Best Places to Kayak Near Montrose, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes1 Reservoir1 Canal
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Montrose

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

CanalBeginner23 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Nellie

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Lake Shelbyville

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner30 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Bluegill Marina

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Sara

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Lake Sara

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Lake Paradise

Illinois · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 22.1 mi

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

Charleston Side Channel

Illinois · 23.2 mi

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

Lake Charleston Spillway Park

Illinois · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 28.6 mi

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

Lake Nellie

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.5 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.7 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 29.7 mi

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

Borah Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.4 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 30.8 mi

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

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 30.9 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 31.3 mi

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

East Fork Lake

Illinois · 31.5 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 32.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Montrose.

Jewett, IL6 miTeutopolis, IL8 miSigel, IL9 miDieterich, IL9 miToledo, IL10 miWheeler, IL10 miHidalgo, IL11 miGreenup, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Montrose include Charleston Side Channel, Lake Nellie, Lake Shelbyville. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Montrose?

Near Montrose 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 Montrose?

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