Best Places to Kayak Near Mount Vernon, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Reservoirs1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Mount Vernon

a small white boat in the water1

Rend Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Sam Dale Lake

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

LakeBeginner23 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Sam Dale Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

JC Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 3.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 8.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 9.7 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Centralia Lake

Illinois · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Sesser City Reservoir

Illinois · 18.2 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Raccoon Lake

Illinois · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 22.5 mi

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

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 23.3 mi

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

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
bare tree on white snow covered ground near body of water during daytime

Du Quoin City Reservoir

Illinois · 24.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Waltonville, IL7 miTexico, IL8 miOpdyke, IL8 miBonnie, IL8 miDix, IL9 miBluford, IL9 miWoodlawn, IL10 miNason, IL10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Mount Vernon include Rend Lake, Sam Dale Lake, Sam Dale Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Mount Vernon?

Near Mount Vernon 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 Vernon?

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