Best Places to Kayak Near Golden, IL

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

30 nearby21 Rivers7 Lakes2 Springs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Golden

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Horton Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner35 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mt. Sterling Lake

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

LakeBeginner16 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss3

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

A top-rated spring launch on Siloam Springs

SpringBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 16.5 mi

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

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 17.2 mi

SpringKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

Carthage Lake

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Bob Bangert Park

Illinois · 23.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - North

Illinois · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - South

Illinois · 24.0 mi

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

Bicentenial Park - Hampshire Street

Illinois · 24.2 mi

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

Quincy Bay State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 24.2 mi

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

Meyer

Illinois · 25.2 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Canton Ferry Access (Canton)

Missouri · 25.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Montebello State Park

Illinois · 25.8 mi

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

Wildcat Springs

Illinois · 26.0 mi

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

Fenway Landing

Illinois · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Fenway Landing Access

Missouri · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lock and Dam No. 21

Illinois · 26.2 mi

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

Argyle Lake

Illinois · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Keokuk

Iowa · 26.5 mi

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

Riverfront Park Goose Landing

Illinois · 27.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

marina

Iowa · 28.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Fabius Chute Access

Missouri · 28.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Soulard Access

Missouri · 29.0 mi

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

Spring Lake

Illinois · 31.5 mi

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

John Hay Recreation Area

Illinois · 32.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 32.6 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 33.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Palmyra (Akerson Access)

Missouri · 33.7 mi

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

Horton Lake

Illinois · 34.7 mi

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

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 34.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Golden.

La Prairie, IL3 miCamp Point, IL7 miBowen, IL8 miClayton, IL8 miAugusta, IL9 miCoatsburg, IL9 miHuntsville, IL10 miLoraine, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Golden include Horton Lake, Mt. Sterling Lake, Siloam Springs (Crab Apple). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, springs.

What types of paddling can I do near Golden?

Near Golden 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 Golden?

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