Best Places to Kayak Near Kankakee, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes12 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Kankakee

a river with a few birds1

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on J.C. Murphey Lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Alsip Boat Ramp

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

LakeBeginner38 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 1.6 mi

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

West Front Street

Illinois · 4.2 mi

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

Aroma Park

Illinois · 4.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Illinois-Indiana Stateline Road

Indiana · 18.2 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 19.7 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 19.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 20.8 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 21.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 21.2 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 21.6 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 29.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 29.4 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 29.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Kankakee River

Indiana · 31.8 mi

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

Fancher Lake

Indiana · 32.5 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 33.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 36.9 mi

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

St. Joseph College Public Access Site

Indiana · 38.3 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 38.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Kankakee.

Bradley, IL2 miBourbonnais, IL3 miAroma Park, IL5 miChebanse, IL6 miManteno, IL9 miBonfield, IL10 miMomence, IL11 miSaint Anne, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Kankakee include Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, Alsip Boat Ramp, Mazonia #8 - Carp 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 Kankakee?

Near Kankakee 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 Kankakee?

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