Elgin Lakes

Lakes Near Elgin

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Elgin. A lake vacation is perfect for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Elgin during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Elgin have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Elgin

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Elgin you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Elgin lake:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Elgin offer tons of fun for the youngsters, 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 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 glorious public beach!

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Elgin with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Elgin it makes a lot of sense to take along several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Insect repellant
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Portable phone charger
  • Portable stereo
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Beach blanket
  • Swimsuits
  • UV protection
  • Something to eat

More lake gear

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

  • Toys for the beach
  • Your tackle box
  • Books
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Bait
  • Swimming goggles
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend on your favorite body of water can be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Elgin and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, each lake near Elgin is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches may be packed with tourists. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.