Best Places to Kayak Near Wilmington, IL

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

30 nearby17 Lakes12 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Wilmington

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Whalon Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner29 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background2

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

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

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Just 10 miles from Wilmington — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 6.2 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 8.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 8.4 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 9.2 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 9.3 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 9.6 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 9.7 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 9.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 9.9 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 10.0 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 11.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 11.7 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 15.6 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

West Front Street

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Aroma Park

Illinois · 22.9 mi

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

LST Memorial

Illinois · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 25.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 26.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 27.2 mi

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

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 27.3 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 27.8 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 28.8 mi

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

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 29.5 mi

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

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 29.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Wilmington.

Braidwood, IL5 miCoal City, IL8 miBraceville, IL9 miElwood, IL9 miEssex, IL9 miBonfield, IL10 miChannahon, IL10 miSouth Wilmington, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Wilmington include Whalon Lake, Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake, Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake. 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 Wilmington?

Near Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

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