Best Places to Kayak Near Harrisburg, IL

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

30 nearby18 Lakes9 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Harrisburg

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner19 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Lake of Egypt

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

West Frankfort Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner19 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 7.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Harrisburg New City Reservoir

Illinois · 9.1 mi

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

Jones State Lake

Illinois · 9.1 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 22.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 22.4 mi

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

Old Shawneetown

Illinois · 22.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Old Shawneetown Boat Ramp

Kentucky · 22.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 23.0 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Blackburn

Kentucky · 23.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 23.3 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 23.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Rosiclare

Illinois · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elizabethtown Ferry

Kentucky · 24.0 mi

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

Dolan Lake

Illinois · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Carrsville

Kentucky · 24.5 mi

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

Golconda Marina

Illinois · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Golconda Marina Ramp

Kentucky · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Givens Creek

Kentucky · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small waterfall in the middle of a lush green forest

Lake McLeansboro

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Harrisburg.

Muddy, IL3 miCarrier Mills, IL5 miRaleigh, IL7 miEldorado, IL8 miGalatia, IL8 miEquality, IL11 miStonefort, IL13 miEddyville, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Harrisburg include Bay Creek Lake, Lake of Egypt, West Frankfort Old City Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Harrisburg?

Near Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?

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