Best Places to Kayak Near Karnak, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Karnak

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mermet State 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

Mermet State Lake

Just 7 miles from Karnak — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner7 mi away
a man riding on the back of a boat in the water

Grand Chain

Illinois · 4.1 mi

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

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 5.5 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 6.8 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 8.1 mi

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

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 9.0 mi

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

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 9.0 mi

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

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 9.2 mi

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

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 9.4 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 9.5 mi

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

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 9.6 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 10.0 mi

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

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 10.0 mi

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

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 10.2 mi

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

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 10.4 mi

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

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 12.9 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Mound City

Illinois · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 17.9 mi

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

Flat Lake

Kentucky · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Buck Lake

Kentucky · 18.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Karnak.

Belknap, IL3 miGrand Chain, IL3 miBoles, IL6 miCypress, IL6 miPerks, IL6 miJoppa, IL8 miOlmsted, IL9 miVienna, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Karnak include Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State 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 Karnak?

Near Karnak 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 Karnak?

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