Best Places to Kayak Near Waterloo, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes11 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Waterloo

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner16 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Simpson Park Lake (West)

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

LakeBeginner24 mi away
brown wooden dock over body of water3

Simpson Park Lake (East)

A top-rated lake launch on Simpson Park Lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Flamm City Access

Missouri · 12.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Truman Access

Missouri · 14.3 mi

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

Baldwin Lake

Illinois · 16.0 mi

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

Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1

Illinois · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.6 mi

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

Eagle Lake

Illinois · 16.8 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 19.4 mi

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

Fayetteville Public Boat Ramp

Illinois · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 23.7 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - Derby Lake

Illinois · 23.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 23.9 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 24.0 mi

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

World Shooting Complex - East Lake

Illinois · 25.3 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 25.4 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 26.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Route 66 State Park Access

Missouri · 27.1 mi

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

Sparta Reservoir (North)

Illinois · 28.3 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a dock sitting on top of a lake next to a forest

Sparta Reservoir (South)

Illinois · 28.7 mi

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

Allenton Access

Missouri · 29.7 mi

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

Randolph County Lake

Illinois · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Brown's Ford Access

Missouri · 31.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Mammoth Access

Missouri · 31.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bear standing on top of a rock in the water

Washington State Park Access

Missouri · 32.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Merrill Horse Access

Missouri · 32.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 32.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Pacific Palisades Conservation Area

Missouri · 32.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

St. Mary Access

Missouri · 32.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 32.6 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 32.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 33.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Waterloo.

Maeystown, IL6 miColumbia, IL8 miValmeyer, IL9 miMillstadt, IL9 miHecker, IL9 miFults, IL10 miRenault, IL11 miSmithton, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Waterloo include Peabody River King Wildlife Area boat ramp 1, Simpson Park Lake (West), Simpson Park Lake (East). 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 Waterloo?

Near Waterloo 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 Waterloo?

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