Best Places to Kayak Near Jacksonville, IL

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

30 nearby22 Lakes6 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Jacksonville

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Greenfield City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Roodhouse Park Lake

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

LakeBeginner19 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

White Hall City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 4.3 mi

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

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 14.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Roodhouse Park Lake

Illinois · 19.5 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 21.0 mi

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

White Hall City Lake

Illinois · 21.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Palmyra-Modesto Lake

Illinois · 24.4 mi

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

Greenfield City Lake

Illinois · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Otter Lake Park

Illinois · 27.2 mi

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

Pearl - East

Illinois · 27.4 mi

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

Pearl - West

Illinois · 27.5 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 27.9 mi

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

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 28.2 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 28.4 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 29.6 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 30.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 31.4 mi

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

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 32.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 32.4 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 33.1 mi

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

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 33.6 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 34.2 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 34.2 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 34.3 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 34.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jacksonville.

Woodson, IL7 miLiterberry, IL9 miConcord, IL10 miChapin, IL10 miAlexander, IL11 miMurrayville, IL11 miFranklin, IL13 miWinchester, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Jacksonville include Greenfield City Lake, Roodhouse Park Lake, White Hall 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 Jacksonville?

Near Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

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