Best Places to Kayak Near Vernon Hills, IL

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

30 nearby25 Lakes5 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Vernon Hills

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Murphy Street

Standout kayak fishing on Bangs Lake

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Park Street

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Lakefront Park

Just 11 miles from Vernon Hills — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 2.2 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 5.6 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 7.4 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 8.0 mi

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

Sunset Beach Park

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Marina Street

Illinois · 8.3 mi

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

Pebble Beach Park

Illinois · 8.4 mi

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

Madison Avenue

Illinois · 8.6 mi

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

Murphy Street

Illinois · 8.9 mi

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

Park Street

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Cook Memorial Park boat ramp

Illinois · 9.0 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 9.8 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 9.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Fox River Forest Preserve

Illinois · 10.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Port Barrington Forest Preserve

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Lakefront Park

Illinois · 11.2 mi

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

Welch Circle

Illinois · 11.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Center Street

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 12.9 mi

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

Fox 14 Marina Fox River

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 13.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Long Lake boat launch

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Swanys On Long Lake Marina

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Nish Road

Illinois · 13.5 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 14.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.3 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Vernon Hills.

Mundelein, IL3 miLong Grove, IL4 miLibertyville, IL4 miLincolnshire, IL4 miBuffalo Grove, IL5 miLake Zurich, IL6 miLake Forest, IL6 miWheeling, IL7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Vernon Hills, IL?

Top picks near Vernon Hills include Murphy Street, Park Street, Lakefront Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Vernon Hills?

Near Vernon Hills 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 Vernon Hills?

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