North Chicago Lakes

Lakes Near North Chicago

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near North Chicago. A lake getaway is perfect for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near North Chicago provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic adventures. Take a look at the table below to have a look the options including small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near North Chicago

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly boundless list of activities for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you several options.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near North Chicago that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Pack a picnic basket. North Chicago’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near North Chicago you’ll probably want to take along many of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Dry shirt
  • Garbage bags
  • USB charger
  • Sneakers
  • Portable stereo
  • Swimsuits
  • Something to eat
  • Sunglasses
  • Towels

More lake gear

Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you make the trip.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Kindle
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles
  • Corkscrew
  • Worms or other bait
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Games for the beach
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway at a lake in North Chicago can provide ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near North Chicago and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake is going to have their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near North Chicago may be packed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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 biggest, most popular beach!