Best Places to Kayak Near Hillsboro, IL

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

30 nearby29 Lakes1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 2.3 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 2.7 mi

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a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 5.5 mi

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a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 5.9 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 6.7 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 7.7 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

Ramsey Lake

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 20.3 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 20.9 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 27.0 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 28.6 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Lake Taylorville

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Lake Pana - South

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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

Lake Pana - North

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Otter Lake Park

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Kincaid City Reservoir

Illinois · 30.1 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

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a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 31.0 mi

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hillsboro include Mt. Olive Old City Lake, Bunker Hill Lake, Silver Lake (Highland). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Hillsboro?

Near Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro?

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