Best Places to Kayak Near Saint Charles, MO

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

30 nearby18 Rivers12 Lakes
← All paddling in Missouri

Top Picks Near Saint Charles

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Standout kayak fishing on Simpson Park Lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
brown wooden dock over body of water2

Simpson Park Lake (East)

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

LakeBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

A top-rated lake launch on Horseshoe Lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 1.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 5.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 6.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Cuivre Island Conservation Area

Missouri · 11.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 12.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 13.3 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Stump Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Missouri · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 16.6 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 16.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 17.0 mi

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

The Glades

Illinois · 17.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Hadley Landing

Illinois · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 17.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 17.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.8 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 20.2 mi

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

Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge

Illinois · 20.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Route 66 State Park Access

Missouri · 21.2 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 23.2 mi

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

Allenton Access

Missouri · 24.1 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Pacific Palisades Conservation Area

Missouri · 25.1 mi

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

Upper Mississippi Conservation Area

Missouri · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Saint Charles.

Earth City, MO4 miBridgeton, MO6 miMaryland Heights, MO6 miSaint Peters, MO6 miGolden Eagle, IL7 miHazelwood, MO8 miSaint Ann, MO8 miCottleville, MO9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Saint Charles, MO?

Top picks near Saint Charles include Simpson Park Lake (West), Simpson Park Lake (East), Horseshoe Lake - Madison. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Saint Charles?

Near Saint Charles 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 Saint Charles?

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