Best Places to Kayak Near Paris, IL

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

30 nearby22 Lakes6 Rivers1 Estuary
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Paris

people in the sea during daytime1

J.I. Case Marsh

Standout kayak fishing on the estuary

EstuaryBeginner22 mi away
body of water2

Green Valley Public Fishing Area

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

LakeBeginner12 mi away
body of water3

Raccoon State Recreation Area

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner34 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Twin Lakes - West

Illinois · 1.6 mi

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

Twin Lakes - Central

Illinois · 1.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Twin Lakes - East

Illinois · 2.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Green Valley Public Fishing Area

Indiana · 12.4 mi

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

Mill Creek Lake

Illinois · 12.9 mi

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

Robert Hunter Kearns

Indiana · 15.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river with trees in the background

Clinton

Indiana · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with trees

Fairbanks Park

Indiana · 18.4 mi

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

Lincoln Trail Lake

Illinois · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Walnut Point Lake

Illinois · 19.0 mi

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

Walnut Point Lake

Illinois · 19.1 mi

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

Lincoln Trail Lake

Illinois · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a river surrounded by trees

Montezuma

Indiana · 21.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Hawthorn Park

Indiana · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people in the sea during daytime

J.I. Case Marsh

Indiana · 22.0 mi

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Charleston Spillway Park

Illinois · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Charleston Side Channel

Illinois · 26.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water under blue sky during daytime

Mansfield Ramp

Indiana · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water

Raccoon State Recreation Area

Indiana · 34.0 mi

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

Homer Lake

Illinois · 34.6 mi

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

Kraemer Memorial Park

Illinois · 34.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Homer Lake

Illinois · 34.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Walker Ramp

Indiana · 35.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a few birds

Hollandsburg

Indiana · 35.3 mi

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

Long Lake - Kickapoo

Illinois · 35.6 mi

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

Bar Lake

Illinois · 36.1 mi

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

unnamed lake

Illinois · 36.2 mi

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

Kickapoo Park

Illinois · 36.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Kickapoo

Illinois · 36.6 mi

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

Beaver Lake

Illinois · 36.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Paris.

Vermilion, IL6 miRedmon, IL9 miBlanford, IN10 miSaint Bernice, IN11 miNew Goshen, IN13 miDennison, IL13 miChrisman, IL13 miUniversal, IN13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Paris include J.I. Case Marsh, Green Valley Public Fishing Area, Raccoon State Recreation Area. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, estuarys.

What types of paddling can I do near Paris?

Near Paris 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 Paris?

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