Best Places to Kayak Near Jonesboro, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes3 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Jonesboro

brown wooden dock over body of water1

Headwaters Access

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

CanalBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Lake of Egypt

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

A top-rated lake launch on Horseshoe Lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 8.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Red Star Access

Missouri · 15.1 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Missouri · 16.1 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 17.0 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 17.7 mi

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

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Thebes Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 20.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Headwaters Access

Missouri · 20.5 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 21.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 21.4 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 21.5 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 21.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 22.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 22.1 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Jonesboro.

Anna, IL4 miMillcreek, IL7 miCobden, IL7 miAlto Pass, IL9 miWolf Lake, IL9 miDongola, IL10 miUllin, IL13 miMc Clure, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Jonesboro include Headwaters Access, Lake of Egypt, Horseshoe Lake - Alexander. 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 Jonesboro?

Near Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro?

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