Best Places to Kayak Near Ridgway, IL

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

30 nearby17 Rivers11 Lakes1 Reservoir
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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 body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves3

New Harmony

A top-rated river launch on Wabash River

RiverBeginner28 mi away
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
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

Hovey Lake

Indiana · 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
a lake with trees and mountains in the background

Grassy Pond

Kentucky · 20.5 mi

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

Caseyville

Kentucky · 21.4 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
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 23.4 mi

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

Cave-In-Rock

Illinois · 23.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a black swan swimming in a large body of water

Old Lock & Dam #50

Kentucky · 25.1 mi

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

Lake McLeansboro

Illinois · 25.1 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person in a kayak paddling down a river

Mauzy Lake

Kentucky · 25.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Sloughs North Dock

Kentucky · 26.5 mi

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

Rosiclare

Illinois · 27.1 mi

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

Moffitt Lake

Kentucky · 27.3 mi

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

VFW Bridge

Kentucky · 28.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees with yellow leaves

New Harmony

Indiana · 28.4 mi

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

Carrsville

Kentucky · 28.7 mi

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

West Frankfort New City Lake

Illinois · 29.7 mi

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

West Frankfort Old City Lake

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Christopher Old City Lake

Illinois · 30.7 mi

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

Givens Creek

Kentucky · 31.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

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, New Harmony. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, 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.