Best Places to Kayak Near Ottawa, IL

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

30 nearby16 Rivers14 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ottawa

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Shabbona Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Mendota

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

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Shabbona Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Fox River Park

Illinois · 0.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Route 6

Illinois · 0.8 mi

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

Allen Park

Illinois · 0.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Heritage Harbor Marina

Illinois · 3.0 mi

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

Starved Rock Marina

Illinois · 5.8 mi

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

Unnamed

Illinois · 5.9 mi

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

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 7.8 mi

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

Starved Rock State Park

Illinois · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

LST Memorial

Illinois · 12.8 mi

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

Barto Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.8 mi

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

Lake Mendota

Illinois · 20.7 mi

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

Lake Kakusha

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 21.8 mi

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

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sliver Springs boat ramp

Illinois · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 26.8 mi

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

Hennepin Hopper

Illinois · 26.9 mi

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

South Front Street

Illinois · 27.2 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 27.2 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 27.5 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 27.7 mi

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

Henry Harbor Marina

Illinois · 31.3 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 31.4 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 31.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 31.9 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 32.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ottawa.

Wedron, IL7 miMarseilles, IL8 miGrand Ridge, IL8 miUtica, IL8 miSerena, IL11 miOglesby, IL12 miSeneca, IL12 miLa Salle, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What types of paddling can I do near Ottawa?

Near Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

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