Best Places to Kayak Near New Athens, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes5 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near New Athens

a small white boat in the water1

Pinckneyville City Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner30 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

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

LakeBeginner1 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Pyramid - Merganser Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Illinois · 1.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 1.9 mi

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

Eagle Lake

Illinois · 2.5 mi

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

Baldwin Lake

Illinois · 6.0 mi

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

Fayetteville Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - Derby Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - East Lake

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

Sparta Reservoir (North)

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Sparta Reservoir (South)

Illinois · 17.4 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 23.2 mi

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

Randolph County Lake

Illinois · 23.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Truman Access

Missouri · 24.6 mi

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

Pyramid - Merganser Lake

Illinois · 26.3 mi

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

Flamm City Access

Missouri · 26.7 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 27.6 mi

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

Washington County Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Washington County Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

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

Pyramid - Super Lake

Illinois · 28.3 mi

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

Chester

Illinois · 28.8 mi

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

Water Street Boat Ramp

Illinois · 28.8 mi

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

Pyramid - Goldeneye Lake

Illinois · 28.9 mi

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

Pyramid - Green Wing Lake

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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

Pyramid - Redhead Lake

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 29.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Pinckneyville City Lake

Illinois · 29.9 mi

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

Pyramid - Mallard Lake

Illinois · 29.9 mi

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

Pyramid - Canvas Lake

Illinois · 29.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

St. Mary Access

Missouri · 30.5 mi

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

Pyramid - Blue Wing Lake

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Pyramid State Park

Illinois · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of New Athens.

Lenzburg, IL5 miHecker, IL6 miFreeburg, IL7 miMarissa, IL8 miSaint Libory, IL9 miSmithton, IL10 miBaldwin, IL10 miRed Bud, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near New Athens, IL?

Top picks near New Athens include Pinckneyville City Lake, Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1, Pyramid - Merganser Lake. 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 New Athens?

Near New Athens 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 New Athens?

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