Best Places to Kayak Near Skokie, IL

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

30 nearby30 Lakes
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Top Picks Near Skokie

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

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

LakeBeginner8 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Just 8 miles from Skokie — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner8 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 3.2 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 5.5 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 5.8 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 13.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 15.5 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 20.2 mi

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

a marina

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 22.0 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 22.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 22.5 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 22.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Illinois · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Calumet Park

Illinois · 24.2 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 25.1 mi

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

Sunset Beach Park

Illinois · 25.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Skokie.

Lincolnwood, IL2 miEvanston, IL2 miWilmette, IL3 miMorton Grove, IL3 miGolf, IL3 miKenilworth, IL4 miNiles, IL4 miWinnetka, IL5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Skokie include Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp, Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing, Irving Park Road Canoe Landing. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Skokie?

Near Skokie 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 Skokie?

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