Best Places to Kayak Near Sullivan, IL

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

30 nearby28 Lakes1 River1 Canal
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Sullivan

Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline1

Charleston Side Channel

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

CanalBeginner26 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Lake Decatur

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Lake Shelbyville

Just 15 miles from Sullivan — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 2.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Illinois · 3.1 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 3.2 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 3.8 mi

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

Sullivan Marina

Illinois · 3.9 mi

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

Wood Lake

Illinois · 4.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 6.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 6.7 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 6.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

marina

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 10.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 14.1 mi

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

Lake Paradise

Illinois · 15.1 mi

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

Lake Shelbyville

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Lake Mattoon

Illinois · 17.8 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 21.9 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 23.0 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 23.7 mi

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

Lake Decatur

Illinois · 23.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Charleston Side Channel

Illinois · 26.1 mi

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

Lake Charleston Spillway Park

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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

Lake Pana - North

Illinois · 27.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Pana - South

Illinois · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Walnut Point Lake

Illinois · 31.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Sullivan.

Bethany, IL9 miLovington, IL9 miGays, IL9 miFindlay, IL10 miArthur, IL11 miWindsor, IL11 miDalton City, IL13 miHammond, IL14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Sullivan include Charleston Side Channel, Lake Decatur, Lake Shelbyville. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Sullivan?

Near Sullivan 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 Sullivan?

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