Best Places to Kayak Near Madison, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Madison

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Silver Lake (Highland)

Standout kayak fishing on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Bunker Hill Lake

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

LakeBeginner27 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Simpson Park Lake (West)

A top-rated lake launch on Simpson Park Lake

LakeBeginner19 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 3.9 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 4.7 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 8.6 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 9.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 13.8 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 13.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 14.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 18.8 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 19.0 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 19.0 mi

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

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 20.0 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 20.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 20.9 mi

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

Flamm City Access

Missouri · 20.9 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Route 66 State Park Access

Missouri · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 27.4 mi

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

Fayetteville Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 28.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 29.1 mi

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

Eagle Lake

Illinois · 29.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 29.7 mi

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

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Illinois · 29.8 mi

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

Allenton Access

Missouri · 30.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Madison.

Venice, IL1 miNational Stock Yards, IL2 miLovejoy, IL2 miGranite City, IL4 miEast Saint Louis, IL4 miCaseyville, IL8 miCollinsville, IL9 miSaint Louis, MO9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Madison include Silver Lake (Highland), Bunker Hill Lake, Simpson Park Lake (West). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Madison?

Near Madison 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 Madison?

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