Saint Charles Lakes

Lakes Close to Saint Charles

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. As it turns out, when you come to Saint Charles there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Saint Charles provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Scan the local listings below to see the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Saint Charles

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Saint Charles there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Saint Charles that has a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Saint Charles provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Saint Charles!

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

How to Prepare 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 season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the vacation, the following list of items is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Reserve clothing
  • Portable stereo
  • Bug spray
  • Bottle opener
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach blanket
  • Towels
  • Snacks
  • USB charger
  • A receptacle for trash

More lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and your guests, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Bait
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing poles
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Books

Lake Safety

While your getaway on the lake can provide ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Saint Charles, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan much more successful. Case in point, every individual lake is going to have unique environment so it is important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Saint Charles might be packed with tourists. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will typically help you find a marina that has what you need.