Best Places to Kayak Near Johnston City, IL

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

30 nearby30 Lakes
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Top Picks Near Johnston City

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Christopher Old City Lake

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

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Just 8 miles from Johnston City — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 8.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.7 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 15.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Johnston City.

Pittsburg, IL4 miFreeman Spur, IL5 miWest Frankfort, IL5 miHerrin, IL6 miFrankfort Heights, IL7 miEnergy, IL7 miMarion, IL7 miOrient, IL7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Johnston City, IL?

Top picks near Johnston City include Herrin Lake #1, Christopher Old City Lake, West Frankfort Old City Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Johnston City?

Near Johnston City 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 Johnston City?

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