Best Places to Kayak Near Smithboro, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes1 Reservoir1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Smithboro

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Silver Lake (Highland)

Standout kayak fishing on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a small white boat in the water2

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

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

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Coffeen Lake

Just 15 miles from Smithboro — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 5.5 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 8.1 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 9.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 10.1 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Boulder Access Marina

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 13.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

East Dam - 2

Illinois · 17.7 mi

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

East Dam - 1

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Ramsey Lake

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 23.2 mi

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

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 25.7 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 26.1 mi

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

Raccoon Lake

Illinois · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lou Yaeger Lake

Illinois · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Smithboro.

Greenville, IL4 miMulberry Grove, IL6 miKeyesport, IL9 miHagarstown, IL10 miPocahontas, IL12 miPierron, IL12 miVandalia, IL13 miShobonier, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Smithboro include Silver Lake (Highland), Mt. Olive Old City Lake, Coffeen Lake. 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 Smithboro?

Near Smithboro 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 Smithboro?

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