Best Places to Kayak Near West Alton, MO

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

30 nearby17 Lakes13 Rivers
← All paddling in Missouri

Top Picks Near West Alton

a small white boat in the water1

Bunker Hill Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner19 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

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Just 14 miles from West Alton — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 2.1 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 2.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 3.5 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 5.0 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 5.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 5.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 5.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 7.9 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 7.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 13.9 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 14.0 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 16.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 17.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Stump Lake

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 20.4 mi

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

The Glades

Illinois · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Hadley Landing

Illinois · 22.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Cuivre Island Conservation Area

Missouri · 23.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 25.2 mi

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

Simpson Park Lake (West)

Missouri · 25.3 mi

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

Meramec Landing (Valley Park)

Missouri · 26.3 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 27.1 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 27.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 27.4 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of West Alton.

Alton, IL5 miGodfrey, IL5 miPortage Des Sioux, MO7 miFlorissant, MO7 miElsah, IL8 miWood River, IL8 miEast Alton, IL8 miRoxana, IL9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near West Alton, MO?

Top picks near West Alton include Bunker Hill Lake, Simpson Park Lake (West), Horseshoe Lake - Madison. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near West Alton?

Near West Alton 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 West Alton?

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