Best Places to Kayak Near Murphysboro, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Murphysboro

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Cedar Lake

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Highway 13 - West

Just 12 miles from Murphysboro — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner12 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Murphysboro

Illinois · 2.7 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 5.3 mi

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

Turkey Bayou

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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

Carbondale City Reservoir

Illinois · 7.2 mi

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

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Cedar Lake

Illinois · 10.1 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Kinkaid Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.3 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 13.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 14.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Seventy-Six Conservation Area

Missouri · 15.7 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Murphysboro.

Gorham, IL6 miDe Soto, IL7 miCarbondale, IL7 miOraville, IL7 miPomona, IL9 miVergennes, IL10 miMakanda, IL10 miAva, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Murphysboro include Herrin Lake #1, Cedar Lake, Highway 13 - West. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Murphysboro?

Near Murphysboro 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 Murphysboro?

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