Best Places to Kayak Near Joppa, IL

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

30 nearby20 Lakes9 Rivers1 Bay
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Joppa

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner19 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner1 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mermet State Lake

Just 1 mile from Joppa — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner1 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 0.8 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 0.9 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 1.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 5.4 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 6.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · 10.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 10.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 12.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 14.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 14.5 mi

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

Brookport

Illinois · 14.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Lake Montgomery

Kentucky · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Paducah

Kentucky · 16.6 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Broadway Street

Kentucky · 17.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Bay City - Russell C. Davidson Memorial

Illinois · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Joppa.

Karnak, IL8 miBelknap, IL8 miMetropolis, IL8 miGrand Chain, IL9 miBandana, KY9 miKevil, KY11 miGrantsburg, IL11 miWest Paducah, KY12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Joppa include Bay Creek Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Joppa?

Near Joppa 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 Joppa?

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