Best Places to Kayak Near Vandalia, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Reservoirs1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Vandalia

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Nellie

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Coffeen Lake

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

LakeBeginner19 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

East Dam - 1

A top-rated lake launch on Kaskaskia River - Carlyle Lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 13.6 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Ramsey Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Lake Nellie

Illinois · 15.3 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 17.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 18.3 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 18.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Boulder Access Marina

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 19.3 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 21.7 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water with a boat in the distance

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 21.8 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 22.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 23.3 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 23.7 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 24.3 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 25.0 mi

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

East Dam - 2

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

East Dam - 1

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Lake Hillsboro

Illinois · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 25.9 mi

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

Glenn Shoals Lake

Illinois · 26.3 mi

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

Centralia Lake

Illinois · 27.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Vandalia.

Hagarstown, IL3 miShobonier, IL7 miMulberry Grove, IL8 miBrownstown, IL9 miRamsey, IL9 miVernon, IL10 miSmithboro, IL13 miPatoka, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Vandalia include Lake Nellie, Coffeen Lake, East Dam - 1. 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 Vandalia?

Near Vandalia 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 Vandalia?

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