Joliet Lakes

Lakes Near Joliet

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake vacation is perfect for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Joliet offer you lots of options for outdoor activities. Scan the data below and see your options from small lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Joliet

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Joliet you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Joliet lake:

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Joliet that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Joliet will provide all kinds of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach!

Have a picnic. Joliet’s lakes provide many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go 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 Joliet so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Sunscreen
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Snacks
  • Proper footwear
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bathing suits
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Tackle box
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Something to read
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Tips

Of course your getaway on a lake in Joliet can be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Joliet

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Joliet, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. Case in point, each lake near Joliet has their own features so it is important to take into account what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Joliet might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.