Best Places to Kayak Near Pittsburg, IL

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

30 nearby30 Lakes
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Pittsburg

a small white boat in the water1

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner9 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Lake of Egypt

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Christopher Old City Lake

Just 8 miles from Pittsburg — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner8 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 8.8 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 9.3 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 11.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 12.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 12.7 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Highway 13 - West

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 15.0 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Pittsburg.

Johnston City, IL4 miMarion, IL5 miFrankfort Heights, IL8 miHerrin, IL8 miWest Frankfort, IL9 miEnergy, IL9 miThompsonville, IL9 miFreeman Spur, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Pittsburg include Herrin Lake #1, Lake of Egypt, Christopher Old City Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Pittsburg?

Near Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg?

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