Best Places to Kayak Near Lake Forest, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes3 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Lake Forest

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Murphy Street

Standout kayak fishing on Bangs Lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Lakefront Park

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Park Street

Just 15 miles from Lake Forest — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Boat ramp

Illinois · 1.8 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 4.5 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 7.3 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 9.3 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 9.6 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Sunset Beach Park

Illinois · 10.5 mi

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

Pebble Beach Park

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 11.5 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 12.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Marina Street

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Madison Avenue

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Murphy Street

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Lakefront Park

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Park Street

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Cook Memorial Park boat ramp

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Sterling Lake

Illinois · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 17.0 mi

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

Fox River Forest Preserve

Illinois · 17.1 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Port Barrington Forest Preserve

Illinois · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Long Lake boat launch

Illinois · 17.3 mi

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

North Point Marina

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

Welch Circle

Illinois · 17.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Lake Forest.

Fort Sheridan, IL3 miHighwood, IL3 miLake Bluff, IL3 miLincolnshire, IL4 miHighland Park, IL5 miGreat Lakes, IL5 miDeerfield, IL5 miNorth Chicago, IL6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Lake Forest, IL?

Top picks near Lake Forest include Murphy Street, Lakefront Park, Park Street. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Lake Forest?

Near Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?

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