Best Places to Kayak Near Mounds, IL

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

30 nearby24 Lakes6 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Mounds

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Standout kayak fishing on Horseshoe Lake

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

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

LakeBeginner7 mi away
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime3

Goose Pond

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, camping

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

Mound City

Illinois · 3.2 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 7.0 mi

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

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 7.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 7.2 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 7.5 mi

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

Flat Lake

Kentucky · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Buck Lake

Kentucky · 8.2 mi

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

Cairo

Illinois · 8.3 mi

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

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 8.4 mi

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

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 8.4 mi

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

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 8.5 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

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

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

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

Fish Lake Drain

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

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

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

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

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 8.9 mi

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

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 9.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 9.2 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 9.5 mi

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

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 9.8 mi

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

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 10.0 mi

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

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 10.0 mi

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

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Bird's Blue Hole

Missouri · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Wickliffe Water Front

Kentucky · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Robert G. Delaney Lake Conservation Area

Missouri · 14.7 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Jos Hunter Moore Access

Missouri · 14.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mounds.

Villa Ridge, IL3 miMound City, IL3 miPulaski, IL7 miCairo, IL7 miOlmsted, IL8 miMiller City, IL8 miUnity, IL9 miTamms, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Mounds include Horseshoe Lake - Alexander, Horseshoe Lake - Alexander, Goose Pond. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Mounds?

Near Mounds 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 Mounds?

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