Best Places to Kayak Near Newark, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Newark

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

North Spring Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner22 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Shabbona 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

Whalon Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

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

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sliver Springs boat ramp

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

LST Memorial

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Jericho Lake

Illinois · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 16.5 mi

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

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 16.9 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Heritage Harbor Marina

Illinois · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Route 6

Illinois · 19.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Fox River Park

Illinois · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Illinois Avenue Island Park

Illinois · 20.2 mi

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · 20.3 mi

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

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Allen Park

Illinois · 20.9 mi

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

Grunwald Lake

Illinois · 21.6 mi

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

North Spring Lake

Illinois · 22.1 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 23.0 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Laurelwood Park

Illinois · 25.6 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 25.7 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 25.8 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Newark.

Millington, IL4 miMillbrook, IL5 miSheridan, IL7 miYorkville, IL9 miSandwich, IL9 miPlano, IL10 miSomonauk, IL11 miSerena, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Newark include North Spring Lake, Shabbona Lake, Whalon Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Newark?

Near Newark 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 Newark?

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