Best Places to Kayak Near Vernon, IL

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

30 nearby27 Lakes2 Reservoirs1 Creek
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Vernon

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Lake Nellie

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 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

LakeBeginner26 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

LakeBeginner18 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 9.6 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 10.8 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Boulder Access Marina

Illinois · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Kinmundy Reservoir

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Salem Reservoir

Illinois · 13.4 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 14.3 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Vandalia Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 17.2 mi

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

Centralia Lake

Illinois · 17.4 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

East Dam - 1

Illinois · 18.0 mi

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

East Dam - 2

Illinois · 18.0 mi

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

Raccoon Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Forbes Lake

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

Governor Bond Lake

Illinois · 19.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Carlyle Lake

Illinois · 19.2 mi

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

Lake Nellie

Illinois · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Ramsey Lake

Illinois · 24.9 mi

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

Altamont Reservoir

Illinois · 25.4 mi

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

Coffeen Lake

Illinois · 26.4 mi

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

JC Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Vernon.

Shobonier, IL3 miPatoka, IL3 miVandalia, IL10 miAlma, IL11 miHagarstown, IL11 miMulberry Grove, IL12 miKeyesport, IL13 miSaint Peter, IL13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Vernon 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 Vernon?

Near Vernon 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?

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