Best Places to Kayak Near Lexington, IL

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

30 nearby16 Lakes14 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Lexington

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Clinton Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner31 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake of The Woods

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

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Lake Eureka

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Lake Bloomington

Illinois · 6.8 mi

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

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 11.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Evergreen Lake

Illinois · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Dawson Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Play Park

Illinois · 19.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Eureka

Illinois · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 31.0 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 31.4 mi

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

Bowen Lake

Illinois · 32.5 mi

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

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Illinois · 32.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 33.6 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 33.8 mi

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

Clinton Lake

Illinois · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Weldon Springs Lake

Illinois · 35.9 mi

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

Lake of The Woods

Illinois · 37.5 mi

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

Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 38.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fondulac Park Carl Spindler Marina

Illinois · 38.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Launch - Cooper South Park

Illinois · 38.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Eastport Marina

Illinois · 39.0 mi

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

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 39.3 mi

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

Sodowski Boat Basin

Illinois · 40.0 mi

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

Hamm's Holiday Harbor

Illinois · 40.1 mi

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

National Marina sales

Illinois · 40.2 mi

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

Detweiller Marina

Illinois · 40.3 mi

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

Chillicothe Dock

Illinois · 40.3 mi

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

Detweiller Park

Illinois · 41.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lacon Marina

Illinois · 41.7 mi

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

Don Burch Boat Dock and Picnic Area

Illinois · 42.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Lexington.

Towanda, IL7 miCooksville, IL8 miMerna, IL8 miGridley, IL9 miChenoa, IL9 miHudson, IL9 miColfax, IL11 miNormal, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Lexington include Clinton Lake, Lake of The Woods, Lake Eureka. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Lexington?

Near Lexington 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 Lexington?

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