A kayak rental kiosk in Champaign County is a welcome addition to our outdoor recreation options
The Champaign County Forest Preserves have added a self-service kayak rental kiosk to Homer Lake, making it easy to get on the water
The idea of kayaking on a picturesque lake in Champaign County is an appealing one. But given the logistics of purchasing a kayak, transporting a kayak and making sure everyone has everything they need to safely be on the water, you may let the idea fade before it even begins.
Enter a kayak rental kiosk at Champaign County Forest Preserves’ Homer Lake. Aside from packing child-size life jackets for kids in your party, this is your perfect solution to an hour or two of fun on the water.
This is a self-service kayak kiosk, so if you would like to streamline your experience, you will want to download the app before you head out to the lake. Not to mention cellphone service can be a bit spotty around Homer, so you don’t want to be stuck without an app upon arrival. (Charge your phone, too, and keep it charged while on the water so you can return the kayak.)
Here are the instructions you need to know to rent a kayak at Homer Lake.
The steps go something like this: create an account; scan the QR code at the station to unlock your kayak, paddle and adult-sized life jacket; enjoy your paddle; and return your equipment. In the app, select “unlock” to return it, then choose end rental. You will be charged for the time you used.
The most important thing to know: There are no child-sized life jackets at the kiosk or at Homer Lake. If you need a life jacket that is not adult-sized, you must bring it with you.
Pricing structure (as of September 2025)
- Under 2 hours – $25
- 2-4 hours – $40
- Per day – $50
- Per week – $60
Homer Lake also features a BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch. This is a great option for people of all abilities, but also those of the grandparent generation, or parents trying to safely launch with small children.
Launching kayaks can be a process, and BoardSafe helps make that a bit easier for people who visit.
There are no less than a dozen reasons we love Homer Lake! You can spend a whole day there and we have all kinds of tips for you on visiting the Interpretive Center, the playscape and the preserve as a whole.
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