Coeur d’Alene Lakes

Lakes Around Coeur d’Alene

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. A lake vacation can be perfect for those who love the outdoors 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 float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Coeur d’Alene offer you lots of opportunities for aquatic activities. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph to have a look the nearby locations including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Coeur d’Alene

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Coeur d’Alene there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB 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 arrive at a lake near Coeur d’Alene:

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Coeur d’Alene with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with a number of options.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Coeur d’Alene will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • USB charger
  • Radio or speaker
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Garbage bags
  • Towels
  • Reserve clothing
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunscreen
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Something to eat

Additional lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and your guests, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing gear
  • Toys for the beach
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Books
  • Worms or other bait
  • Goggles or masks

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course spending a weekend to the lake should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • 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
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Coeur d’Alene, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. As an example, every lake near Coeur d’Alene is going to have unique features which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area 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, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.