Oswego Lakes

Lakes Around Oswego

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Oswego. A lake getaway can be amazing for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Oswego provide you with plentiful options for aquatic fun. Scan the local listings below and see the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Oswego

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Oswego you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Every getaway at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Oswego provide you with all kinds of options.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Oswego offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their 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 doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Oswego!

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 enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Sunscreen
  • Portable stereo
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bottle opener
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bathing suits
  • Backup clothing
  • Something to dry off with
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

More lake items

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Something to read
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Corkscrew
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Oswego, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that can make sure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Oswego lake.

  • 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
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Oswego Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Oswego, there are a few things that will make your trip plan much more successful. Case in point, each individual lake is going to have unique qualities which makes it important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. 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 day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Oswego can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!