Best Places to Kayak Near Wood River, IL

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

30 nearby19 Lakes11 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Wood River

a small white boat in the water1

Bunker Hill Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Silver Lake (Highland)

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

LakeBeginner22 mi away
a small white boat in the water3

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Mississippi River Boat Ramp

Illinois · 4.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 4.9 mi

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

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Missouri · 5.3 mi

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

Lincoln Shields Recreation Area

Missouri · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Sunfish Lake

Missouri · 7.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Spanish Lake

Missouri · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees around it

Pelican Island Access

Missouri · 9.9 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 10.8 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 11.8 mi

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

Horseshoe Lake - Madison

Illinois · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Bunker Hill Lake

Illinois · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 15.6 mi

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

Hide-A-Way Harbor

Missouri · 15.6 mi

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

Frank Holten Main Lake

Illinois · 18.2 mi

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

Staunton City Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Blanchette Landing Access

Missouri · 21.4 mi

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

Silver Lake (Highland)

Illinois · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Gillespie New City Lake

Illinois · 22.9 mi

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

Gillespie Old City Lake

Illinois · 22.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Creve Coeur Park Lake #2

Missouri · 23.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
blue sea under blue sky during daytime

Creve Coeur Park Lake #3

Missouri · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with land in the distance

Creve Coeur Park Lake #1

Missouri · 23.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mt. Olive Old City Lake

Illinois · 23.9 mi

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

Mt. Olive New City Lake

Illinois · 24.1 mi

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

Beaver Dam Lake

Illinois · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Marquette State Park

Illinois · 25.7 mi

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

Stump Lake

Illinois · 27.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Carlinville #1

Illinois · 29.1 mi

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

The Glades

Illinois · 29.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock over body of water

Simpson Park Lake (East)

Missouri · 29.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Wood River.

East Alton, IL1 miRoxana, IL1 miHartford, IL2 miSouth Roxana, IL3 miCottage Hills, IL3 miBethalto, IL4 miAlton, IL5 miEdwardsville, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Wood River, IL?

Top picks near Wood River include Bunker Hill Lake, Silver Lake (Highland), Mt. Olive Old City Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Wood River?

Near Wood River 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 Wood River?

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