Best Places to Kayak Near Rock Island, IL

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

30 nearby18 Rivers8 Lakes4 Canals
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Rock Island

a person in a green kayak in a body of water1

Isaak Walton League

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

CanalBeginner21 mi away
a body of water with trees around it2

Hennepin Canal

Just 9 miles from Rock Island — the closest quality launch

CanalBeginner9 mi away
a couple of people in a boat on a river3

Hennepin Canal

A top-rated canal launch on the canal

CanalBeginner22 mi away
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Sunset Park Boat Ramp

Illinois · 2.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Marquette St

Iowa · 2.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Bettendorf

Iowa · 3.3 mi

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

Rock River Lunch Park

Illinois · 5.4 mi

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

Ben Butterworth Boat Ramp

Illinois · 5.7 mi

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

Empire Park

Illinois · 8.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 9.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Buffalo Shores Access

Iowa · 9.6 mi

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

LeClaire Base Ramp

Iowa · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Fisherman's Corner

Illinois · 10.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Clark's Ferry Recreation Area

Iowa · 12.9 mi

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

Cleveland boat ramp

Illinois · 13.0 mi

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

Schuler's Shady Grove

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Port Byron Boat Ramp

Illinois · 14.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake George

Illinois · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Shady Creek Public Access

Iowa · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Princeton Public Boat Ramp

Iowa · 17.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees and grass around it

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 17.7 mi

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

Princeton Wildlife Area

Iowa · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Cordova Public Access

Illinois · 18.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Allen's Grove (SE)

Iowa · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat in the middle of a body of water

Princeton Wildlife Area - USACOE

Iowa · 18.8 mi

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

Wapsi Wildlife Area

Iowa · 19.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Fairport Public Access Area

Iowa · 19.2 mi

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

Wapsi Wildlife Area

Iowa · 19.2 mi

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

Princeton Wildlife Area

Iowa · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

McCausland Access

Iowa · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Isaak Walton League

Illinois · 21.3 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Rock Creek Park

Iowa · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a boat on a river

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 22.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Rock Island.

Davenport, IA2 miMoline, IL3 miMilan, IL5 miBettendorf, IA6 miCoal Valley, IL6 miEast Moline, IL7 miSilvis, IL8 miBuffalo, IA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Rock Island, IL?

Top picks near Rock Island include Isaak Walton League, Hennepin Canal, Hennepin Canal. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Rock Island?

Near Rock Island 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 Rock Island?

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