Best Places to Kayak Near Ozark, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Rivers1 Bay
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ozark

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner6 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mermet State Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 5.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 6.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 7.3 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 9.7 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 9.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Golconda Marina

Illinois · 19.5 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Givens Creek

Kentucky · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 20.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 21.0 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 21.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 21.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

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

Little Grassy Lake

Illinois · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ozark.

New Burnside, IL3 miSimpson, IL5 miStonefort, IL7 miCreal Springs, IL9 miEddyville, IL10 miGrantsburg, IL10 miVienna, IL10 miGoreville, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ozark include Bay Creek Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Ozark?

Near Ozark 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 Ozark?

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