Best Places to Kayak Near Thornton, IL

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

30 nearby23 Lakes6 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Thornton

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

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

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Beaubien Woods - 2

Illinois · 5.4 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 5.4 mi

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

Sunset Bay Marina

Illinois · 5.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 6.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Powderhorn Lake

Illinois · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 7.7 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Wilhala Beach Co. Pk.

Indiana · 9.8 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 10.0 mi

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

Lake Michigan Fishing Pier (Hammond)

Indiana · 10.0 mi

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

Pastrick Marina

Indiana · 10.5 mi

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

Calumet Park

Illinois · 11.1 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 12.5 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 14.4 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 14.8 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Fancher Lake

Indiana · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 18.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Ameriplex Woods

Indiana · 23.3 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 24.7 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 26.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 28.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Thornton.

Glenwood, IL2 miSouth Holland, IL2 miHomewood, IL3 miLansing, IL3 miDolton, IL4 miHarvey, IL4 miHazel Crest, IL4 miCalumet City, IL4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Thornton include Columbia woods canoe landing, Plank Road Meadow boat launch, Maywood Grove Canoe Landing. 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 Thornton?

Near Thornton 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 Thornton?

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