Best Places to Kayak Near Smithton, IL

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

30 nearby20 Lakes8 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Smithton

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Silver Lake (Highland)

Standout kayak fishing on Silver Lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Simpson Park Lake (West)

A top-rated lake launch on Simpson Park Lake

LakeBeginner28 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Eagle Lake

Illinois · 10.1 mi

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

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Illinois · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 10.3 mi

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

Fayetteville Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 11.2 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 13.7 mi

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

Baldwin Lake

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 18.5 mi

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

Flamm City Access

Missouri · 19.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 20.4 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - Derby Lake

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - East Lake

Illinois · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Truman Access

Missouri · 24.8 mi

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

Sparta Reservoir (North)

Illinois · 26.0 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Sparta Reservoir (South)

Illinois · 27.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 27.4 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 27.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 28.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 28.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 28.5 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 29.3 mi

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

Randolph County Lake

Illinois · 32.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Route 66 State Park Access

Missouri · 33.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 33.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 33.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 33.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 33.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 33.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 34.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Smithton.

Freeburg, IL4 miMillstadt, IL6 miBelleville, IL6 miNew Athens, IL10 miHecker, IL10 miWaterloo, IL11 miScott Air Force Base, IL11 miColumbia, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Smithton include Silver Lake (Highland), Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1, Simpson Park Lake (West). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Smithton?

Near Smithton 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 Smithton?

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