Best Places to Kayak Near Olmsted, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Olmsted

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Mermet State Lake

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

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Just 14 miles from Olmsted — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 2.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 2.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 3.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 3.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 3.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 3.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 3.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 3.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 3.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 4.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 4.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 4.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 4.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 6.1 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Mound City

Illinois · 8.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Flat Lake

Kentucky · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Buck Lake

Kentucky · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Fish Lake Drain

Kentucky · 12.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 13.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Cairo

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 14.2 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Olmsted.

Villa Ridge, IL5 miPulaski, IL6 miGrand Chain, IL6 miUllin, IL8 miMounds, IL8 miPerks, IL8 miMound City, IL8 miBandana, KY9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Olmsted include Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake, Horseshoe Lake - Alexander. 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 Olmsted?

Near Olmsted 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 Olmsted?

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