Best Places to Kayak Near Jackson, MO

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

30 nearby18 Lakes7 Rivers2 Canals
← All paddling in Missouri

Top Picks Near Jackson

brown wooden dock over body of water1

Headwaters Access

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

CanalBeginner11 mi away
a small cave in the middle of a forest2

Block Hole Access

A top-rated canal launch on Castor River Diversion Channel

CanalBeginner16 mi away
a body of water with land in the distance3

Tywappity Community Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a river with trees around it

Red Star Access

Missouri · 9.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Headwaters Access

Missouri · 11.0 mi

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

Old Plantation Access

Missouri · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Lake Girardeau Conservation Area

Missouri · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Missouri · 13.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Tywappity Community Lake

Missouri · 13.9 mi

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

Thebes Boat Ramp

Illinois · 15.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small cave in the middle of a forest

Block Hole Access

Missouri · 15.9 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

General Watkins Conservation Area

Missouri · 22.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Seventy-Six Conservation Area

Missouri · 23.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 23.5 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 24.3 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 24.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 26.2 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Perry County Community Lake (South)

Missouri · 26.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Perry County Community Lake (North)

Missouri · 27.4 mi

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

Marquand Access

Missouri · 27.8 mi

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

Maple Flats Access

Missouri · 28.3 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 28.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Duck Creek Conservation Area (Greenbrier Unit)

Missouri · 28.5 mi

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

Sweetgum Access

Missouri · 30.0 mi

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

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 31.2 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 31.6 mi

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

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 31.6 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 32.1 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 32.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jackson.

Gordonville, MO6 miCape Girardeau, MO8 miPocahontas, MO8 miWhitewater, MO8 miMillersville, MO9 miDutchtown, MO9 miBurfordville, MO9 miOak Ridge, MO11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Jackson, MO?

Top picks near Jackson include Headwaters Access, Block Hole Access, Tywappity Community Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Jackson?

Near Jackson 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 Jackson?

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