Best Places to Kayak Near Hartford, IL

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

30 nearby19 Lakes11 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Hartford

a small white boat in the water1

Bunker Hill Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Silver Lake (Highland)

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

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 3.8 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 4.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 6.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 7.0 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 7.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 10.8 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 17.1 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 17.2 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 20.9 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 23.3 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 25.0 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 27.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 28.3 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 28.5 mi

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

Stump Lake

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 29.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hartford.

South Roxana, IL1 miRoxana, IL1 miWood River, IL2 miEast Alton, IL4 miCottage Hills, IL6 miBethalto, IL6 miEdwardsville, IL6 miAlton, IL7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hartford include Bunker Hill Lake, Silver Lake (Highland), 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 Hartford?

Near Hartford 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 Hartford?

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