Lake Forest Lakes

Lakes Near Lake Forest

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Lake Forest provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic adventures. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Lake Forest

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Lake Forest there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun 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.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Lake Forest will provide tons 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 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 magnificent public beach on a lake near Lake Forest!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Lake Forest provide you with all kinds of choices.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, the list below is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Bug spray
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Swimsuits
  • A blanket or sheet
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Snacks
  • Dry shirt
  • Radio or speaker

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you make the trip.

  • Tackle box
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Bait
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Books
  • Toys for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Staying Safe on a Lake

While a day on your favorite body of water should be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Lake Forest

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Lake Forest, there are a few things that can make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, every individual lake near Lake Forest is going to have unique environment so it is important to take into account what you need to make an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.