Best Places to Kayak Near Paw Paw, IL

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

30 nearby16 Rivers14 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Paw Paw

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Shabbona Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Byron Boat Ramp

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

LakeBeginner34 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Shabbona Lake

Just 7 miles from Paw Paw — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner7 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 6.9 mi

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

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 7.1 mi

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

Lake Kakusha

Illinois · 12.2 mi

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

Lake Mendota

Illinois · 12.2 mi

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

Lake Sule

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sliver Springs boat ramp

Illinois · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Silver Springs State Fish & Wildlife Area

Illinois · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Route 6

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Fox River Park

Illinois · 24.2 mi

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

Allen Park

Illinois · 24.6 mi

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

Starved Rock State Park

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Starved Rock Marina

Illinois · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Heritage Harbor Marina

Illinois · 25.6 mi

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

Unnamed

Illinois · 25.9 mi

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

Grunwald Lake

Illinois · 27.1 mi

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

Barto Boat Ramp

Illinois · 28.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Castle Rock State Park Boat Ramp

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Jericho Lake

Illinois · 30.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 31.9 mi

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

LST Memorial

Illinois · 32.5 mi

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

Byron Boat Ramp

Illinois · 33.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Illinois Avenue Island Park

Illinois · 34.5 mi

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

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 34.7 mi

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

Oppold Marina

Illinois · 35.0 mi

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

South Front Street

Illinois · 35.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Laurelwood Park

Illinois · 36.0 mi

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · 36.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Paw Paw.

Compton, IL6 miLee, IL7 miShabbona, IL7 miEarlville, IL7 miWaterman, IL11 miLeland, IL11 miSteward, IL11 miWest Brooklyn, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Paw Paw include Shabbona Lake, Byron Boat Ramp, 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 Paw Paw?

Near Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw?

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