DeKalb Lakes

Lakes Around DeKalb

Sometimes you just need to spend some time near the water. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in DeKalb while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near DeKalb

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly boundless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near DeKalb:

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near DeKalb offer many top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near DeKalb will offer 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you all kinds of choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, the list below is a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Bug spray
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Radio or speaker
  • Snacks
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels
  • Tennis shoes
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunglasses

Specialty lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Tackle box
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Worms or other bait
  • Something to read
  • Rafts for the kids

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that will make sure that your whole group stays safe at your favorite DeKalb lake.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in DeKalb

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near DeKalb, there are a few things that might make your trip plan much more successful. As an example, every individual lake has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what you need to make a memorable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches may be packed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake 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.