Best Places to Kayak Near Kelso, MO

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

30 nearby17 Lakes9 Rivers2 Canals
← All paddling in Missouri

Top Picks Near Kelso

brown wooden dock over body of water1

Headwaters Access

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

CanalBeginner4 mi away
a small cave in the middle of a forest2

Block Hole Access

A top-rated canal launch on Castor River Diversion Channel

CanalBeginner16 mi away
a body of water with land in the distance3

Tywappity Community Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner5 mi away
brown wooden dock over body of water

Headwaters Access

Missouri · 3.9 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Tywappity Community Lake

Missouri · 4.9 mi

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

Thebes Boat Ramp

Illinois · 5.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Red Star Access

Missouri · 8.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

General Watkins Conservation Area

Missouri · 9.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 12.6 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small cave in the middle of a forest

Block Hole Access

Missouri · 16.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Lake Girardeau Conservation Area

Missouri · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Robert G. Delaney Lake Conservation Area

Missouri · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Mound City

Illinois · 22.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Holloway Landing

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 23.6 mi

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

Cairo

Illinois · 24.9 mi

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

Old Plantation Access

Missouri · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 25.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Burnt Pond

Kentucky · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

First Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a stream running through a lush green forest

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Missouri · 26.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Long Pond

Kentucky · 26.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Aquilla Access

Missouri · 26.4 mi

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

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 26.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Ft. Defiance State Park Ramp

Kentucky · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Swan Lake

Kentucky · 26.7 mi

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

Flat Lake

Kentucky · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Duck Creek Conservation Area (Greenbrier Unit)

Missouri · 27.0 mi

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

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 27.3 mi

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

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Kelso.

Scott City, MO2 miChaffee, MO5 miCommerce, MO6 miDutchtown, MO7 miThebes, IL8 miBenton, MO8 miCape Girardeau, MO9 miMc Clure, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Kelso, MO?

Top picks near Kelso include Headwaters Access, Block Hole Access, Tywappity Community Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Kelso?

Near Kelso 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 Kelso?

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