Best Places to Kayak Near Joliet, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
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Top Picks Near Joliet

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

North Spring Lake

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

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 12.8 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 13.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 16.8 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

North Spring Lake

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 18.4 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Illinois Avenue Island Park

Illinois · 20.4 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 20.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 21.2 mi

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

Jericho Lake

Illinois · 21.3 mi

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

Silver Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 22.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 23.5 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 23.7 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 23.7 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 23.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 24.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sliver Springs boat ramp

Illinois · 24.1 mi

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

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 24.1 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Joliet.

Crest Hill, IL3 miNew Lenox, IL6 miLockport, IL7 miElwood, IL7 miShorewood, IL7 miPlainfield, IL8 miRomeoville, IL8 miManhattan, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Joliet include Columbia woods canoe landing, North Spring Lake, Plank Road Meadow boat launch. 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 Joliet?

Near Joliet 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 Joliet?

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