Belmont Cragin Lakes

Lakes Around Belmont Cragin

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Belmont Cragin. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Belmont Cragin you have some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Belmont Cragin provide you with lots of options for outdoor fun. Take a look at the data directly beneath this paragraph and see the nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to Belmont Cragin

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Belmont Cragin offer a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Lake 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 an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Bug spray
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sneakers
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Radio or speaker
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Something to dry off with
  • A receptacle for trash

Additional lake items

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Bait
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your tackle box
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Tips

While a day to your favorite body of water can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock

More Belmont Cragin Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Belmont Cragin and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.