Best Places to Kayak Near Great Lakes, IL

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

30 nearby29 Lakes1 River
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Great Lakes

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Lakefront Park

Standout kayak fishing on Round Lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Murphy Street

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

LakeBeginner14 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Park Street

Just 14 miles from Great Lakes — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Boat ramp

Illinois · 4.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Illinois · 4.4 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 4.6 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 4.7 mi

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

Sunset Beach Park

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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

Pebble Beach Park

Illinois · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 8.0 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 8.7 mi

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

Lakefront Park

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Sterling Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

North Point Marina

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Marina Street

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Madison Avenue

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Cook Memorial Park boat ramp

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Murphy Street

Illinois · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Long Lake boat launch

Illinois · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Park Street

Illinois · 14.5 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Swanys On Long Lake Marina

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Loon Lake

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Bayview Park

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person on a boat in the water at sunset

Prairie Springs Park

Wisconsin · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Lake Marina

Illinois · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

a marina

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Fox River Forest Preserve

Illinois · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

a resort

Illinois · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Great Lakes.

North Chicago, IL1 miLake Bluff, IL2 miWaukegan, IL4 miLake Forest, IL5 miLibertyville, IL5 miGurnee, IL6 miFort Sheridan, IL7 miHighwood, IL7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Great Lakes, IL?

Top picks near Great Lakes include Lakefront Park, Murphy Street, Park Street. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Great Lakes?

Near Great Lakes 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 Great Lakes?

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