Best Places to Kayak Near Hamel, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes7 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Hamel

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Silver Lake (Highland)

Standout kayak fishing on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Bunker Hill Lake

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 12.2 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 16.8 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 17.0 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 18.3 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 18.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 18.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 21.5 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 22.8 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 23.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 25.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 26.0 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 26.1 mi

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

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 26.6 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 26.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 27.5 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 28.5 mi

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

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hamel.

Worden, IL5 miMoro, IL6 miAlhambra, IL7 miMarine, IL7 miEdwardsville, IL7 miLivingston, IL8 miBethalto, IL9 miDorsey, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hamel 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 Hamel?

Near Hamel 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 Hamel?

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