Rock Island Lakes

Lakes Around Rock Island

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot on the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Rock Island you have quite a few options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Rock Island while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Rock Island have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Scan the data directly beneath this paragraph to see your options from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Rock Island

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost limitless list of things to do for families or couples.

Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

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 drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you all kinds of choices.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Towels
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Reserve clothing
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Food and snacks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • Beach blanket
  • Bathing suits

More lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Wine key
  • Fishing poles
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips should ensure that everyone are always safe at your favorite Rock Island lake.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Rock Island Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Rock Island, there are a few things that will make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake has unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Rock Island can get very crowded. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area 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!
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have local 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 tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.