Gurnee Lakes

Lakes Around Gurnee

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Gurnee. As it turns out, when you visit Gurnee you have lots of options for spending time on the lake.

There are countless brilliant arguments for making a trip to a lake in Gurnee during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Browse through the table below and see the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Gurnee

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Gurnee lake:

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with all kinds of choices.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Gurnee gives you the chance to visit all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Gurnee will offer all kinds of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

Lake Checklist

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Gurnee so you have everything you need!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Proper footwear
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Dry shirt
  • Bathing suits
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Snacks
  • Beach blanket
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A fully stocked cooler

More lake items

Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Something to read
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Corkscrew
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Worms or other bait
  • Goggles or masks
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend on the lake should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Gurnee Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Gurnee and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, each lake near Gurnee is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a few things to look into when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Gurnee might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.