Best Places to Kayak Near Sims, IL

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

30 nearby26 Lakes2 Creeks1 River
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Sims

a small white boat in the water1

Rend Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Sam Dale Lake

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

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Sam Dale Lake

Just 11 miles from Sims — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 10.6 mi

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

Sam Dale Lake

Illinois · 10.9 mi

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

JC Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 19.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small waterfall in the middle of a lush green forest

Lake McLeansboro

Illinois · 21.4 mi

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

Dolan Lake

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 25.5 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 25.9 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 26.5 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 26.9 mi

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

Centralia Lake

Illinois · 27.7 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 28.0 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 28.2 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.1 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.2 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 29.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rend Lake

Illinois · 30.0 mi

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

Grayville

Illinois · 30.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 30.8 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 31.0 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 31.1 mi

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

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 32.2 mi

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

Raccoon Lake

Illinois · 32.3 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 32.4 mi

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

Rend Lake

Illinois · 32.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Sims.

Wayne City, IL5 miKeenes, IL7 miGeff, IL7 miFairfield, IL9 miJohnsonville, IL10 miCisne, IL11 miBarnhill, IL13 miBluford, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Sims include Rend Lake, Sam Dale Lake, Sam Dale Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, creeks, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Sims?

Near Sims 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 Sims?

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