Best Places to Kayak Near Saint Louis, MO
30 public launch points within 50 miles of Saint Louis, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.
Top Picks Near Saint Louis
1Simpson Park Lake (West)
Standout kayak fishing on Simpson Park Lake
2Simpson Park Lake (East)
Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding
3Horseshoe Lake - Madison
Just 13 miles from Saint Louis — the closest quality launch
Simpson Park Lake (East)
Missouri · 9.7 mi
Creve Coeur Park Lake #3
Missouri · 9.7 mi
Creve Coeur Park Lake #2
Missouri · 9.7 mi
Simpson Park Lake (West)
Missouri · 9.9 mi
Creve Coeur Park Lake #1
Missouri · 10.4 mi
Meramec Landing (Valley Park)
Missouri · 10.9 mi
Frank Holten Main Lake
Illinois · 12.4 mi
Spanish Lake
Missouri · 12.4 mi
Sunfish Lake
Missouri · 12.9 mi
Blanchette Landing Access
Missouri · 13.2 mi
Horseshoe Lake - Madison
Illinois · 13.2 mi
Horseshoe Lake - Madison
Illinois · 14.0 mi
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Missouri · 14.9 mi
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Missouri · 15.2 mi
Pelican Island Access
Missouri · 15.3 mi
Flamm City Access
Missouri · 15.6 mi
Route 66 State Park Access
Missouri · 17.4 mi
Lincoln Shields Recreation Area
Missouri · 18.0 mi
Mississippi River Boat Ramp
Illinois · 18.6 mi
Hide-A-Way Harbor
Missouri · 20.4 mi
Hide-A-Way Harbor
Missouri · 20.4 mi
Boat ramp
Illinois · 20.5 mi
Allenton Access
Missouri · 21.6 mi
Weldon Spring Conservation Area
Missouri · 22.2 mi
Pacific Palisades Conservation Area
Missouri · 24.0 mi
Marquette State Park
Illinois · 25.8 mi
Cuivre Island Conservation Area
Missouri · 26.4 mi
Catawissa Conservation Area
Missouri · 27.6 mi
Stump Lake
Illinois · 29.0 mi
The Glades
Illinois · 31.1 mi
Paddling Near Other Cities
Widen your search to towns within an hour of Saint Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to kayak near Saint Louis, MO?
Top picks near Saint Louis 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 Louis?
Near Saint Louis 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 Louis?
Yes! Most public boat ramps near Saint Louis are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.