Best Places to Kayak Near Simpson, IL

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

30 nearby21 Lakes8 Rivers1 Bay
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Simpson

a small white boat in the water1

Bay Creek Lake

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

BayBeginner4 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Mermet State Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mermet State Lake

Just 15 miles from Simpson — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Bay Creek Lake

Illinois · 4.3 mi

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

Dutchman Lake

Illinois · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 11.5 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 11.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 12.4 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Northshore Drive

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 13.9 mi

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

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake of Egypt

Illinois · 14.5 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 14.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mermet State Lake

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Golconda Marina

Illinois · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Golconda Marina Ramp

Kentucky · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red kayak sitting on top of a lake next to a fallen tree

Givens Creek

Kentucky · 17.3 mi

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

Herrin Lake #2

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Sahara Lake

Illinois · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Joppa

Illinois · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view from a kayak of a river with trees in the background

Odgen Landing

Kentucky · 19.6 mi

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

Grand Chain

Illinois · 19.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Davidson Memorial Boat Ramp

Kentucky · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Bay City - Russell C. Davidson Memorial

Illinois · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

West KY WMA Ramp

Kentucky · 20.5 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 20.8 mi

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

Devils Kitchen Lake

Illinois · 21.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Metropolis Lake Ramp

Kentucky · 21.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Simpson.

Grantsburg, IL5 miOzark, IL5 miVienna, IL7 miNew Burnside, IL8 miEddyville, IL10 miStonefort, IL12 miBuncombe, IL12 miCreal Springs, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Simpson, IL?

Top picks near Simpson include Bay Creek Lake, Mermet State Lake, Mermet State Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Simpson?

Near Simpson 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 Simpson?

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