Best Places to Kayak Near Mattoon, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes1 River1 Canal
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Mattoon

Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline1

Charleston Side Channel

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

CanalBeginner12 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Shelbyville

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner22 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Lake Shelbyville

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Paradise

Illinois · 4.8 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 9.9 mi

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

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Charleston Side Channel

Illinois · 12.3 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 12.3 mi

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

Lake Charleston Spillway Park

Illinois · 12.6 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 12.9 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 14.1 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 16.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 16.9 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 20.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 20.8 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 20.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 21.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Walnut Point Lake

Illinois · 23.5 mi

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

Walnut Point Lake

Illinois · 23.8 mi

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

Bluegill Marina

Illinois · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Sara

Illinois · 27.3 mi

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

Lake Sara

Illinois · 27.4 mi

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

Mill Creek Lake

Illinois · 30.4 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 34.4 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 34.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mattoon.

Trilla, IL7 miGays, IL8 miLerna, IL9 miHumboldt, IL9 miJanesville, IL10 miCharleston, IL11 miNeoga, IL12 miWindsor, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Mattoon include Charleston Side Channel, Lake Shelbyville, Lake Shelbyville. 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 Mattoon?

Near Mattoon 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 Mattoon?

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