Valparaiso Lakes

Lakes Close to Valparaiso

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Valparaiso. Fortunately, when you visit Valparaiso you have some great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous great reasons to visit a lake in Valparaiso during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then set out this weekend to find your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Valparaiso

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Valparaiso you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Picnic time. The lakes near Valparaiso offer many great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Valparaiso will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Valparaiso!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, our list of provisions below is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Sunscreen
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Portable stereo
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt

Specialty lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Wine key
  • Swimming goggles
  • Games for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Something to read
  • Your tackle box
  • Rafts for the kids

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Valparaiso, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips will make sure that you and your family stays safe at your favorite Valparaiso lake.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Valparaiso, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan much more successful. Case in point, every lake near Valparaiso is going to have unique features which makes it important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be very busy. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find 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 can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.