Best Places to Kayak Near Olney, IL

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

30 nearby18 Lakes9 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Olney

a lake surrounded by trees1

Turtle Creek Reservoir

Standout kayak fishing on the reservoir

ReservoirBeginner37 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Sam Dale Lake

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

LakeBeginner30 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Sam Dale Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

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

East Fork Lake

Illinois · 2.4 mi

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

Borah Lake

Illinois · 3.1 mi

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

Red Hills Lake

Illinois · 13.0 mi

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

Red Hills Lake

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 16.5 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Sam Parr Lake

Illinois · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Clark's Landing

Indiana · 25.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Beall Woods State Park

Illinois · 29.8 mi

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

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Vincennes

Indiana · 30.4 mi

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

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

City of Vincennes Four Lakes Park

Indiana · 30.6 mi

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

Grayville

Illinois · 33.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Hazleton

Indiana · 33.5 mi

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

Kraemer Memorial Park

Illinois · 34.6 mi

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

Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area - Merom

Indiana · 35.4 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 35.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by trees

Turtle Creek Reservoir

Indiana · 36.7 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 37.3 mi

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

Bluegill Marina

Illinois · 39.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 39.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Sara

Illinois · 40.9 mi

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

Lake Sara

Illinois · 41.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

New Harmony

Indiana · 42.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a goose in a body of water with it's head in the water

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 42.9 mi

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

Petersburg

Indiana · 45.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Carnahan

Indiana · 45.5 mi

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

Lincoln Trail Lake

Illinois · 46.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Olney.

Claremont, IL6 miDundas, IL7 miNoble, IL8 miCalhoun, IL8 miParkersburg, IL10 miWest Liberty, IL11 miBridgeport, IL12 miSainte Marie, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Olney include Turtle Creek Reservoir, Sam Dale Lake, Sam Dale 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 Olney?

Near Olney 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 Olney?

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