Best Places to Kayak Near Petersburg, IL

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

30 nearby25 Lakes3 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Petersburg

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Spring Lake (North)

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner34 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Sangchris

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

LakeBeginner35 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Little Sister Lake

A top-rated lake launch on Little Sister Creek - Little Sister Lake

LakeBeginner33 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Prairie Lake

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Drake Lake

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

Gridley Lake

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

Ashland New Reservoir

Illinois · 14.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Virginia City Reservoir

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 21.9 mi

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

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Anderson Lake

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 23.8 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.0 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Lake Springfield

Illinois · 25.0 mi

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

Emiquon Preserve

Illinois · 26.6 mi

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

Liverpool Barge Port

Illinois · 27.4 mi

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

Browning Community Park

Illinois · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Jacksonville

Illinois · 29.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Lake (South)

Illinois · 30.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Schmoldt Park

Illinois · 30.6 mi

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

Spring Lake (North)

Illinois · 31.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rice Lake

Illinois · 32.6 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 33.0 mi

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

Little Sister Lake

Illinois · 33.1 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 33.5 mi

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

Spring Lake (North)

Illinois · 34.3 mi

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

Shovel Lake-Banner Marsh

Illinois · 34.5 mi

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

Lake Sangchris

Illinois · 34.7 mi

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

Banner Marsh

Illinois · 36.3 mi

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

Powerton Lake

Illinois · 37.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Petersburg.

Lincolns New Salem, IL2 miTallula, IL5 miAthens, IL7 miOakford, IL8 miGreenview, IL9 miPleasant Plains, IL11 miCantrall, IL12 miAshland, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Petersburg include Spring Lake (North), Lake Sangchris, Little Sister 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 Petersburg?

Near Petersburg 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 Petersburg?

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