Madison Lakes

Lakes Close to Madison

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake vacation can be wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Madison provide you with lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out this weekend to find your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Madison

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Madison there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Madison lake:

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Madison that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Madison offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Madison!

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Radio or speaker
  • Garbage bags
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water
  • Insect repellant
  • Reserve clothing
  • Bottle opener
  • UV protection
  • USB charger
  • Something to dry off with

More lake stuff

Take into consideration the itinerary when at the water and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Books
  • Life jackets
  • Bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Wine key
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Rafts and floaties

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Madison, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety measures can ensure that everyone stays safe on the water.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Madison

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Madison, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, every individual lake near Madison has their own qualities so it’s important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Madison may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. 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 locate a marina that has what you need.