Best Places to Kayak Near New Salem, IL

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

30 nearby16 Rivers11 Lakes2 Springs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near New Salem

a small white boat in the water1

Roodhouse Park Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

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

White Hall City Lake

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

LakeBeginner30 mi away
a couple of people in a boat on a river3

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Just 13 miles from New Salem — the closest quality launch

SpringBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 5.7 mi

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

Pittsfield Lake

Illinois · 6.7 mi

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

Bob Mitchell Street

Illinois · 13.0 mi

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

Boat Dock Road

Illinois · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Siloam Springs (Crab Apple)

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Ted Shanks Conservation Area

Missouri · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Ted Shanks Conservation Area

Missouri · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Ted Shanks Conservation Area

Missouri · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Dupont Reservation Conservation Area

Missouri · 19.9 mi

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

Louisiana Access

Missouri · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Ted Shanks Conservation Area

Missouri · 20.3 mi

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

Pearl - West

Illinois · 20.8 mi

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

Pearl - East

Illinois · 21.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A shallow stream flows over mossy rocks in a forest.

Calumet Creek Access

Missouri · 21.7 mi

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

Mt. Sterling Lake

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

Pleasant Hill

Illinois · 22.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Oneill Creek

Missouri · 22.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Clarksville Riverfront Park

Missouri · 23.0 mi

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

John Hay Recreation Area

Illinois · 27.1 mi

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

Calhoun County Conservation Area

Illinois · 27.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Jack Floyd Memorial Lake (Bowling Green)

Missouri · 29.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Indian Camp Access

Missouri · 29.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Roodhouse Park Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Kampsville

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

White Hall City Lake

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

Schuy-Rush Lake

Illinois · 30.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 31.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Hamburg Ferry Access

Missouri · 33.2 mi

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

Prairie Slough Conservation Area

Missouri · 34.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Baylis, IL5 miGriggsville, IL6 miPittsfield, IL7 miPerry, IL8 miBarry, IL10 miChambersburg, IL12 miRockport, IL13 miNew Canton, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near New Salem include Roodhouse Park Lake, White Hall City Lake, Siloam Springs (Crab Apple). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, springs.

What types of paddling can I do near New Salem?

Near New Salem 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 Salem?

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