Hawthorne Lakes

Lakes Near Hawthorne

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Hawthorne. A lake vacation is amazing for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Hawthorne while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Hawthorne have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then hit the road on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Hawthorne

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Hawthorne 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 to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Picnic time. The lakes near Hawthorne offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular lake items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Hawthorne you’ll probably want to take along some of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable phone charger
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Proper footwear
  • Radio or speaker
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Your tackle box
  • Books
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Worms or other bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing gear
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Masks and snorkels

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend to a lake in Hawthorne can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Hawthorne and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into while planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with tourists. If you want some more space to spread out, research 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 beach!