Best Places to Kayak Near River Forest, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes2 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near River Forest

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner5 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

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

LakeBeginner5 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Just 10 miles from River Forest — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 1.0 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 4.6 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 5.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 7.8 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 11.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 11.6 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 12.6 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 12.7 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 12.7 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 14.5 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 14.9 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 15.8 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.2 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 17.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Silver Lake

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Calumet Park

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

a marina

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 20.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of River Forest.

Oak Park, IL1 miForest Park, IL1 miElmwood Park, IL2 miMaywood, IL2 miMelrose Park, IL2 miHines, IL2 miRiver Grove, IL3 miBroadview, IL3 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near River Forest, IL?

Top picks near River Forest include Irving Park Road Canoe Landing, Plank Road Meadow boat launch, Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near River Forest?

Near River Forest 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 River Forest?

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