Oak Lawn Lakes

Lakes Close to Oak Lawn

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Oak Lawn. A lake getaway can be wonderful for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Oak Lawn offer you numerous options for aquatic adventures. Take a look at the data below to see the nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Oak Lawn

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly limitless list of things to do for families or couples.

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

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Oak Lawn give you all kinds of choices.

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

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along many of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Radio or speaker
  • A picnic basket
  • UV protection
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Bathing suits
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable phone charger

Additional lake stuff

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety protocols can make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Oak Lawn

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Oak Lawn and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, each lake near Oak Lawn will have their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  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 a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Oak Lawn can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!