Best Places to Kayak Near Mount Sterling, IL

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

30 nearby13 Lakes13 Rivers2 Springs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Mount Sterling

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Mt. Sterling Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner2 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

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

SpringBeginner12 mi away
a couple of people in a boat on a river3

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Just 12 miles from Mount Sterling — the closest quality launch

SpringBeginner12 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 2.2 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 12.3 mi

SpringKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 16.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 22.1 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 23.0 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 23.7 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 28.3 mi

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

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 32.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 32.2 mi

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

Argyle Lake

Illinois · 33.1 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 34.8 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 35.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - North

Illinois · 35.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

All American Park - South

Illinois · 35.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Bicentenial Park - Hampshire Street

Illinois · 35.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 35.9 mi

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

Bob Bangert Park

Illinois · 35.9 mi

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

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 36.0 mi

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

Spring Lake

Illinois · 36.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Dupont Reservation Conservation Area

Missouri · 36.8 mi

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

Pearl - West

Illinois · 36.8 mi

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

Pearl - East

Illinois · 36.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lock and Dam No. 21

Illinois · 37.0 mi

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

John Hay Recreation Area

Illinois · 37.1 mi

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

Ted Shanks Conservation Area

Missouri · 37.4 mi

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

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 37.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Mount Sterling.

Timewell, IL7 miVersailles, IL7 miClayton, IL12 miCamden, IL12 miChambersburg, IL13 miPerry, IL13 miHuntsville, IL13 miRushville, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Mount Sterling, IL?

Top picks near Mount Sterling include Mt. Sterling Lake, Siloam Springs (Crab Apple), Siloam Springs (Crab Apple). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, springs.

What types of paddling can I do near Mount Sterling?

Near Mount Sterling 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 Mount Sterling?

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