Peoria Lakes

Lakes Near Peoria

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Peoria. A lake vacation is wonderful for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Peoria provide you with plentiful options for outdoor adventures. Scan the data directly beneath this paragraph to see the options including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Peoria

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Peoria you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Peoria:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Peoria will provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake and beach-related 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 place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Food
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Swimsuits
  • Dry shirt
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bug spray
  • Bottle opener
  • UV protection
  • Portable stereo
  • Something to dry off with

Additional lake gear

Consider the itinerary for the day and your guests, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Toys for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Wine key
  • Kindle

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips can make sure that everyone stays safe on the water.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone

More Peoria Lake Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Peoria and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, each lake near Peoria will have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Find a marina. 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 tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Peoria can get very crowded. If you want more space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!