Best Places to Kayak Near Metropolis, IL

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

30 nearby18 Lakes12 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Metropolis

a small white boat in the water1

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mermet State Lake

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Mermet State Lake

Just 9 miles from Metropolis — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner9 mi away
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · 2.4 mi

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

Brookport

Illinois · 6.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 6.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Lake Montgomery

Kentucky · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Paducah

Kentucky · 8.2 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 8.6 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 9.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Broadway Street

Kentucky · 9.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 12.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Bay City - Russell C. Davidson Memorial

Illinois · 13.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Clarks River

Kentucky · 13.4 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
2 person riding on red kayak on body of water during daytime

Birdsville

Kentucky · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 16.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Dyer Creek

Kentucky · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 17.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Smithland

Kentucky · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 18.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 18.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Metropolis.

West Paducah, KY6 miBrookport, IL7 miJoppa, IL8 miPaducah, KY8 miKevil, KY10 miBandana, KY12 miLa Center, KY15 miGolconda, IL15 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Metropolis include Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Metropolis?

Near Metropolis 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 Metropolis?

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