 mi

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

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Illinois · 31.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Glen Carbon.

Maryville, IL3 miEdwardsville, IL3 miCollinsville, IL5 miTroy, IL6 miSouth Roxana, IL7 miHartford, IL7 miMarine, IL8 miGranite City, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Glen Carbon, IL?

Top picks near Glen Carbon include Silver Lake (Highland), Bunker Hill Lake, Mt. Olive Old City 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 Glen Carbon?

Near Glen Carbon 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 Glen Carbon?

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