Best Places to Kayak Near Saint Elmo, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Reservoirs1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Saint Elmo

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Nellie

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner1 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Coffeen Lake

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

LakeBeginner30 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Lake Shelbyville

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Lake Nellie

Illinois · 1.2 mi

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

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Lake Sara

Illinois · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Sara

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Bluegill Marina

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 15.6 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Ramsey Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a goose in a body of water with it's head in the water

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 21.6 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Pana - South

Illinois · 24.9 mi

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

Lake Pana - North

Illinois · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 26.6 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 27.0 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 27.3 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 28.0 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 28.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 28.9 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 29.7 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 29.8 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 29.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 30.2 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 30.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 30.5 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 30.9 mi

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

Newton Lake

Illinois · 30.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

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

Brownstown, IL6 miAltamont, IL6 miLoogootee, IL9 miBeecher City, IL11 miSaint Peter, IL11 miMode, IL11 miEdgewood, IL13 miMason, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Saint Elmo, IL?

Top picks near Saint Elmo include Lake Nellie, Coffeen Lake, Lake Shelbyville. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Saint Elmo?

Near Saint Elmo 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 Elmo?

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