Updated August 2026
Best Kayaking Lakes in Illinois
Top 11 kayaking lakes in Illinois, ranked by Secchi clarity (clearer water makes for better paddling — you can see fish, plants, and the bottom).
- Low nutrient and algae readings
- No known access restrictions
- 50–2,000 acres
Kayaking-friendly rankings prefer lakes with low motor-boat congestion, interesting shoreline, decent water clarity, and public access. Baumann Park Lake tops the Illinois list.
Kayaking favors lakes with shoreline interest — bays, islands, undeveloped stretches — which tends to correlate with the larger, more remote Illinois lakes rather than the small, residential ones.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Clarity | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baumann Park Lake | Winnebago | IL | 10.2 ft | - | ~16 ft est. |
| 2 | Powderhorn Lake | Cook | IL | 10.1 ft | - | ~43 ft est. |
| 3 | Catherine Lake | Lake | IL | 7.4 ft | - | - |
| 4 | Grays Lake | Lake | IL | 3.5 ft | - | ~48 ft est. |
| 5 | Cedar Lake | Lake | IL | - | - | ~41 ft est. |
| 6 | Deep Lake | Lake | IL | - | - | ~38 ft est. |
| 7 | Channel Lake | Lake | IL | 8 ft | - | - |
| 8 | Round Lake | Lake | IL | 7.4 ft | 242 acres | ~32 ft est. |
| 9 | Shabbona Lake | DeKalb | IL | 4.9 ft | - | ~49 ft est. |
| 10 | Zurich Lake | Lake | IL | - | - | ~49 ft est. |
| 11 | West Loon Lake | Lake | IL | - | - | - |
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New clarity and algae readings can move a lake on this list. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where to stay near Illinois kayaking lakes
Find cabins, campgrounds, and rentals near Illinois's clearest paddling water — live availability and prices for your kayak trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Illinois paddling lakes
Prices for Sep 25–27, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.