Best Places to Kayak Near Raleigh, IL

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

30 nearby24 Lakes3 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Raleigh

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner25 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Herrin Lake #1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Lake of Egypt

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Harrisburg New City Reservoir

Illinois · 3.5 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Jones State Lake

Illinois · 12.3 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Dolan Lake

Illinois · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small waterfall in the middle of a lush green forest

Lake McLeansboro

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

Old Shawneetown

Illinois · 23.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Blackburn

Kentucky · 24.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 25.1 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 26.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 26.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 26.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 26.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 26.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 27.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Herrin Lake #1

Illinois · 27.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 27.6 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 27.6 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 27.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 27.8 mi

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

Crab Orchard Lake

Illinois · 27.9 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 27.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 28.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 28.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a kayak in the water with a fallen tree in the background

Uniontown Dike

Kentucky · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Raleigh.

Muddy, IL4 miEldorado, IL5 miGalatia, IL5 miHarrisburg, IL7 miBroughton, IL10 miCarrier Mills, IL11 miDale, IL12 miEquality, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Raleigh include Bay Creek Lake, Herrin Lake #1, Lake of Egypt. 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 Raleigh?

Near Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

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