Best Places to Kayak Near Marion, IL

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

30 nearby30 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Marion

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Lake of Egypt

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Lake of Egypt

Just 9 miles from Marion — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 7.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 7.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 7.7 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 8.7 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 8.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 8.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 9.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.8 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 11.2 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 11.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Marion.

Pittsburg, IL5 miEnergy, IL6 miJohnston City, IL7 miCreal Springs, IL7 miHerrin, IL7 miCarterville, IL10 miColp, IL10 miFreeman Spur, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Marion include Herrin Lake #1, Lake of Egypt, Lake of Egypt. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Marion?

Near Marion 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 Marion?

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