Best Places to Kayak Near Ridgway, IL

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

30 nearby16 Lakes13 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Ridgway

a beach with a body of water1

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Standout kayak fishing on Hovey Lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves2

Hovey Lake

A top-rated river launch on Ohio River

RiverBeginner18 mi away
A person in a kayak paddling down a river3

Mortons Lake

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

LakeBeginner22 mi away

Old Shawneetown Boat Ramp

Kentucky · 10.2 mi

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

Old Shawneetown

Illinois · 10.2 mi

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

Jones State Lake

Illinois · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Blackburn

Kentucky · 10.6 mi

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

Uniontown Dike

Kentucky · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a beach with a body of water

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

Indiana · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake - Carry Down

Indiana · 16.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake - Bebout Levee Carrydown Launch

Indiana · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Hovey Lake

Indiana · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hovey Lake Access Site

Kentucky · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Uniontown

Kentucky · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Harrisburg New City Reservoir

Illinois · 18.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a frozen lake surrounded by trees and snow

Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area - Dogtown Ferry

Indiana · 18.2 mi

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

Dolan Lake

Illinois · 19.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Front Slough

Kentucky · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Middle Slough

Kentucky · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Honey Cypress Ramp

Kentucky · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Grassy Pond

Kentucky · 20.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Brittle Bank Park Pond

Indiana · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Highland Creek Unit Pond

Kentucky · 21.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Caseyville

Kentucky · 21.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Sherburn Park Ramp

Indiana · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Sherburn Park

Kentucky · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mortons Lake

Kentucky · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Grangertown Landing

Kentucky · 22.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Old Providence Road Ramp

Kentucky · 22.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jenny Hole Ramp 4

Kentucky · 23.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jenny Hole Ramp 3

Kentucky · 23.3 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jenny Hole Pond 1

Kentucky · 23.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Ridgway.

Omaha, IL6 miEquality, IL7 miJunction, IL8 miShawneetown, IL8 miNew Haven, IL10 miEldorado, IL10 miNorris City, IL12 miEmma, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Ridgway include Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, Hovey Lake, Mortons 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 Ridgway?

Near Ridgway 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 Ridgway?

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