Best Places to Kayak Near Perks, IL

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

30 nearby24 Lakes5 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Perks

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mermet State Lake

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

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Mermet State Lake

Just 13 miles from Perks — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner13 mi away
a man walking along a pier next to the ocean

Dongola City Reservoir

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Shelby Lake

Kentucky · 9.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Big Turner Lake 1

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Little Turner Lake

Kentucky · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and white mountains beside body of water under blue sky during daytime

Goose Pond

Kentucky · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of young boys paddling canoes on a lake

Big Turner Lake - 3

Kentucky · 9.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Olmstead boat ramp

Illinois · 9.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak on a lake with trees and a sunset

Big Turner Lake - 2

Kentucky · 10.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard Slough

Kentucky · 10.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Butler Lake

Kentucky · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 1

Kentucky · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake

Kentucky · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Castor Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 10.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 2

Kentucky · 10.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Mitchell Lake 3

Kentucky · 11.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Humphrey Creek Ramp

Kentucky · 11.9 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 12.8 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Ballard WMA Pond

Kentucky · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Mound City

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 17.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling on a lake

Fish Lake

Kentucky · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Flat Lake

Kentucky · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Buck Lake

Kentucky · 18.8 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Alexander

Illinois · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Perks.

Dongola, IL5 miCypress, IL5 miGrand Chain, IL6 miBoles, IL6 miKarnak, IL6 miUllin, IL7 miBelknap, IL7 miOlmsted, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Perks include Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State 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 Perks?

Near Perks 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 Perks?

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